Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

As a seasoned warrior and scholar of the cosmos, I have had the distinct pleasure of witnessing the exploits of many powerful beings. Among them, the tales of Thor Odinson and his mighty hammer Mjolnir are etched into the very fabric of time itself. Born to rule the realm of Asgard and wield the power of thunder, this God of War is a true titan among mortals.


The upcoming Marvel shooter game, Marvel Rivals, is set to challenge Overwatch with its diverse character roster. Featuring over two dozen heroes and villains spanning various universes, Marvel Rivals will offer a team-versus-team PvP shooting experience on consoles and PCs starting in December. Alongside the release of the launch date trailer, NetEase Games, who describe the free-to-play game as one of their most ambitious projects, have shared the backstory for the 25 characters that players can combine for intense 6v6 cooperative battles.

Characters from the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and X-Men series are categorized into three roles – Duelists, Strategists, and Vanguards. This enables players to devise strategies by blending abilities and creating distinct team-up skills as they engage in battles on dynamic, constantly shifting battlefields set throughout the Marvel universe.

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

The narrative of this game revolves around the Timestream Entanglement, a catastrophic event where countless universes collide as a result of the ruthless conflict between the tyrant Doctor Doom and his future self from the year 2099. Characters with superhuman abilities from all corners of the multiverse are compelled to team up and sometimes clash, as various factions strive to vanquish both versions of Doctor Doom before one gains control over these realities. Familiar figures like Spider-Man, Venom, Storm, and Magneto will switch roles from friends to foes, while former adversaries could transform into unexpected allies.

Check out the complete list of Marvel Rivals below, featuring each character’s class, special abilities, and backstory. The game will be available on Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5 towards the end of this year. Characters that will be accessible from the start are:

Adam Warlock

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Strategist

ABILITIES: Genetically-engineered Adam Warlock possesses powerful Quantum Magic, enabling him to delicately bond and mend souls with a tender touch. In critical moments when his allies need to join forces, Warlock stands firm as the resolute focal point of cosmic righteousness!

LORE: Adam Warlock was crafted as an ideal being, boasting the ability to control formidable cosmic energies. He embodies the ultimate potential of our future selves. For now, he stands solo, a radiant golden beacon symbolizing all that is virtuous within us.

As Timestream Entanglement occurred, Adam Warlock instinctively enclosed himself in a protective barrier. Upon exiting this shield, his cosmic awareness detected Knull’s looming danger. He then journeyed to Klyntar and encountered the Guardians of the Galaxy. There, he uncovered a power more potent than Knull’s, poised to destroy not just one planet, but many others.

Black Panther

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: T’Challa, the King of Wakanda, possesses an unparalleled fusion of advanced Vibranium technology and mystical power derived from the Panther God, Bast. The Black Panther remains patient, strategically infiltrating enemy territories with grace before launching his pursuit.

BACKGROUND: King T’Challa isn’t just the leader of the technologically superior Wakanda; he’s also the Black Panther, the guardian entrusted with safeguarding his nation. His commitment is to preserve Wakanda from any peril that may arise.

T’Challa has just expanded his rule into outer space, forming the Cosmic Empire of Wakanda. He’s currently keeping an eye out for a sign from Bast to determine if Victor Doom can be relied upon. Meanwhile, he safeguards the empire’s Chronovium resources and offers its advanced technology to trusted partners such as Reed Richards.

Captain America

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Vanguard

As Captain America, fueled by the Super-Soldier Serum, I wield my indestructible Vibranium shield and years of intense combat training to stand against any danger threatening justice. When I rally my team, courage surges like a tidal wave across the battlefield!

LORE: To aid his nation during World War II, the youthful Steve Rogers enlisted for an experiment that boosted his strength, swiftness, and nimbleness, transforming him into America’s inaugural super soldier. As Captain America, he valiantly battled opposing forces until he was encased in ice and vanished from time.

In the 2080s, Captain America was found and defrosted. He then started combating tomorrow’s dangers, such as Doom 2099, until he was transported to the present by the Timestream Entanglement. Currently, he teams up with the Avengers to stop the grim future he inadvertently awakened.

Doctor Strange

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Vanguard

ABILITIES: In his role as Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Stephen Strange elegantly employs ancient incantations to shift the balance in battles that seem almost unwinnable. Yet, magic’s power is not without its toll, and with each deployment of his mystical prowess, a dormant darkness within him begins to stir.

