Marvel Rivals is a fast-paced, competitive game that requires strategy, coordination, and quick thinking. As a player, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and make mistakes that can cost you the game.
Fortunately, many of these errors are simple to fix. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to improve your skills, here are the nine most common mistakes that players make in Marvel Rivals, and how you can avoid them to start winning more games.
1. Not Changing Heroes During the Match
One of the biggest mistakes in Marvel Rivals is locking into a hero at the start of the match and sticking with them the entire game. Many players don’t realize that you can change your hero after you die without any penalties, even in ranked mode. This flexibility can be crucial for adapting to the flow of the game.
For example, if you’re defending an objective and need a tank like Penny Parker to hold the line, it makes sense to play her. But if the game flips and you need to push forward, switching to a hero like Doctor Strange or Venom, who are better for initiating attacks, can make all the difference. Be sure to change your hero based on the current objective and the needs of your team.
2. Ignoring the Payload Objective
In the Payload mode, where you need to move the payload across the map, many players make the mistake of leaving it unattended. The more players you have near the payload, the faster it moves. If your team gets a squad wipe, be sure to get all players on the payload immediately. Chasing kills instead of sticking to the objective can lead to missed opportunities and a slower payload progress, which could cost you the game.
3. Focusing Too Much on Kills
While hunting down kills can be fun, focusing solely on them often distracts players from the main objectives. Kills do give you an advantage by reducing the enemy’s numbers, but they shouldn’t be your sole focus. Once you’ve secured an objective, it’s crucial to stay near it and keep it progressing rather than leaving it to chase more kills. Remember, objectives win games, not just kills.
4. Targeting the Wrong Enemies
As a duelist, targeting the wrong enemies can waste your efforts. Newer players often focus on tanks because they are in the frontline, but tanks have high sustain and healing support. Instead, you should prioritize enemies like healers or strategists. Taking out a healer first will cripple the enemy team’s ability to sustain, making it easier to deal with other threats later.
Additionally, if an enemy player is on a killing spree, use your assassin characters like Iron Fist or Psylocke to specifically target that player and stop them from carrying the team.
5. Misunderstanding the Front Line and Back Line Roles
Every hero in Marvel Rivals has a specific role to play on the front or back lines. As a tank, you should be leading the charge in the front line, absorbing damage and enabling your team to push forward. Duelists should position themselves behind the tanks, dealing damage while being ready to escape if necessary. Healers, on the other hand, should stay in the back line, providing support and healing to teammates. Understanding and respecting these roles is vital to maintaining a cohesive team strategy.
6. Wasting Your Ultimate Ability
Ultimates in Marvel Rivals can be game-changers, but many players waste them by using them as soon as they become available. It’s important to time your ultimate usage for maximum impact. Consider the state of the match, your team’s position, and your enemy’s setup before activating your ultimate. Using it prematurely can waste its potential, while using it at the right moment can turn the tide of a battle.
7. Being Stubborn About Your Hero Choice
A common issue in Marvel Rivals is players being overly attached to a specific hero. If you’re in a situation where your team already has too many duelists, don’t be afraid to switch to a support or tank role. Playing other roles can still be enjoyable and rewarding, and it helps balance your team composition. Flexibility is key, and sometimes the best way to win is to step outside your comfort zone and play a role that your team needs.
8. Rushing Back Into the Action After Dying
It’s tempting to jump back into the action immediately after you die, but this can be a huge mistake. Going in alone without your teammates leads to isolated 1v1s or 1v2s, which puts you at a severe disadvantage. Instead, wait for your team to respawn and push together as a unit. Timing your push with your teammates increases your chances of securing objectives and winning the game.
9. Taking the Game Too Seriously
While Marvel Rivals is a competitive game, it’s important to have fun and not take every match too seriously. Getting upset about your teammates’ performance can hurt your own gameplay, and it can make the game less enjoyable for everyone. Keep a positive attitude, focus on improving your own skills, and remember that sometimes it’s just about having fun. If you find that certain players are consistently dragging the team down, try adding players you get along with to form a more reliable squad.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll become a more effective and strategic player in Marvel Rivals. It’s not just about killing enemies; it’s about knowing when to adapt, work with your team, and focus on the objectives. The next time you hop into a match, keep these tips in mind to help you make smarter decisions and start winning more games.