Now that Marvel Rivals Season 1 is out, a handful of players have finally mastered their mains and climbed the leaderboards. However, with this new season, the Meta has shifted significantly, transforming underperforming heroes into dangerous foes and making them worthy picks at higher ranks.
These heroes are staples in most team compositions. Whenever they’re on the battlefield, they almost guarantee deadly — and sometimes frustrating — fights, which is why many of them are frequently banned.
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Here are the top 5 meta characters in Marvel Rivals Season 1 for players in Diamond Rank and above:
Storm
Before Season 1, Storm was underwhelming. Her regular attack was too slow and dealt minimal damage, making her far from the powerhouse you’d expect of a literal Goddess of the Storms.
However, with her projectile speed buff, her supercharged wind gales now deliver significant damage from a distance. Although she’s not technically a hit-scan character, she feels like one, which is a serious threat in a game with only a handful of true hit-scan heroes.
Her Bolt Rush damage has also been increased from 70 to 80, allowing her to eliminate squishy heroes like Mantis and Luna Snow when their abilities are on cooldown. Paired with her ultimate — which charges too quickly for comfort — she’s a formidable presence at higher ranks.
Despite her strengths, Storm isn’t invincible. Her constant flying makes her an easy target for sharpshooters like Hela, Hawkeye, or Punisher.
Rocket Raccoon
Among all the healers in the game, Rocket Raccoon stands out for his ability to influence team fights beyond simple healing. His B.R.B. Machine can revive the first teammate who dies nearby, turning unwanted deaths into second chances. Even if you’re one-shotted by a distant Hawkeye, Rocket’s gadget can save the day.
Rocket is also highly elusive, thanks to his wall-climbing ability and two jetpack dashes for quick escapes.
While his ultimate provides a damage boost, his true value lies in survivability. Rocket's main focus is on keeping the team healed and the B.R.B. Machine ready for action. To counter him, prioritize taking out Rocket and his machine early in the fight.
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Mantis
Mantis is a versatile hero who can serve as a third DPS thanks to her strong damage and healing potential. However, her effectiveness depends heavily on player skill.
She remains in the Meta due to her passive movement speed, which – despite a nerf – remains powerful. This, combined with her damaging primary attack, makes her dangerous in close-range skirmishes while still supporting her team with healing. Skilled Mantis players can also handle backline threats effectively with her sleep ability.
Mantis resembles Zenyatta from Overwatch, sending out Nature’s Gift to boost or heal teammates. Although her healing isn’t as potent as other Strategists, her DPS capabilities compensate for it.
Her ultimate, while helpful, isn’t as impactful as Luna Snow’s. Overhealing the team is useful, but most high-damage ultimates, like those from Punisher, Magneto, or Namor, can easily out-damage it.
Dr. Strange
You can expect a balanced and strategic game when Dr. Strange is in the match. His dual-role utility as both a defensive and offensive hero makes him invaluable.
A skilled Strange can dominate team fights by carefully managing his Shield of the Seraphim and Maelstrom of Madness. When paired with Hulk, his Gamma Boost dramatically increases his damage potential, making him even more dangerous.
Despite the damage falloff nerf to Maelstrom of Madness, Strange remains a threat due to his Eye of Agamotto Ultimate, which stuns enemies for 3–4 seconds — a significant advantage in a fast-paced hero shooter like Marvel Rivals.
Hulk
Hulk has steadily climbed the Meta ladder, becoming a top-tier pick in Season 1. While not as effective solo, he thrives in coordinated teams, especially alongside Iron Man and Dr. Strange, all thanks to their Gamma Boost team-up. Together, they form a formidable trio.
Hulk excels at disrupting backlines and engaging in short skirmishes before retreating to safety. Skilled Hulk players know how to manage the cooldowns of their shields and other abilities to maintain pressure on enemies.
His ultimate is a game-changer, doubling his health and damage while shortening ability cooldowns. This makes him a huge threat, with powerful AoEs that can turn the tide of any fight.
These heroes are frequently banned at higher ranks for their oppressive potential. Players skilled with these characters can dominate the battlefield and frustrate opponents. However, picking a meta-hero doesn’t guarantee success. In competitive games — especially hero shooters — player skill and decision-making remain the most critical factors.
While these five heroes are standout picks, plenty of other Meta characters can disrupt the lobby and lead teams to victory. And besides, Season 1 just started, so maybe a mid-season balance update can shake up this thriving Meta, especially with the Human Torch and Thing’s debut next month.
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