Marvel Rivals has flaunted its roster as a major selling point since its inception. Even after launch, the hype for new heroes has continued to dominate much of the discussion around the game. Leaks have seemingly caught the trail of a few upcoming characters, which has only fueled speculation that much further. Many players have released fan rosters to chime in on this conversation, and it’s undeniable that Marvel Rivals is brimming with potential.
For all of its praise, however, the game isn’t without its flaws. Marvel Rivals lacks a role queue of any kind, and while not necessarily a flaw by itself, this does happen to exacerbate the lopsided nature of the game’s current roster. Marvel Rivals is dominated by Duelists, with Strategists and Vanguards in dire need of some new additions. Thankfully, there are more than a few characters across the Marvel Multiverse that could rise to the occasion.
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Marvel Rivals Strategist Wish list
While Marvel Rivals may have over 30 heroes to choose from, the game’s Strategist role has a ton of potential to grow with many iconic Marvel heroes.
Marvel Rivals Could Have Massive Potential with Future Vanguard Heroes
Ms. Marvel Could Offer a Vanguard Take on Stretchy Powers
Ms. Marvel is one of the most popular characters that Marvel has introduced in recent years, which makes her potential inclusion in Marvel Rivals feel like a foregone conclusion. Leaks have indicated that Mr. Fantastic will become playable in Marvel Rivals, and one might think the similarity between Ms. Marvel’s abilities might disqualify her. However, developers still have plenty of options to set Ms. Marvel apart, and give Marvel Rivals the Vanguard it needs.
While Mr. Fantastic’s powers primarily revolve around stretching, Ms. Marvel self-describes her ability as “Embiggening.” This could easily translate to enlarging her body to block damage, as well as grant herself bonus health. Ms. Marvel could also perform crowd control with her Embiggening powers, pulling enemies in for her allies to finish off, or stunning them with one swing of a giant fist.
Ghost Rider Could Take Vengeance on Enemy Duelists
At first glance, Ghost Rider may seem to fit better with the damage-dealing role of Marvel Rivals‘ Duelists. However, Ghost Rider’s most iconic abilities much more closely resemble the traditional duties of a tank. Ghost Rider could easily inspire a unique design, and hails from a corner of the Marvel Multiverse that is definitely deserving of more representation in Marvel Rivals.
Ghost Rider is commonly known as The Spirit of Vengeance, and this could be the perfect inspiration for his kit in Marvel Rivals. Ghost Rider could use his Penance Stare to punish enemies that have defeated his teammates, and potentially even resurrect a teammate as well. Ghost Rider could use his chain to pull in enemies from across the map, similar to Roadhog’s hook in Overwatch.
Sentry’s Inclusion in Marvel Rivals Would Be Perfectly Timed
Sentry is one of many potential options for future Vanguards in Marvel Rivals. Some characters may seem to stand out more either by virtue of their unique abilities, or simply by being more well known. However, Sentry manages to rise to the front of the line thanks to another upcoming Marvel property.
Thunderbolts* includes Sentry among its ensemble cast, and is currently scheduled for release in May 2025. The tie-in potential is obvious, but Sentry has plenty more going for him beyond this. Sentry’s Superman-like abilities would be unlike anything else seen in the cast. Likewise, his villainous “Void” persona would be perfect material for an Ultimate or alternate form, and would be sure to instill a level of intimidation appropriate for any Vanguard.
Marvel Heroes and Villains Will Have to Fight for a Spot on Marvel Rivals’ Roster
This is hardly the extent of the heroes and villains that could fit the role of a Vanguard in Marvel Rivals. In fact, there are quite literally too many to name. Captain Marvel would fit right in, and it would be a joy to see Ms. Marvel fight alongside her idol. There are many more Marvel heroines that could make for Vanguards as well, with Armor, She-Hulk, and Moon Girl all wielding defensive abilities that are perfect for the job.
Juggernaut and Colossus seem like obvious picks, with Kitty Pryde being a more underrated pick for this role. Any number of Marvel villains are bulky enough to fit the Vanguard stereotype, with Dracula and Knull already being teased in Marvel Rivals‘ story. Likewise, The Thing appears to have leaked as an upcoming Vanguard. Of course, they can’t all find their spot in Marvel Rivals, but one can only hope that those who do get in will inject an extra dose of diversity into an already ambitious roster.
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