Julio Neves
Marvel Rivals, developed by NetEase Games, has taken the gaming world by storm. With over 10 million players joining within just three days of its release, this hero shooter is quickly becoming a sensation. It’s no surprise that many of these players are long-time Marvel fans or veterans of other shooter games, eager to dive into the action-packed world of iconic heroes and villains.
If you’re someone who enjoys first-person or third-person shooters, there are several characters in Marvel Rivals that cater to your playstyle. While the game embraces the team-oriented mechanics of a hero shooter, these characters also evoke the spirit of classic shooter archetypes, making it easier for fans of the genre to feel right at home. Here’s a look at six standout characters shooter fans should try.
1. Iron Man
Class: Duelist
Difficulty: 2/5
First Appearance: Tales of Suspense #39
Iron Man may not wield traditional firearms, but his iconic suit essentially functions as a high-tech arsenal. With his repulsor blasts and the ability to fly, Tony Stark brings a unique aerial combat experience to Marvel Rivals. His Armor Overdrive ability amplifies his repulsors, transforming them into explosive weapons capable of wiping out multiple enemies.
Playing as Iron Man feels like stepping into a high-flying version of classic shooters like Quake. The fast-paced aerial battles and explosive attacks make him one of the most exhilarating—and arguably overpowered—characters in the game. If you’ve ever dreamed of taking to the skies and raining destruction from above, Iron Man is your perfect pick.
2. Star-Lord
Class: Duelist
Difficulty: 2/5
First Appearance: Marvel Preview #4
For fans of fast-paced, action-packed shooters, Star-Lord is an excellent choice. Armed with his signature Element Guns, which unleash rapid-fire energy blasts, Peter Quill is designed for speed and agility. His quick movement and ability to hover allow him to zip in and out of combat, keeping enemies on their toes.
Star-Lord’s ultimate ability is a showstopper: a devastating bullet beam that can shred even the toughest opponents. His playstyle feels like a blend of Overwatch’s Tracer and Reaper, combining nimble mobility with deadly firepower. If you thrive in chaotic, high-energy skirmishes, Star-Lord will quickly become a favorite.
3. Rocket Raccoon
Class: Strategist
Difficulty: 1/5
First Appearance: Marvel Preview #7
Sometimes, there’s nothing more satisfying than unleashing a barrage of bullets, and Rocket Raccoon delivers that thrill in spades. As a Strategist, Rocket is technically a support character, but his massive machine gun makes him a hybrid capable of dealing heavy damage.
Rocket’s weapon sprays hundreds of energy rounds, making him ideal for crowd control and wreaking havoc on groups of enemies. While his role emphasizes teamwork, his raw firepower allows him to stand toe-to-toe with Vanguard characters. Fans of over-the-top weaponry and mayhem will love what Rocket brings to the table.
4. Winter Soldier
Class: Duelist
Difficulty: 2/5
First Appearance: Captain America #6
Bucky Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier, is a lethal force in Marvel Rivals, equipped with a high-powered pistol that fires explosive rounds. His combat style is all about relentless aggression, charging into battles and dealing significant damage at close and mid-range.
Beyond his pistol, Winter Soldier’s cybernetic arm gives him a unique edge. He can grab enemies from a distance and pull them closer, similar to mechanics seen in games like Bulletstorm. This ability, combined with his energy-enhanced melee punches, makes him a formidable close-combat specialist. Fans of iconic shooter characters like Halo’s Master Chief or Doom’s Slayer will feel right at home with Bucky’s straightforward yet brutal approach.
5. Black Widow
Class: Duelist
Difficulty: 4/5
First Appearance: Tales of Suspense #52
If you’re a fan of precision shooting and tactical gameplay, Black Widow is your go-to character. Armed with the Red Room Rifle, Natasha Romanoff excels as a sniper, capable of picking off enemies from a distance or engaging in close-quarters combat when necessary.
Her ability to snipe while on the move is a game-changer, allowing her to stay mobile in the fast-paced environment of Marvel Rivals. This versatility makes her a challenging yet rewarding character to master. Often compared to Widowmaker from Overwatch, Black Widow is perfect for players who enjoy high-stakes, precision-based gameplay.
6. The Punisher
Class: Duelist
Difficulty: 1/5
First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #129
When it comes to raw firepower and straightforward combat, The Punisher is unmatched. Armed with an assault rifle and a shotgun, Frank Castle is the epitome of a run-and-gun playstyle. His aggressive approach makes him feel like a character straight out of the Gears of War series, with an emphasis on overwhelming enemies with sheer firepower.
In addition to his primary weapons, The Punisher has access to unique abilities like a deployable turret and an exosuit. These tools give him the versatility to adapt to various combat situations, while still staying true to his “take no prisoners” mentality. For fans of traditional third-person shooters, The Punisher is a must-try.
Final Thoughts
Marvel Rivals offers a rich roster of characters that cater to a variety of playstyles, but shooter fans will find a special connection with these six heroes. Whether you prefer the fast-paced agility of Star-Lord, the heavy firepower of Rocket Raccoon, or the tactical precision of Black Widow, there’s something here for everyone.
The beauty of Marvel Rivals lies in its ability to blend classic shooter mechanics with the unique powers and personalities of Marvel’s greatest heroes. So grab your favorite character, assemble your team, and dive into the action—you might just discover your new favorite shooter.