LORE: After a tragic accident left renowned surgeon Stephen Strange unable to perform surgery, he shifted his focus to mastering the mystical arts. In doing so, he emerged as the primary protector of our dimension against otherworldly perils, earning the title of Sorcerer Supreme.

Feeling a powerful ripple through time, Doctor Strange executed an ancient spell to shield his world. Unfortunately, the incantation backfired, trapping him and his Sanctum Sanctorum within the Mirror Realm. Adrift in the temporal currents, Strange relies on his arcane abilities to occasionally break free and participate in battles.

Groot

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: Hailing from the distant Planet X, I am none other than Groot, an extraordinary alien with extraordinary resilience and the power to shape and control all manner of flora. Towering like a mighty tree, I carve my own path forward, proving myself as a dependable guide for my team, even without uttering a word.

LORE: Groot is a massive being originating from the vegetable world of Planet X, possessing the ability to mold and regenerate plant material. He’s the central figure in the Guardians of the Galaxy team. Despite having limited verbal abilities, Groot’s deeds are always expressive and impactful.

On a reconnaissance trip with Star-Lord and Rocket, Groot journeyed to the planet Klyntar. Unfortunately, their spaceship was hit and they were left behind. The ominous ruler of Klyntar, King Knull, is now attempting to exploit Groot’s rejuvenating abilities in a sinister plot to grow the most powerful symbiote.

Hela

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: As the Ruler of the Underworld, Hela possesses absolute dominion over the spirits dwelling in Hel. With a chilling voice and a group of crows, she elegantly claims the souls of her adversaries, showing no pity whatsoever.

LORE: Hela, the Asgardian Goddess of Death, wields immense magical power over an endless horde of undead combatants. For ages, she’s been striving to broaden her territories beyond the underworld realms, and she’ll seize any opportunity that furthers this ambition. Relentless in pursuit, Hela aims to claim control over all souls – living and deceased alike.

In essence, Hela agreed to aid Loki in his rebellion, hoping to gain something in return – an expansion of her domain into the world of the living. However, her ultimate goal is far more ambitious: she intends to seize the throne of Yggdrasil and wield its temporal authority for herself.

Hulk

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Vanguard

As a seasoned gamer, I’ve mastered the art of embodying Dr. Bruce Banner’s extraordinary transformation. By harnessing gamma energy during my transformations, I can switch between the cunning and powerful Hero Hulk or the devastating Monster Hulk – an unstoppable force on the virtual battlefield!

BACKSTORY: Trapped by the explosion of a formidable device he crafted himself, Dr. Bruce Banner was drenched in gamma rays, causing him to morph into an enormous green beast when his feelings surge uncontrollably. As Banner, he remains a brilliant mind. Yet, as the Hulk, he stands as the strongest of them all!

In a unique turn of events, Banner crafted a Gamma Belt to manage his transformations and tame the Hulk’s rage. However, when the Timestream Entanglement turned Los Diablos Missile Base into a sinister battlefield, he came to understand that the most effective strategy against such beasts was to unleash the monster lurking within himself.

Jeff the Land Shark

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Strategist

SKILLS: Unlike typical deep-sea landsharks known for their ferocity, Jeff is a charming and playful character who brings laughter and recovery to every conflict. However, when the situation calls for it, Jeff can transform into a fearsome predator, devouring entire armies in a single bite!

LORE: What’s cuter than a puppy, yet hungrier than a great white shark? Meet Jeff! This peculiar and endearing sea-dweller might be one of the most unusual creatures to have emerged from the ocean. However, anyone who has encountered Jeff knows that beneath his innocent yelp lies a ferocious snap!

Following his capture and exhibition at the Collector’s Amusement Park, Jeff managed to escape when the Time Stream Muddle distorted reality. Now, he has an opportunity to demonstrate his heroism, bite by bite!

Iron Man

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: Equipped with a brilliant mind and a nanotech battlesuit that he himself has created, Tony Stark takes his place among the divine as the indomitable Iron Man. His cutting-edge armor transforms any battlefield into his own private arena, enabling him to capture the attention he craves.

PARAPHRASING: Struck by a weapon he had designed himself, billionaire innovator Tony Stark fashioned an armored suit tailor-made for survival. Even though his injuries have mended, his enhanced armor later protects innumerable lives when he wears it to transform into the world’s most formidable combatant – the indestructible Iron Man!

