Summary
Marvel Rivalsboasts a diverse roster of both well-known and lesser-known characters from the Marvel multiverse in 6v6 multiplayer matches as a hero shooter. This means some characters are complete strangers, while others share a long history established over many decades of Marvel comic books.
Some characters are known for their friendships, even the ones that might have started as mortal enemies, while others are lovers. This results in plenty of duos and full superhero teams to play with a gaming partner, whether they are looking for comic-accurate synergies or team-up abilities that come as a result of their pairings.
9Captain America & The Winter Soldier
Brooklyn’s Finest Heroes Reunited For The Better
It is always sad to seeCaptain Americahave to fight theWinter Soldierbecause the latter is Steve Rogers’ best friend Bucky Barnes. They served together in World War 2 before Bucky was transformed into Captain America’s rival and fellow super soldier by the Hydra division within the Soviet Union.
In the prologues of the matches inMarvel Rivals, dialogue between the two can be heard. Their friendship is still there, but there is melancholy heard in their voices, showing that things are not perfect between Steve and Bucky. In combat, their gameplay also compliments each other, withCaptain America being a vanguardwhile Bucky charges in to deal as much damage as possible.
8Black Widow & Hawkeye
S.H.I.E.L.D. Created The Deadliest Yet Adorable Friendship
Black WidowandHawkeye, two of the deadliest assassins for S.H.I.E.L.D., are close friends and allies in the comics. Sometimes there is more going on between them, but at the end of the day, they are partners and will lay down their lives for each other.
In terms of gameplay inMarvel Rivals, Black Widow and Hawkeye also complement each otherthanks to being effective snipers. Hawkeye can take on enemies from afar and up close while Black Widow covers him. The best part is their team-up ability, with Hawkeye granting her the ability to see and attack shadows of enemy players, thus damaging the corresponding enemies.
7Hulk & Wolverine
Frenemies Can Sometimes Be The Best Pairings
Wolverineseldom gets along with theHulkdue to their past. In fact, Wolverine debuted inThe Incredible Hulk #181as someone hunting the Hulk for murders that he didn’t commit. However, they are effective together due to their affinity for violence and the fact that both of them are nearly indestructible as a result of their healing factors.
It would seem that NetEase Games have not forgotten Wolverine’s roots inMarvel Rivals. He and Hulk playfully bicker with each other in pre-match dialogue and the Hulk can throw Wolverine as a team-up ability. It’s a great way to get Wolverine behind enemy lines or to knock a pesky foe who can fly out of the air.
6Rocket Raccoon & Groot
The Best Of Friends From Outer Space
In the comics, it is a rarity to seeRocket RaccoonandGrooton their own. They are often viewed as a single entity, with the gun-toting raccoon on top of the gentle giant as they fend off the scum of the galaxy. They are Rocket, who is also one of the few people in the universe who can understand Groot’s language, which only consists of “I am Groot.”
The iconic visual of Rocket riding Groot’s soldiers is also featured inMarvel Rivalsas their team-up ability. The close proximity not only allows Rocket to heal Groot faster but Rocket is protected by Groot with damage reduction.
5Captain America & Iron Man
Steve And Tony Always Manage To Make It Work
As leaders of the Avengers,Captain AmericaandIron Manare total opposites. One is a selfless soldierwho fought in World War 2and cares more about the people, while the other is a rich, arrogant, and often narcissistic hero. However, sometimes opposites attract, and they are often effective as a duo in the comics.
InMarvel Rivals, Steve and Tony have plenty of banter to enjoy before matches start, showing their unlikely but effective friendship. It is revealed that Captain America’s advanced armor and shield in the game were developed by Tony for the multiversal event within the lore of Marvel Rivals.
4Storm & Black Panther
The Once King And Queen Of Wakanda
In the comics,StormandBlack Pantherwere considered a perfect couple when they got married in 2005, mixing beauty, brain, and brawn together. Storm became the new Queen of Wakanda and this relationship remained for quite some time, but alas, relationships in comics don’t always last, and in theAvengers Vs. X-Menevent, the two had a rocky divorce.
Fans were not pleased when Ororo and King T’Challa broke up, and some felt it was unnecessary. Sadly, their relationship is not even mentioned in dialogue due to the two being from separate realities inMarvel Rivals. However, that doesn’t stop players from being able to play them, especially if a couple is playing the game together.
3Spider-Man & Venom
When The World Needs Them, They Are Perfect Partners
Spider-ManandVenomare primarily known as nemeses, but they have alsoproven to be effective allies in comics, animation, and video games. When Venom adopts the role of a lethal protector, there is a strong synergy with Spider-Man, especially when they face common threats, such as Carnage.
2Mr. Fantastic & The Invisible Woman
Marvel’s Original And Fantastic Married Couple
They are the most marvelous power couple in the comics already, with theInvisible Womanproving to be a powerhouse via her force field abilities andMr. Fantasticbeing a genius that would make Tony Stark blush. Reed and Susan have been a beloved married couple for decades, aside from a few ups and downs provided by the writers.
Whether it is living a family life or on the battlefield as a superhero, they remainthe faces of The Fantastic Four, hence why they were the first of the famous Marvel teams to drop inMarvel Rivals. As a nice bonus, they also have a team-up ability, allowing Susan to give Reed extra shielding for charging into the fight.
1The Avengers
Assembled They Are Strong, Forever Fight As One
If a whole six-member party of friends decides to hop on Marvel Rivals together, an obvious team to pick would beThe Avengers. With Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Thor, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and even Squirrel Girl available in the game, a team of friends can craft an Avengers line-up of their dreams.
Most ofthe Avengers inMarvel Rivalshave team-up abilities with at least one other member, such as Doctor Strange and Hulk or Spider-Man and Squirrel Girl. When working together as properly assembled Avengers, especially with voice chat, they can be unstoppable.
