In Marvel Rivals, Vanguards are the backbone of any team composition. These heroes are built to take the hits, disrupt enemy strategies, and hold the line while their teammates clean up. With their blend of durability, control abilities, and tactical versatility, Vanguards play a pivotal role in determining the flow of battle.

Whether you prefer a tanky bruiser or a zoning specialist, mastering the right Vanguard can turn the tide of any match. Here’s our breakdown of the best Vanguard heroes in Marvel Rivals and what makes them shine on the battlefield.

8. The Hulk 

• Health: 200/800/1550 (based on form)
• Difficulty: High
• Team role: Tank, Damage (based on form)

The Hulk offers a unique and challenging playstyle with his three distinct forms: Bruce Banner, Hero Hulk, and Monster Hulk. Each form has its strengths: Banner wields a Gamma Ray Gun for ranged attacks, Hero Hulk thrives in melee combat, and Monster Hulk becomes a tanky powerhouse.

However, managing his transformations can be tricky, and reverting to Bruce Banner leaves players highly vulnerable. While Hulk’s damage potential is solid, his lack of speed and susceptibility to ranged Duelists require strategic positioning and careful planning.

7. Peni Parker

• Health: 650
• Difficulty: High
• Team role: CC, Utility

Peni Parker stands out as one of the best Vanguards for controlling objectives. Her Bionic Spider Nest blankets areas with Cyber-Webs, providing healing and speed boosts for allies while deterring enemies. Paired with her powerful Spider Drones, Peni excels at holding key locations and disrupting enemy strategies.

However, her effectiveness relies heavily on proper placement of her Spider Nest. If it’s destroyed, her survivability drops significantly due to her lower health. Skilled players who can balance offensive pressure with defensive positioning will find Peni a formidable force.

6. Captain America 

• Health: 650
• Difficulty: Normal
• Team role: Tank

His defensive capabilities revolve around his vibranium shield, which blocks damage and reflects projectiles. However, with only 400 HP, the shield often crumbles under sustained pressure.

Cap’s mobility and ability to buff teammates with healing and speed boosts make him a valuable asset in certain situations. However, his underwhelming damage output and inability to withstand extended fights leave him lagging behind other frontline options.

5. Magneto 

• Health: 650
• Difficulty: Easy
• Team role: Utility, CC

Magneto strikes a balance between offense and defense, making him one of the most versatile Vanguards in the game. His Metallic Curtain blocks incoming projectiles, protecting both himself and his teammates. He can also summon shields that absorb damage and convert it into metallic rings, which power his devastating Mag-Cannon.

With strong crowd control abilities and a solid Ultimate for taking down grouped enemies, Magneto is an excellent choice for players who want flexibility on the battlefield.

4. Thor 

• Health: 600
• Difficulty: Normal
• Team role: Damage, Fighter

Thor brings the hammer down literally. His Mjolnir-focused abilities allow him to crush enemies in melee range or harass them from afar by throwing his weapon. Thor excels at dishing out massive burst damage, making him a threat to clustered enemy teams.

However, his lower-than-average health and lack of strong mobility options make him vulnerable in prolonged engagements. Unless awakened for an HP boost, Thor is best suited for players who can hit hard and fast before retreating to safety.

3. Groot 

• Health: 850
• Difficulty: Easy
• Team role: Tank, CC

Groot is a master of map control. His thorny walls allow players to block paths, funnel enemies, and create cover for teammates. These walls also provide added utility by boosting Groot’s attacks and healing nearby allies, making him an excellent choice for holding objectives.

With a robust health pool and self-sustain mechanics, Groot can anchor the frontline for long periods. While his damage output lacks critical hit potential, his overall versatility and durability make him a reliable pick for both beginners and seasoned players.

2. Venom 

• Health: 800
• Difficulty: Easy
• Team role: Damage, Tank, CC

Venom is the quintessential Vanguard, blending tankiness and damage into a terrifying package. With high health, strong regeneration, and the ability to slow enemies with Cellular Corrosion, Venom can dominate the frontline with ease.

His mobility allows him to engage enemies or escape dangerous situations quickly, making him both an initiator and a survivalist. Venom’s ability to disrupt enemy formations and punish overextensions cements his spot as the best Vanguard in Marvel Rivals.

1. Doctor Strange 

• Health: 650
• Difficulty: Normal
• Team role: Damage, Utility, CC

Doctor Strange isn’t just about dealing damage he’s about controlling the battlefield. His Shield of the Seraphim can block incoming projectiles with 800 HP, giving his team the breathing room they need. He also adds immense mobility to his team by summoning portals that allow allies to traverse the map or ambush enemies.

Strange’s offensive capabilities are nothing to scoff at, either. His charged attacks deal significant damage, and his Ultimate separates enemies’ souls from their bodies, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

Final Thoughts

Vanguards are the heart of any team in Marvel Rivals. Whether you prefer the strategic zoning of Groot, the overwhelming power of Venom, or the magical versatility of Doctor Strange, mastering these heroes will give you the edge needed to win matches. Experiment with different Vanguards to find the one that best fits your playstyle and dominate the battlefield!