In the heart of New York City, when darkness fell and the legions of the night invaded, I, being Iron Man, along with my fellow Avengers, fortified our tower into a bastion. From this vantage point, I spearheaded the mission to disentangle the enigmas surrounding Chronovium and reverse the Time Stream Entanglement.

Loki

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Strategist

SKILLS: Can there be a greater joy for the Trickster Deity than outwitting his adversaries? The sly and versatile Loki employs his deceptive illusions and transformative powers to dart through skirmishes, teasing enemies at every step.

BACKSTORY: Born to the Frost Giant king Laufey, Loki was brought up in the grandeur of Asgard, adopted by Odin. However, his inherent character eluded even the Allfather’s influence, and eventually, Loki would embody completely the role of the Trickster God.

When their father was fast asleep in Odin’s slumber, Loki saw an opportunity to claim the throne for himself. He joined forces with Hela and hurled his brother Thor into another time period. Now, Loki is gathering Chronovium sap from the World Tree, Yggdrasil, aiming to dominate all of time itself.

Luna Snow

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Strategist

SKILLS: Part pop sensation, part superhero, Luna Snow captivates audiences with a blend of her light and dark ice abilities. The stage is her domain, where Seol Hee and her team create mesmerizing performances that continue to attract more fans and victories.

REPHRASED: Beyond being a common K-Pop sensation, Luna Snow serves as a beacon of hope for her generation. Utilizing her frost abilities to deescalate global tensions, she has transformed into a musical peacekeeper, ever prepared to tackle any disputes that might surface.

During Luna Snow’s summer concert, disaster was narrowly averted as an injured sea creature from Atlantis unleashed a destructive tidal wave. Luna’s icy powers managed to halt the surging waters and nurse the creature back to health. In an extraordinary display of heroism, Luna single-handedly saved countless lives and averted what could have been a major conflict between South Korea and the underwater world.

Magik

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS:Skilled in the mysterious dark arts, Magik effortlessly traverses portals across the battlefield. When she morphs into the fearsome Darkchylde, any foes who challenge her will be swiftly defeated by her ruthless Soulsword.

BACKGROUND: From birth, Illyana Rasputin possesses a unique talent – opening portals to traverse Limbo, a mystical realm. She strengthens this innate power with potent magic and wields an enchanted sword powered by spirits, transforming herself into the combatant recognized as Magik.

In the role of sovereign over Limbo, Magik has been taking up the position of a commander in an extended war across dimensions and realms, engaging in combat with malicious deities and demons. Frequently, she engages in consultations with her Mutant associates on Krakoa, deliberating on the most promising strategies for their species’ preservation following the Timestream Entanglement.

Magneto

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: With a mastery over magnetism, this character can manipulate the strongest metals to suit his desires, protecting allies and attacking enemies. Known by names like Max Eisenhardt, Erik Lehnsherr, or Magneto, he is as indomitable as the metal he wields, having faced numerous hardships throughout his life.

Born possessing an almost boundless capacity to control magnetic forces, Max Eisenhardt, known as Magneto, has endured a lifetime of discrimination. With the survival of mutant species as his relentless pursuit, Magneto is willing to pay any price. His unyielding campaign frequently places him in conflict with other mutants who strive for harmonious coexistence with humans instead.

As an ardent admirer, I’d say: I followed Magneto in his crusade to unite Earth’s Mutant community and whisk them away through time to the sanctuary of the intelligent island Krakoa. His goal was to shield his kin from the escalating perils lurking beyond our borders.

Mantis

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Strategist

SKILLS: Mantis harnesses her remarkable mental capabilities and love for plant manipulation, making her an indispensable member in any combat team. She can access a boundless source of vital energy, subtly revitalizing anything she comes into contact with.

LORE: Mantis has an uncanny knack for sensing emotions, thanks to her powerful empathic abilities. Her unique alien talent for manipulating others’ feelings can be beneficial in combat situations, but Mantis experiences genuine joy only when she is with the Guardians of the Galaxy, her fellow comrades-in-arms.

Following capture by the Collector and exhibition at his amusement park, Mantis successfully broke free, aided by companions Sai and Jeff. Now, Mantis voyages through the cosmos, seeking reunion with her comrades, and extending warmth to other lost beings as she expands the Guardians’ familial bond.

Namor

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: The undisputed Master of the Ocean, Namor rides into combat on a powerful sea wave accompanied by a formidable horde of marine creatures. The ominous sound of ancient war horns signals destruction, as treacherous waters flood the battlefield.

