Which Is Better: Deadlock Or Marvel Rivals?

Summary

• Marvel Rivals wins in release dates and accessibility, launching on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC with cross-play support.
• Deadlock shines in gameplay with MOBA mechanics, teamwork focus, and strategic depth.
• Marvel Rivals takes the lead in characters with 33 iconic Marvel heroes and villains, offering unique abilities.

Hero shooters continue to dominate the gaming scene, and two contenders making waves are Marvel Rivals and Deadlock. While both games share the hero shooter label, they couldn’t be more different in style, mechanics, and overall experience.

On one hand, you have Marvel Rivals, which draws on the rich Marvel universe, bringing fan-favorite heroes and villains to life in vibrant, comic-inspired visuals. On the other hand, Deadlock takes a darker, more strategic approach, with original characters set in a mystical, art deco world. So, let’s dig into the nitty-gritty details and figure out which title suits your gaming preferences better.

Release Dates And Accessibility

Winner: Marvel Rivals

Timing is key when picking a game. Marvel Rivals launched on December 6, 2024, and works on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC with full cross-play support. This makes it easy to jump into the action right away.

Deadlock is still in development, with no confirmed release date. Currently, only PC players with an invite can play it, making it less accessible for most gamers.

Gameplay And Mechanics

Winner: Tie

Marvel Rivals is a 6v6 team-based shooter with three distinct roles: Vanguards, Duelists, and Strategists. Vanguards, like Hulk, adefend teammates while dealing heavy damage. Duelists, such as Spider-Man, excel in one-on-one combat with high mobility and offensive skills. Strategists, like Rocket Raccoon, focus on healing and buffing teammates, making them indispensable in team fights.

The inclusion of destructible environments adds tactical depth, making battles feel dynamic and unpredictable.

Deadlock combines MOBA mechanics with third-person shooting. Teams push lanes with the help of AI creeps to destroy the enemy core. Tactical objectives, like the Soul Urn that grants bonus souls and skill points, add strategy. Movement is key, with players mastering slides, dash-jumps, and stamina to outmaneuver opponents. While it currently features only one map, its design encourages teamwork and strategic play.

Characters: Who Can You Play As?

Winner: Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals boasts a roster of 33 beloved Marvel heroes and villains, including Spider-Man, Captain America, and Scarlet Witch. Each character’s abilities reflect their comic-book origins.

For instance, Hulk’s Indestructible Guard shields teammates, while Thor and Iron Man can combine their powers for devastating team-up attacks. The familiarity of these characters makes Marvel Rivals a dream come true for Marvel fans.

In contrast, Deadlock features an original lineup of heroes designed for versatility. From snipers with precise aim to tanks with crowd-control abilities, each character brings something unique to the table.

Plus, Valve has teased future additions to the roster, promising continuous innovation. While Deadlock offers the excitement of discovery, it may not appeal to those who prefer the familiarity of iconic characters.

Quests, Objectives, And Special Features

Winner: Deadlock

While Marvel Rivals shines with its immersive events, Deadlock’s objectives and midgame features bring unmatched strategic complexity.

Marvel Rivals offers cooperative boss battles against villains like Loki, dynamic map events, and seasonal challenges. These events immerse you in the Marvel universe while keeping gameplay fresh. Power-up zones and team-based synergy add strategic depth, rewarding players who coordinate effectively.

Deadlock focuses on its MOBA roots with features like the Soul Urn, which spawns every five minutes after the ten-minute mark. Delivering the urn grants bonus souls, skill points, and buffs, making it a critical team objective.

Players can also tackle the midboss to earn significant rewards, but this risky endeavor requires careful timing—starting the boss fight without wiping the enemy team first can backfire. These mechanics encourage map awareness and team coordination.

Art Style And Visuals

Winner: Tie

​​​​​​Marvel Rivals adopts a colorful, comic-inspired aesthetic that pays homage to its Marvel roots. The character designs are bold and vibrant, capturing the essence of their comic-book origins while adding a modern twist.

The environments are equally dynamic, with destructible elements that enhance gameplay and make matches feel larger than life. Maps feature bright, energetic palettes that highlight the superhero theme, and the game’s fluid animations ensure battles are as visually stunning.

In contrast, Deadlock leans heavily into a mystical, 1920s urban fantasy aesthetic that oozes atmosphere. Its single map features intricate details and darker tones, immersing players in a world designed for tactical gameplay.

The game’s visual style is understated yet deliberate, with careful attention to lighting and textures that emphasize the tension of each match. The muted palette can come across as less visually striking, but you can appreciate how it complements the game’s methodical pacing.

Monetization

Winner: Marvel Rivals

Both games take different approaches to monetization.

Marvel Rivals is free-to-play, with optional cosmetic purchases and a premium battle pass. All characters are available from the start, ensuring no pay-to-win mechanics.

Deadlock has yet to disclose its monetization model, but Valve’s history suggests it will follow a free-to-play structure with optional cosmetics, similar to Dota 2 and Counter-Strike. During the closed beta, all characters are free to play, and there are no additional microtransactions.

Movement And Combat Strategy

Winner: Deadlock

The depth of movement mechanics in Deadlock gives it an edge for players who love a skill-based challenge. Deadlock emphasizes efficient movement with mechanics like dash-jumps, slides, and stamina management. These systems allow players to outmaneuver their opponents and gain tactical advantages.

For instance, mastering slide-hops can enable you to secure resources or escape from dangerous situations with precision. The ability to dash-jump across the map seamlessly also lets players control the pace of engagements, ensuring they dictate when and where fights happen.

Compared to Marvel Rivals’ ability-based mobility, Deadlock’s movement mechanics reward skillful execution and decision-making, adding an extra layer of depth to each match.

The Verdict

Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals is the clear winner. It’s packed with exciting gameplay, iconic heroes, and colorful visuals that bring the Marvel universe to life. The fast-paced action and wide accessibility make it an easy choice for fans of superhero games too.

For anyone seeking a polished and fun experience, Marvel Rivals delivers. It’s the perfect team-based shooter to dive into and enjoy.