In our experience, the Marvel Rivals heroes that give players the most trouble in ranked are Star-Lord, The Punisher, Black Widow, Hulk and Mantis. That is our read, not official data. Balance patches change things quickly, so a hero on this list today may be fine next season. We explain what holds each of them back and when they can still be worth playing.
How we judge a hero
We look at four things: how much value a hero gives in a normal ranked game, how well they fit common team compositions, how hard they are to play well in solo queue, and how long it's been since they got any balance attention. Heroes that need a lot of setup for little return end up here. We haven't quoted win rates because they differ by rank and shift with every patch, so check a current tracker if you want numbers.
Damage heroes that struggle
Star-Lord
His burst damage is low, agile enemies kite him easily, and he doesn't have a reliable way to close gaps. He can work as a flexible flanker in casual games, but he rarely carries a ranked match.
The Punisher
A straightforward ranged hero who finds it hard to deal with mobility and struggles to escape trouble. Other ranged damage dealers often do the same job better. He has the most use in mid-range poke teams with tanks that can peel for him.
Black Widow
Fun to play, but she depends on positioning and timing, and faster assassins can overshadow her. She's strongest with a team that flanks together. If you like sniping, Hawkeye is usually the easier choice, as we say in the character guide.
Tank and support heroes that struggle
Hulk
Powerful on paper, awkward in practice. He's hard to use for starting fights, and ranged pressure punishes him. He's at his best in close brawls with other frontliners.
Mantis
Mantis can heal and buff well, but she needs a protected backline and has little ability to defend herself. Without a coordinated team, she gets hunted down quickly.
Heroes that sit on the edge
- Doctor Strange: a high skill ceiling that pays off in good hands and punishes mistakes in solo queue.
- Rocket Raccoon: fragile and needs setup, but his utility is strong.
- Groot: easy to counter, though his walls can stall an objective.
Should you still play them?
If you enjoy a hero, play them. The difference between a weaker hero and a stronger one is usually smaller than the difference between a good player and a bad one. For ranked, though, picking heroes that suit your team and the map pays off more, and the ranking system explainer shows how that climb works.
For people who want tools beyond picking heroes, the Marvel Rivals cheat page describes our product. Bans can be permanent, so read the status page before you load in.