All Marvel Rivals Vanguards ranked from worst to best

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - December 12th 2024, 18:00 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we're diving into all the Vanguards in Marvel Rivals, ranking them from worst to best. Of course, keep in mind the game is still super fresh, and at any moment a patch could come along and totally shake up this ranking. But for now, these are the heroes you should (or maybe shouldn't) be picking. Happy gaming! | © Marvel

Cropped Peni Parker — 8. Peni Parker

Ah, Peni Parker – the cool, mecha-suited teen who’s not just fighting for justice, but also trying to avoid, you know, *growing up*. She's the tech genius with a heart of gold, piloting a giant robot like it's no big deal. Some might say she's a little too reliant on her giant robot buddy, but hey, when you've got a mecha that can literally stomp enemies into the dirt, who needs to do much else? While Peni’s speed and agility might leave some characters in the dust, you might also find yourself screaming at your screen when your robot gets a bit too *enthusiastic* and charges in head-first. But if you want a Vanguard who feels like a combo of heart and heavy machinery, Peni’s your girl. | © Marvel

Cropped Hulk — 7. Hulk

It’s big, it’s green, and it’s about to *smash*. Hulk has always been known for his raw power, and nothing’s changed in *Marvel Rivals*. The bigger the rage, the bigger the damage – and Hulk’s rage meter is always full. But don’t let his brute force fool you; he’s not exactly known for being the most *tactical* Vanguard. If you like to charge in and watch your enemies go flying across the arena, Hulk’s your guy. Just don’t expect him to win any finesse awards. If you’re looking for subtlety, well, Hulk’s idea of a “subtle move” is throwing a tank across the map. You’ll probably hear him coming from a mile away, but at least he’s got *style*. | © Marvel

Cropped Magneto — 6. Magneto

The master of metal manipulation and the real reason you’ll start questioning your attachment to your favorite weapons (especially if they’re made of steel). Magneto’s powers in *Marvel Rivals* are a constant reminder that control is everything, as he bends the very environment around him to create chaos. Sure, you could get a few well-placed attacks in, but why bother when you can just rip the arena apart and toss your opponents into oblivion? Magneto’s strategic playstyle is perfect for those who love controlling the battlefield with precision. It’s all about positioning, and if you’re not paying attention, Magneto will have you trapped in an iron cage before you even know it. | © Marvel

Cropped Captain America — 5. Captain America

Okay, let’s get this out of the way: yes, Cap’s shield is practically a boomerang, but it’s not *just* that. Captain America in *Marvel Rivals* is the perfect combination of reliable and noble, making him the Vanguard who shows up and *does his job*. His defense-focused moves keep him alive longer than most, while his attack power is balanced enough that you won’t feel like you're just playing support. But let’s be honest – if you’re playing Captain America, you’re probably hoping to recreate that iconic shield throw montage from the movies. And while you can’t quite do that yet, you’ll definitely feel like a hero when you send opponents flying with a well-timed shield toss. | © Marvel

Cropped Thor — 4. Thor

Thor’s presence on the battlefield can only be described as "Godly," and if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to wield *literal* thunder, here’s your chance. Thor’s abilities in *Marvel Rivals* are as mighty as the storm itself, with devastating area-of-effect attacks that leave everyone wondering if they just got struck by lightning. You’re not just playing with a hammer, you’re playing with the power of the gods! But be careful: with great power comes… well, a bit of clunky movement. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself swinging that hammer in all the wrong directions. Still, if you want to feel like an unstoppable force of nature (and occasionally trip over your own Mjolnir), Thor is the Vanguard to pick. | © Marvel

Cropped Groot — 3. Groot

I am Groot… and that’s pretty much all you need to know about this leafy powerhouse. Groot’s abilities in *Marvel Rivals* are all about being the “tank” of the group, soaking up damage and then unleashing devastating area attacks that have enemies running for cover. While Groot might not be as fast as some of the other Vanguards, he makes up for it with sheer durability. He’s also got the best one-liner in the game, so there’s that. If you’re into a Vanguard who makes their presence felt – not through speed, but by literally standing in your way – Groot is your guy. Just make sure you don't get too attached… because Groot’s tree roots might just trap you in a fight for much longer than you’d like. | © Marvel

Cropped Venom — 2. Venom

Venom in *Marvel Rivals* is all about the *symbiotic* relationship between aggression and adaptability. The combination of Eddie Brock and the symbiote gives him one of the most unpredictable playstyles in the game. One minute you’re dishing out gnarly tendrils and leaping all over the arena, and the next minute, you’re tanking damage like a boss. Venom’s chaos-driven style means you can’t quite predict what’s coming next, which makes him a favorite for players who enjoy a little bit of madness in their gameplay. Just be careful, though – get too wild, and you might find yourself eating more hits than you'd like. But hey, *who’s hungry* for victory? | © Marvel

Cropped Doctor Strange — 1. Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange might be one of the most "strategic" Vanguards in *Marvel Rivals*. While the others are busy throwing punches, Strange is busy bending reality to his will with his spells and illusions. He’s not about brute force – no, no, Doctor Strange is all about *manipulating* the flow of battle to his advantage. His crowd control spells can leave enemies scratching their heads, while his teleportation skills allow him to duck in and out of fights like a wizard with a plan. So, if you’re more about finesse than force, and you like the idea of confusing your enemies while sipping on a cup of tea, Doctor Strange is your go-to. | © Marvel

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Welcome, fellow Rivals aficionados and Marvel superfans, to the ultimate (and slightly unhinged) showdown! You’ve chosen your heroes, you’ve gritted your teeth through countless battles, and now it’s time to answer the age-old question: Who’s the best Vanguard in Marvel Rivals? Spoiler alert: it’s probably not who you think.

Whether you’re here to celebrate your favorite powerhouse or to throw some virtual tomatoes at that one Vanguard who just never works for you, we’ve got you covered. From the ones that make you question your life choices to the true MVPs who could single-handedly carry your team (if only they’d stop getting nerfed), let’s dive into the rankings! It’s going to be a bumpy, hilarious ride.