Marvel Rivals is an action-packed hero shooter that emphasizes long-range combat, leveraging an array of guns, lasers, and mystical elements. This tactical gameplay is fitting given Marvel’s extensive roster of heroes and villains, each with unique abilities. However, not every character relies on complex strategies; some simply need raw power to make an impact on the battlefield.
For gameplay balance, Marvel Rivals does not feature any melee-exclusive characters, though several heroes are certainly melee-oriented. This article, written during Season 0 of Marvel Rivals, explores these powerful characters and their combat styles. Keep in mind that future updates may alter their abilities.
10 Thor
Carries A Brick Of Solid Steel
As the Norse god of thunder, Thor is iconic for his lightning-based powers, but it’s easy to overlook his primary weapon—a hefty enchanted hammer. In Marvel Rivals, Thor’s abilities revolve around managing his Thorforce to unleash his lightning attacks. Even when his power charges are depleted, he remains formidable, able to deliver devastating melee strikes with his hammer.
Furthermore, his Storm Surge ability doubles as a travel mechanic and an impressive ramming attack, capable of sending foes flying.
9 Big
He Punches You, His Walls Punch You
Groot may appear to rely on long-range vines, but his versatile combat capabilities encompass several melee elements. His primary attack, Vine Strike, can reach beyond typical melee range. Moreover, his Thornslash Wall serves as an excellent defensive mechanism, lashing out at nearby enemies whenever Groot attacks.
If you prefer straightforward melee combat, Groot can unleash a three-hit combo called Furious Flora, concluding with a launcher move that sets up further attacks from teammates.
8 Hulk
Chargin’ ‘Round With The Power Of A Bull
In Marvel Rivals, Hulk surprises many with his range of combat skills, which includes not only melee but also a variety of ranged abilities courtesy of his Gamma Gun and grenades in his Banner form. Even in his Hulk form, his support skills only serve to bolster his natural affinity for getting up close and personal in battle.
Utilizing his raw strength, Hulk can smash enemies in melee combat, while his Incredible Leap allows him to crash down upon foes. His powerful ultimate, World Breaker, has the potential to grapple and decimate nearby opponents.
7 Spider-Man
Hits Fast, If Not Hard
Despite his “proportionate strength of a spider,”Spider-Man isn’t the strongest character in Marvel Rivals. He compensates for this with speed and agility, aiming to outmaneuver opponents and deliver a barrage of quick strikes. Mastering Spidey’s abilities requires finesse, but skilled players can unleash a flurry of attacks creating a powerful rhythm in battle.
With perfect timing, Spider-Man can initiate combat using his Get Over Here ability, followed by launching foes with Amazing Combo, and wrapping things up with powerful swings of Spider-Power. Tagging enemies with a Spider-Tracer from a Cyber-Web Cluster can maximize damage output, making him a sought-after ally.
6 Captain America
“Charging Star!”
Captain America is best known for his iconic shield, but in Marvel Rivals, he’ll need to step in close before throwing it. His primary move, Sentinel Strike, is a rapid-hitting melee combo that enables his shield to ricochet between targets after the second hit. Moreover, he can execute powerful moves like Liberty Rush to charge at enemies or ascend towards them with the Super Soldier Slam.
While he can throw his shield independently with the Vibranium Energy Saw, melee combat forms the backbone of his playstyle until that ability is ready again.
5 Black Panther
Claws, Kicks, And Spears, Oh My!
Black Panther boasts a combat style characterized by speed and ferocity, reflecting the prowess bestowed upon him by the panther goddess. His Vibranium Claws and Spiral Kick open up attacks at lightning speed, leaving marks on enemies to utilize strategically.
His singular ranged ability, Spear Toss, also marks targets for his potent Spirit Rend lunge attack. Successfully hitting marked enemies refreshes this ability, allowing him to unleash consecutive lunges and maintain relentless pressure on his foes.
4 Venom
Good Ol’ Tendrils
Venom differentiates himself by relying on his tendrils rather than traditional fists for combat. Despite some debate about whether this qualifies as melee, his close-range combat style is undeniably effective. Venom excels at being a chaotic presence on the battlefield, utilizing Frenzied Arrival to drop in on enemies and applying debuffs with Cellular Corrosion.
Moreover, he can sustain his health with Symbiotic Resilience while prolonging attacks through his tendrils, ensuring he remains a persistent threat in close-quarters scenarios.
3 Magic
Speak Softly And Carry A Big Sword
Magik’s combat revolves around her enormous sword, a symbol of her formidable melee prowess. Although she has projectile attacks like Magik Slash and support from her Limbo demons, her primary focus remains melee combat with her sword. She can launch opponents with Umbral Incursion and use her Stepping Disc for swift repositioning, seamlessly transitioning into Eldritch Whirl to dispatch foes upon arrival.
Even while shifting into Darkchild form, her strengths in melee combat remain evident.
2 Iron Fist
He’s Got “Fist” In His Name
Living up to his name, Iron Fist is designed for direct confrontation and melee mastery. He possesses aggressive combat abilities revolving around Jeet Kune Do and his Dragon’s Defense, which reduces damage while enhancing his primary attack to execute rapid punches. The only semblance of a ranged move he has is the long-distance K’un-Lun Kick.
Most of his other abilities focus on recovery and mobility, reinforcing his role as a relentless brawler dedicated to closing distances and overwhelming opponents.
1 Wolverine
The Best At What He Does
Wolverine stands out as one of Marvel’s most renowned melee fighters, wielding his adamantium claws with deadly efficiency. He has built a reputation for swift and vicious attacks, which is perfectly represented in Marvel Rivals. His melee attack, Savage Claw, is a rapid series of slashes, upgraded to Berserk Claw Strike after utilizing Feral Leap.
Additionally, his Vicious Rampage combines a quick dash with a powerful claw strike, ideal for closing the gap during battles. When he utilizes his transformative ability, Berserker Rage, Wolverine’s offensive capabilities further amplify, making him a lethal presence on any battlefield.
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