Marvel Rivals, the action-packed multiplayer game by Marvel and NetEase, continues to captivate players with its star-studded roster of heroes and villains. With the release of Season 1.5, the meta has shifted, and balance changes have redefined the viability of many characters. This comprehensive tier list evaluates the 37-strong cast, ranking them based on their performance in both high-level competitive play (ban ranks) and casual play (no-ban ranks). Whether you’re climbing the ranked ladder or just enjoying casual matches, this guide will help you choose the best characters for success.
Understanding the Tier List
The tier list is divided into two categories:
- Ban Ranks (Diamond and above): These ranks include bans, making hero selection more strategic. Certain heroes dominate here due to their ability to shape the meta.
- No-Ban Ranks (Platinum and below): In these ranks, all heroes are available, and counter-picks are always an option. The rankings here reflect the ease of use and overall effectiveness of heroes in less coordinated play.
Quick Rankings
Ban Ranks (Diamond and Above)
- S+ Tier (Meta-Defining): Doctor Strange, Wolverine, Winter Soldier, Invisible Woman, Star-Lord, Magneto, Storm, Hela, Rocket Raccoon, Namor, Loki
- S Tier (High Tier): Groot, Mantis, Luna Snow, Magik, Hulk, Adam Warlock, The Punisher, Iron Man, The Thing
- A Tier (Mid-High Tier): Cloak & Dagger, Psylocke, Venom, Iron Fist, Human Torch, Hawkeye, Thor, Black Panther, Peni Parker
- B Tier (Mid Tier): Spider-Man, Moon Knight, Captain America, Scarlet Witch, Squirrel Girl
- C Tier (Low Tier): Jeff the Land Shark, Black Widow
- D Tier (Bottom Tier): Mister Fantastic
No-Ban Ranks (Platinum and Below)
- S Tier (Top Tier): Namor, Doctor Strange, Groot, Rocket Raccoon, Storm, Winter Soldier, Luna Snow, The Punisher, Star-Lord
- A Tier (Mid-High Tier): Invisible Woman, Moon Knight, Hela, Iron Man, Cloak & Dagger, Peni Parker, Iron Fist, Psylocke, Black Panther, Squirrel Girl, Mantis, Magik, Thor, Scarlet Witch
- B Tier (Mid Tier): Magneto, The Thing, Venom, Human Torch, Loki, Hulk, Wolverine, Captain America, Hawkeye, Adam Warlock
- C Tier (Low Tier): Mister Fantastic, Jeff the Land Shark
- D Tier (Bottom Tier): Spider-Man, Black Widow
Detailed Tier Analysis
S+ Tier: Meta-Defining Heroes
These heroes dominate the meta and are must-picks in competitive play. Their kits are versatile, powerful, and impactful in any team composition.
- Doctor Strange: A tank with unmatched utility, Doctor Strange excels in both offense and defense. His team-wide teleport and massive shield make him a cornerstone of any team. Despite consecutive nerfs, his ability to reposition the team and deal burst damage keeps him at the top.
- Luna Snow: The ultimate support hero, Luna Snow provides healing, damage, and utility. Her ultimate, Fate of Both Worlds, is a game-changer, offering both healing and a damage boost to allies.
- Namor: Once a D-tier pick, Namor has risen to prominence thanks to his turrets and synergy with Luna Snow. His ability to counter high-mobility heroes makes him a top-tier pick.
- Storm: A hybrid support-damage hero, Storm’s buffs in Season 1 made her a powerhouse. Her ability to control the battlefield with buffs and debuffs makes her invaluable.
- Winter Soldier: A versatile damage dealer, Winter Soldier’s crowd control and burst damage make him a consistent threat. His ultimate, Kraken Impact, can turn the tide of any fight.
S Tier: High Tier Heroes
These heroes are strong and reliable but require more team synergy or specific strategies to shine.
- Groot: A tank with incredible survivability, Groot’s ability to manipulate the environment with his walls and ultimate makes him a valuable asset in any team.
- Mantis: A utility-focused support, Mantis excels at empowering allies with damage boosts and healing over time. Her versatility makes her a strong pick in high-level play.
- Magik: A melee DPS hero with high damage and survivability, Magik rewards players who master her combos and positioning.
- The Punisher: A straightforward damage dealer, The Punisher’s kit is easy to understand but highly effective, especially in the current meta.
A Tier: Mid-High Tier Heroes
These heroes are strong but situational. They require specific team compositions or maps to reach their full potential.
- Cloak & Dagger: A versatile duo with both offensive and defensive capabilities. Their ultimate, Eternal Bond, provides healing and damage, making them a solid pick.
- Psylocke: A flanker with high burst damage and mobility, Psylocke excels at taking out backline targets. Her invisibility and self-healing make her difficult to pin down.
- Iron Fist: A melee hero with high mobility and damage, Iron Fist’s recent buffs have made him a more viable pick.
- Thor: A Vanguard with high burst damage, Thor’s ability to disrupt enemy movement and shield himself makes him a strong choice for aggressive players.
B Tier: Mid Tier Heroes
These heroes are viable but outclassed by others in their roles. They can still perform well in the right hands or team compositions.
- Spider-Man: A high-skill hero with incredible mobility, Spider-Man struggles in the current meta due to his difficulty of use and reliance on precise execution.
- Moon Knight: A versatile damage dealer, Moon Knight’s ability to control space with his Ancient Ankh makes him a solid pick in casual play.
- Scarlet Witch: A low-skill-floor hero, Scarlet Witch is effective in lower ranks but struggles to compete with higher-tier Duelists in competitive play.
C Tier: Low Tier Heroes
These heroes have limited viability and struggle to find a place in the current meta.
- Jeff the Land Shark: A support hero with consistent healing, Jeff’s lack of impactful abilities and a weak ultimate hold him back.
- Black Widow: A sniper with limited damage output, Black Widow’s inability to secure kills makes her a poor choice in most situations.
D Tier: Bottom Tier Heroes
These heroes are underpowered and need buffs to compete with the rest of the roster.
- Mister Fantastic: Despite his utility and survivability, Mister Fantastic’s low damage output and awkward kit make him the weakest hero in the game.
Key Meta Trends in Season 1.5
- The Rise of Namor and Luna Snow: Namor’s synergy with Luna Snow has made him a top-tier pick, especially in coordinated play.
- The Flying Meta: Heroes like Storm, Star-Lord, and Iron Man dominate due to their ability to control the battlefield from the air.
- The Decline of Defensive Ultimates: Nerfs to defensive ultimates have shifted the meta towards aggressive, damage-focused playstyles.
- The Importance of Team Synergy: Heroes with strong team-up abilities, such as Rocket Raccoon and The Punisher, are more valuable than ever.
Conclusion
Season 1.5 of Marvel Rivals has brought significant changes to the game’s meta, with buffs, nerfs, and new strategies redefining the viability of many heroes. Whether you’re aiming for the top of the leaderboard or just looking to have fun, this tier list provides a comprehensive guide to the best heroes in the game. Choose wisely, and may the multiverse be in your favor!
