Adaptability is Key in Marvel Rivals: Don’t Limit Yourself to One Role
For most of us "normal" players - those who aren’t sitting in Diamond or beyond within the first few weeks of the game - this journey will be a grind. Even with experience in games like Overwatch, mastering the nuances of Marvel Rivals takes time, repetition, and patience. So first off, if you’ve already hit high ranks, congratulations! You’re clearly an incredible player.
But for the majority of us, the focus shouldn’t just be on climbing the competitive ladder or obsessing over rank. Instead, it should be on becoming a well-rounded player. I see too many people locking themselves into one role, particularly DPS, and neglecting the value of learning to play Tank or Strategist/Healer. This narrow focus diminishes your effectiveness and ultimately limits your contribution to your team.
Here’s the truth: playing Tank or Strategist can be just as rewarding - if not more - than playing a “squishy” DPS. As a Strategist, you can still dish out damage while having a tangible influence on the flow of the game. Instead of blaming your healers when things go south, why not take the time to learn the role yourself? The same goes for Tanks. By playing a Vanguard, you can brawl, secure meaningful kills, and allow your DPS teammates to perform better by drawing enemy attention away from them.
That’s why I’ve temporarily stepped away from competitive play. I’m focusing on mastering all three roles- Tank, Strategist, and DPS - so I can adapt to my team’s needs. Currently, Strategist is my strongest role, but I noticed too many matches where no one wanted to play Tank. To address that, I’ve been grinding AI matches to test different Tanks and figure out who suits me best.
To my surprise, I discovered I’m actually pretty good with Captain America. I hadn’t considered him before, but he’s not only powerful - he’s fun to play. Now, along with Penni Parker, I have two Tanks I can confidently play without being a liability. As a result, I’m winning more games because I can flex between roles based on what the team needs.
Too often, players stay locked on DPS for an entire match, not realizing how much team composition matters. When your team lacks a Tank or a Strategist, your chances of success drop significantly. By expanding your skillset, you’ll not only increase your value as a teammate but also discover new characters and playstyles you might genuinely enjoy.
So, take the time to explore all the roles. You might be surprised at what you learn about yourself - and the game