After several weeks of gameplay, Marvel Rivals players are forming opinions about their favorite (and least favorite) characters. The game boasts a diverse roster of 33 characters, featuring iconic Marvel heroes alongside lesser-known figures, appealing to both casual fans and comic book enthusiasts. Like any fighting game, some characters rise to the top while others struggle to find their footing. Using data from the Rivals Codex, we can analyze the character usage statistics for Season 0 and determine which heroes are dominating the battlefield and which are being left behind.
While the roster includes MCU favorites like Iron Man, Loki, and Groot, these characters haven’t achieved top-tier status in terms of gameplay popularity. This might be attributed to their in-game abilities not being as impactful as some of their counterparts. Interestingly, some characters like Jeff the Land Shark are so powerful that they become almost ubiquitous, a trend confirmed by the usage data. We’ll explore the most and least played characters in both Normal and Ranked modes to understand the current Marvel Rivals meta.
Most Played Characters in Normal Mode
The current top five most popular characters in Normal matches are:
- Jeff the Land Shark
- Cloak & Dagger
- Luna Snow
- Mantis
- Venom
Jeff the Land Shark’s popularity stems from his potent combination of healing support and a devastating Ultimate ability. Cloak & Dagger, a ranged strategist, offer a compelling blend of support and damage, requiring some skill to master but rewarding players with a well-rounded playstyle. Luna Snow and Mantis share similar appeal, balancing healing and damage output effectively. Luna Snow’s Ultimate is capable of both significant damage and healing, while Mantis’ life orbs enhance her damage potential and provide team healing. Venom excels at dealing damage from the backline, making him a strong counter to healers and ranged characters, solidifying his place among the most popular choices.
Most Played Characters in Ranked Mode
Ranked mode presents a slightly different picture, with the following characters topping the charts:
- Luna Snow
- Cloak & Dagger
- Mantis
- Hela
- Doctor Strange
Hela and Doctor Strange shine in Ranked play due to their versatility. Hela’s high damage output and mobility make her a valuable asset, while Doctor Strange’s damage reduction abilities, particularly when combined with his portals, contribute significantly to objective control.
Least Played Characters in Marvel Rivals
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While the most popular characters are readily apparent through regular gameplay, identifying the least popular requires a closer look at the data.
Least Played Characters in Normal Mode
The least popular characters in Normal mode are:
- Storm
- Black Widow
- Namor
- Wolverine
- Black Panther
Storm’s flying ability, while appealing, is hindered by her slow movement speed, making her an easy target. Her damage output also falls short. Wolverine faces similar challenges with lengthy cooldowns and slow movement. Black Widow feels underdeveloped compared to other characters, lacking impactful abilities and effective melee utility. Namor’s usefulness is largely tied to his synergy with Luna Snow, limiting his overall appeal. Black Panther, while possessing a complex and potentially powerful kit, proves difficult to master.
Least Played Characters in Ranked Mode
Ranked mode features a similar lineup of underutilized characters:
- Storm
- Black Widow
- Wolverine
- Squirrel Girl
- Bruce Banner
Squirrel Girl, initially popular, has seen a decline in usage, possibly due to her Ultimate ability being perceived as less impactful compared to others. Her ranged focus might also contribute to this trend. Bruce Banner struggles to compete with other tanks in terms of survivability, making him vulnerable to ranged attacks despite Hulk’s high damage potential.
Conclusion
While player preferences vary, and even the least popular characters can find their niche, the Season 0 meta reveals clear trends in character selection. As Marvel Rivals evolves with new characters and seasons, these dynamics are likely to shift, offering fresh opportunities for different playstyles and strategies to emerge.
