Marvel Rivals: The best Vanguards

If you want to know which Vanguards are the most reliable in the new free-to-play superhero hit Marvel Rivals: Here is the top 8.

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Even if you've only had a few battles in Marvel Rivals so far, you'll have quickly realised how important a good Vanguard can be for victory. These monstrous, living shields are designed to take as much damage as possible with their sheer mass to protect the rest of the team, making these tanks literal lifesavers.

Here you can find out which are the best Vanguards the game has to offer and how best to use them.

Peni Parker

The teenager in the mecha suit fights not only for justice, but also against growing up. Whilst controlling her giant robot, she retains her childlike charm and still mercilessly stomps her opponents into the ground. With her fast and agile suit, Peni charges ahead and throws herself into the fray, although this can also cause a little frustration here and there if the whole thing happens a little too hastily.

Hulk

Probably THE Marvel hero that first comes to mind when it comes to monstrous tanks. Big, green and ready to smash - thanks to his rage display, which influences his strength, the Hulk is ideally suited for brute attacks.
However, you will look in vain for a tactical approach. You can't expect elegance when a crowbar is used - even if it is a green, radioactively contaminated crowbar.

Magneto

Magneto should always be used when you want to control the game - literally. His magnetic abilities ensure that he can change the playing field at will and manipulate everything around him. Targeted, tactical attacks are certainly possible, but not really necessary if you can turn the entire area into an iron cage for your opponents.

Captain America

Captain America is the perfect blend of reliability and elegance in Marvel Rivals. As one of the most iconic heroes from the Marvel universe, he is naturally also one of the best Vanguards in the game. His shield and defence-oriented moves keep him alive for a long time, but when he does throw his trademark boomerang at enemies, he can still do some damage and doesn't look like a simple support character.

Thor

Thor's attacks more than live up to his title as the God of Thunder. They are wide-ranging and devastating. Like a force of nature, this Vanguard inflicts huge damage and can also take a lot of punishment - but not exactly in favour of its mobility. The somewhat sluggish movement makes Thor a force to be reckoned with, but it can also be cancelled out with a little speed.

Groot

Groot presents himself as the definition of a tank in Marvel Rivals. He can take tonnes of damage, but counters with devastating area attacks. He may seem a little sluggish in terms of movement, but with so much resilience it's not really necessary to take cover quickly if an opponent dares to approach the living tree. It is generally more advisable to use Groot as an immobile threat and let him take root anyway.

Venom

Venom is the perfect mix of aggression and adaptation. Switching between Eddie Brock and the symbiote makes his playstyle unpredictable and allows this Vanguard to take a lot of damage one moment, only for him to hurl his deadly tentacles and leap across the arena the next. As a Vanguard, it is definitely the most uncontrollable in the game, but this applies to both sides, as its chaos affects both the opponent and the player.

Doctor Strange

The Master of Mysteries is probably one of the most versatile Vanguards in the game. His magical abilities ensure that Strange can be used in any area, take control of enemies, teleport or intervene directly in combat. A multi-layered style is an advantage here, but players should not get caught up in too many roles.

(Image source: NetEase Games)