Top 10 Marvel Heroes by Popularity in Rivals

Marvel Rivals is brimming with iconic heroes and villains from the Marvel universe, but not all characters are chosen with equal frequency. Some heroes stand out due to their strength, fun factor, or sheer popularity among fans. Whether you need a strategist to keep your team alive, a vanguard to absorb damage, or a duelist to secure kills, certain heroes are essential picks in almost every match. Here's a rundown of the top 10 most-picked heroes in Marvel Rivals, ranked from least to most selected. If you're seeing these names repeatedly in your matches, now you know why.

10. The Punisher

The Punisher isn't about flashy powers or high-tech gadgets; he's all about shooting things, and that's exactly what many players want. With his grappling hook for quick repositioning, smoke grenade for cover, and a menacing turret mode, he's a force to be reckoned with. Armed with both a rifle and a shotgun, he's versatile across different ranges. Essentially, he's the quintessential COD-like character you'll find in any hero shooter.

9. Mantis

Mantis may not be the most visually striking character, but healers are crucial to winning games, and she boasts one of the best healing kits in the game. Her healing combines burst and sustained effects, making her an excellent choice for keeping her team alive. Additionally, she can boost damage for herself or her allies, enhancing her offensive utility. Her sleep grenade also helps her survive against aggressive opponents by temporarily incapacitating them.

8. Winter Soldier

Winter Soldier is all about eliminating threats rather than healing or protecting the team. His grapple arm pulls enemies in for a devastating uppercut, his explosive shotgun can obliterate foes at close range, and his ultimate can chain into itself upon securing a kill, allowing for relentless rampages. The chilling "AGAIN!" voice line is a testament to his destructive power. As a Duelist, he appeals to players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay, with a skill ceiling that allows for continuous improvement.

7. Magneto

Magneto is one of the most versatile vanguards in Marvel Rivals, which explains his popularity. He can shield himself and his allies, deal massive area-of-effect damage, and even synergize with Scarlet Witch for devastating sword slashes. His ultimate can absorb projectiles, effectively countering other ultimates like those of The Punisher and Star-Lord. Players pick him frequently because he excels at both offense and defense, fitting into nearly any team composition. He's not just a tank; he's a disruptor, perfect for those who enjoy causing chaos while remaining nearly unkillable.

6. Moon Knight

Moon Knight boasts one of the highest skill ceilings in the game, yet that doesn't deter players from choosing him often. With his exceptional mobility, powerful attacks, and the ability to combo enemies using his ankh, he's a game-changer when mastered. His unique kit allows skilled players to carry matches, though less experienced ones may struggle. His high pick rate is understandable; he's fun, flashy, and incredibly strong when played well, offering a sense of progression that keeps players coming back.

5. Luna Snow

Luna Snow combines the roles of healer and damage dealer, skating across the battlefield with grace and power. She can deal significant damage while healing both herself and her team. Her ultimate grants temporary invincibility to herself and her allies, a game-saving ability in dire situations. Support players adore her because she's not just a passive healer; she actively influences battles while keeping her team alive.

4. Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange is not only powerful but also a strategic mastermind. He can block ultimates, teleport, and control the battlefield with his spells. His high pick rate is no surprise; he's fun, powerful, and somewhat overpowered. His shield is particularly potent, absorbing massive amounts of damage and quickly regenerating. His survivability is exceptional, allowing him to disengage and heal up even when low on health. This makes him a go-to tank in ranked matches.

3. Invisible Woman

Invisible Woman, one of the first heroes added post-launch, naturally sees inflated pick rates due to the excitement of new characters. However, her strength is undeniable. Her barriers, stealth, and supportive abilities make her an excellent strategist pick. Her popularity is fueled not only by the new character hype but also by her well-designed kit, which offers team utility, protection, and sneaky plays, appealing to both casual and competitive players.

2. Cloak & Dagger

Cloak & Dagger is perhaps the most unique character in Marvel Rivals, and players love that uniqueness. You can switch between Cloak, a stealthy crowd-controller, and Dagger, a high-damage support, at will, ensuring you're never locked into one role. This versatility makes them one of the most picked characters in the game. Whether you're shutting down enemies with Cloak's debuffs or keeping the team alive with Dagger's healing, you're always contributing. The fact that they're essentially two characters in one only adds to their appeal.

1. Rocket Raccoon

Rocket Raccoon is the most-picked hero in Marvel Rivals, and it's easy to see why. As a DPS-strategist hybrid, he not only deals damage but also supports his team with healing bubbles, ammo stations, and a revive ability, making him invaluable in any lineup. Rocket excels at everything: healing, utility, and damage. Coupled with his charismatic personality, it's no wonder he's a top pick among players.