BACKGROUND: Born from the marriage of a human and an Atlantean, Namor has always been a figure straddling two realms. Though he governs with pride over the underwater inhabitants, those who reside on land have consistently provoked Namor’s wrath.

Following many years of growing unrest, Namor has ultimately concluded that the moment is ripe for action against the surface world. In pursuit of this decision, he’s reached out to his Mutant comrades dwelling in Krakoa for assistance as he zeroes in on a fresh target: Jeju Island.

Peni Parker

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: Despite being a youngster, Peni Parker fearlessly takes up positions at the forefront, safeguarding the Web of Life and Destiny. Alongside her, the cutting-edge SP//dr mech forms an electrifying team on the battlefield, making them the most exciting duo to watch!

Following her father’s passing, Peni Parker gained custody of the advanced robotic suit called SP//dr. To manage the suit, Peni needed to be bitten by a radioactive spider, which in turn controlled the suit’s computer system. This bite created a mental link between them.

Currently, Peni and SP//dr safeguard Tokyo’s Webworld citizens, similar to how her predecessor once did. However, their duty transcends beyond a single city. Ever since the Timestream Entanglement, they have dedicated themselves tirelessly to the defense of the Web of Life and Fate, as well as all the interconnected realities it encompasses.

Punisher

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: Skilled in using an array of advanced weaponry, Frank Castle stands as an unstoppable solo warrior. His unwavering determination to bring justice to his adversaries means he won’t stop until the very last bullet is expended!

BACKSTORY: After a mob-related shooting that claimed his family’s lives, Frank Castle managed to survive thanks to his indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit for vengeance. Refusing to stand by while more innocent people fell victim to criminals, Castle became the Punisher, taking the law into his own hands.

Through an experimental elixir that significantly prolonged his life, the Punisher’s battles have persisted well into a distant future. As a key member of the New Marvel Knights, his formidable weaponry has proven crucial in Black Widow’s struggle against Doom 2099.

Rocket Raccoon

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Strategist

SKILLS: Rocket may not seem like a tech whiz or master tactician, but those who have found themselves on his hit list soon realize their mistake in underestimating him. This shrewd space soldier is just as keen on lifting up his teammates as he is on earning rewards for taking down enemies.

LORE: At first sight, Rocket may appear adorable and fluffy, but don’t be fooled – this space ranger has a temperament as sharp as his bite. Fortunately, he channels his exceptional technical skills into doing good as part of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

When Star-Lord embarked on an expedition to investigate the Klyntar, Rocket accompanied him casually to have some fun with symbiote target practice. However, when their vessel met with an accident, an unforeseen scenario unfolded for Rocket as he suddenly found himself in a desperate struggle, striving to protect his fellow Guardians until rescue came.

Scarlet Witch

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Duelist

TALENTS: Wanda Maximoff demonstrates exceptional ability in controlling potent chaos magic, employing it to cast spells capable of distorting and reorganizing reality. With her, energy, space, and matter become toys at the whims of Scarlet Witch!

LORE: Wanda Maximoff possesses extraordinary power through her control over chaotic magic, ranking her among the universe’s most potent living entities. Operating under the alias Scarlet Witch, she strives to tame this chaos, bringing a sense of order to a world perpetually teetering on the edge of annihilation.

Ever since the Timestream Entanglement, I’ve come to realize that chaos magic is one of the few stabilizing factors keeping our reality intact. If her powers ever falter, the Scarlet Witch is convinced that this entire universe could unravel, along with every single soul within it. It’s a grim prospect she vows to prevent… no matter what sacrifices must be made.

Spider-Man

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Duelist

Ability Set: With agility reminiscent of a spider, Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man, glides through the arena using his unique silk threads. He startles opponents with swift, sticky blasts of webbing and attacks from unexpected angles overhead. Keep an eye out… Spider-Man’s swinging into action!

BACKSTORY: After being bitten by a genetically-altered spider, Peter Parker acquired an extraordinary talent – he can adhere to almost any surface and has a sixth sense that alerts him to perils. He also gained the physical attributes of a spider, such as increased speed, strength, and agility. Now, he dedicates himself to wield his awesome abilities with integrity, becoming the acrobatic hero known as Spider-Man.

