Marvel Rivals launched with an impressive roster of over 30 playable characters, adding four more during Season 1. With reports suggesting two new characters per season, the roster is constantly expanding. While mainstream heroes are a given, Rivals has shown a willingness to include lesser-known characters. This sparks our imagination: which deep-cut Marvel characters would thrive in Rivals? While some might remain wishful thinking, we hold out hope!
alt text: Marvel Rivals character select screen showcasing a diverse roster of heroes and villains.
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Darkhawk
alt text: Darkhawk soaring through the air, ready for combat.Darkhawk would be a fantastic addition to Rivals, particularly if the game incorporates his later storylines featuring the Fraternity of Raptors. He’d likely be a Duelist, possibly with Vanguard-like abilities similar to Mr. Fantastic. Excellent in both aerial and ground combat, Darkhawk’s amulet grants him long-range energy blasts. However, his Rivals iteration should prioritize close-range combat, enabling him to swoop in, execute combos, and retreat quickly. He could also generate temporary shields for nearby allies. His ultimate ability could be a transformation into an enhanced Raptor armor configuration. Team-up potential includes Spider-Man, a frequent ally, or a cosmic pairing with Nova.
Exodus
alt text: Exodus, emanating powerful psionic energy, stands ready for battle.Exodus, a powerful X-Men villain and former ally of Magneto, offers intriguing possibilities as a Strategist. His omega-level psionic abilities provide diverse offensive and defensive options. He could utilize wide-range and focused healing blasts that also damage opponents. Exodus can manipulate telekinetic constructs, creating both defensive barriers and offensive projectiles. His passive ability could involve absorbing psionic energy from others, enhancing his own attacks or defenses. Another potential passive could boost his power based on surrounding allies’ faith in him, reflecting his comic book lore. A team-up with Magneto is a natural fit.
Elsa Bloodstone
alt text: Elsa Bloodstone, armed with her signature weapons, prepares to hunt monsters.Monster hunter Elsa Bloodstone brings a unique blend of weaponry and magic to the table. Her bloodstone grants superhuman strength, agility, and rapid healing. In Rivals, she could be a Duelist, combining elements of Punisher and Scarlet Witch. She could wield powerful energy blasts, utilize a genie’s lamp for short-range teleportation, and fire a high-damage double-barreled shotgun. Her ultimate ability could unleash a devastating bloodstone-powered blast, slowing enemies and setting up finishing shots. A potential team-up with Deadpool would be highly entertaining.
Speedball
alt text: Speedball, surrounded by his kinetic energy field, bounces into action.Speedball’s unique kinetic field allows him to absorb energy and bounce off objects, making him a challenging target. He could bounce between objects, building momentum for a powerful area-of-effect attack upon landing. He can also enhance his melee damage with focused energy. As a Strategist, he could heal allies upon contact while bouncing. His ultimate could be a devastating energy blast (drawing on his Penance persona) or a hyper-speed bounce that damages enemies and shields allies.
Blink
alt text: Blink, wielding her energy javelins, opens a portal.Blink’s portal creation offers both mobility and offensive capabilities. She can create portals for team movement and generate energy javelins. Her unique ability to teleport targets struck by her javelins provides diverse tactical options, from redirecting projectiles to repositioning enemies. Her ultimate could teleport opponents to scattered locations, disrupting their formations.
Goldballs
alt text: Goldballs, launching his signature gold orbs, stands ready for battle.Goldballs, initially perceived as a novelty, has evolved into a valuable asset. As a Strategist, he could use his gold balls for both area-of-effect healing and damaging blasts. His ultimate ability could revive a fallen teammate with a fully charged ultimate, creating an immediate threat.
Maggott
alt text: Maggott, accompanied by his slugs Eany and Meany, prepares to strike.Maggott and his symbiotic slugs, Eany and Meany, present a unique Vanguard concept. His slugs could consume energy and damage enemies, empowering Maggott with increased damage and defense. Strategic deployment and recall of the slugs would be key. His ultimate could involve a powerful transformation, perhaps engulfing opponents with giant versions of Eany and Meany.
Glob
alt text: Glob, his translucent body revealing his internal structure, prepares to unleash a fiery attack.Glob’s bio-paraffin body grants him immense durability and unique offensive capabilities. As a tank-like Vanguard, he could fling burning wax projectiles at enemies. His ultimate could involve engulfing himself in flames and charging into opponents.
Cardiac
alt text: Cardiac, wielding his power staff, channels beta particles for a powerful blast.Cardiac’s beta-particle blasts and staff-based combat would be a fresh addition to Rivals. He could be a Duelist or Strategist, with the potential for healing blasts. His glider and staff-based catapult would offer unique mobility options.
Typeface
alt text: Typeface, adorned with his signature letter-themed attire, stands ready for action.Typeface, with his letter-themed weapons, offers a quirky and humorous possibility. While perhaps not a serious contender, his unique visuals and attack style could add a fun element to the game.
Which Marvel characters would you like to see in Rivals? Share your thoughts!