Ever since the Timestream Entanglement, Spider-Man has found himself caught between two battle zones. On one hand, he’s often seen rallying New York’s superheroes to face off against the ominous forces of darkness. On the other, he dedicates his time to safeguarding the Web of Life and Destiny alongside his fellow Web-Warriors in Tokyo’s Webworld.

Star-Lord

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: On the battlefield, I (Star-Lord) thrive on leaving my enemies awestruck with my signature flair. As my element guns trace arcs of destruction, my agile moves dance gracefully through the skies, setting a style that’s unmatched. With performances like these, it’s no surprise that I’ve earned such a legendary reputation!

As a die-hard fan, I’d put it this way: Half human, half cosmic entity, completely extraordinary – that’s how Peter Quill, the roguish celestial pirate known as Star-Lord, might express himself. And as the captain of the interstellar champions, the Guardians of the Galaxy, he’s racked up enough heroics to make those legends a reality.

At Shuri’s behest, Star-Lord directed a reconnaissance operation to the surface of the symbiote planet called Klyntar. As the Guardians moved in, an enigmatic power disabled their spacecraft, leaving Star-Lord and his team marooned on a dangerous, nearly destroyed world.

Storm

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Duelist

ABILITIES: Ororo Munroe’s extraordinary talent for controlling weather systems puts her in a league of her own. Be it sunshine or storm, wind or lightning, the elements themselves yield to the will of the Storm Goddess!

BACKSTORY: Born with an extraordinary gift to control the elements, Ororo Munroe was revered as a deity among her people. This powerful mutant went on to become Storm, an X-Man. Currently, she rules over Sol (the Sun) and guards Arakko. Her role now is to safeguard mutants not only on Earth but across the universe.

The energy produced from the intertwining of the Time Stream has led to fierce time storms on the intelligent island Krakoa, a place considered as home by the X-Men. Despite her ability to adjust the island’s weather, Storm is looking for a lasting solution in cooperation with her fellow superheroes.

Thor

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: The son of Odin harnesses his divine strength to summon thunder and lightning, unleashing unyielding wrath upon his adversaries. Brandishing Mjolnir, Thor confidently establishes his supremacy in battle.

BACKSTORY: Known as one of the most courageous combatants in the universe, Thor Odinson, the Asgardian Prince and God of Thunder, is renowned for his power. Wielding his magical hammer, he unleashes the fierce energy of a storm upon his adversaries – yet, he can do so only when he demonstrates his worthiness to wield Mjolnir’s immense might.

Oh dear, ever since the Timestream Entanglement, poor Thor has endured much hardship. When the All-Father was compelled to enter into his regenerative Odinsleep, Thor and his brother Loki fought for the throne. By means of cunning deceit and trickery, Loki outwitted his sibling, banishing Thor to a far-off and perilous timeline.

Venom

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: With his symbiote-empowered physique serving as a lethal weapon, Eddie Brock and his extraterrestrial companion are always on standby to launch fierce assaults against perceived adversaries. Those captured by Venom’s tentacles find themselves powerless against this relentless hunter.

BACKSTORY: When Spider-Man turned down an alien symbiote he thought was just his costume, it bonded instead with a man who shared its dislike for Peter Parker. This duo then transformed into the deadly hero called Venom.

As a devoted follower, I find myself transported through time, engaged in the supernatural conflicts that shake the very fabric of reality. In this journey, the monstrous Venom caught a terrifying glimpse of the dismal destiny lurking in our timeline. To safeguard our present from becoming the grim future he saw, Venom recognizes he has but two courses of action: either eliminate the dark deity Knull or confine him on Klyntar and seize his throne.

Winter Soldier

Marvel Rivals Guide: Every Playable Character Class, Skills, and Lore

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: Previously manipulated into an assassin through horrific experiments, James “Bucky” Barnes now regains control over his life. Equipped with an advanced mechanical arm, the Winter Soldier is ready to unleash devastating attacks against any adversary that crosses his path!

During World War II, Captain America’s companion, James “Bucky” Barnes, was believed to have perished in combat. In reality, he fell into enemy hands and was transformed into their deadliest assassin. However, the Winter Soldier eventually managed to shake off his programming and returned to being a hero.

During a mission aimed at undermining Erebus Base, the Winter Soldier was seized and endured gruesome tests conducted by Hydra researchers. Later, he was saved by Hawkeye and a future version of Captain America from 2099, who equipped his past ally with an advanced prosthetic limb.

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2024-08-21 02:12