Marvel Rivals is Lagging Behind Overwatch 2 in a Key Area…

Given their immense similarities, it’s no wonder that Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals are constantly pit against one another. When comparing the two games, it quickly becomes clear that the titles have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, Marvel Rivals has an obvious edge when it comes to its cadence of releases, as new heroes drop every month, and its free event skins are usually of higher quality. Overwatch 2, on the other hand, boasts smoother core gameplay alongside extra depth via its character perks and Stadium builds. Many players also feel its Supports are superior to Marvel Rivals’ Strategists, though this gap doesn’t have to exist if NetEase addresses some key issues.

What’s Wrong With Marvel Rivals’ Strategists?

The most obvious problem with Marvel Rivals’ Strategists, and something that all players have undoubtedly heard being brought up, is that a vast majority of their Ultimate abilities function the exact same. Specifically, the following heroes essentially just provide a large area of healing when they trigger their strongest ability:

Mantis
Luna Snow
Cloak and Dagger
Invisible Woman
Mantis

Additionally, there is Rocket Raccoon’s Ultimate, which provides consistent healing to those who stay close to the device alongside a damage boost, meaning it's bordering on being part of the same camp. Jeff the Land Shark’s Ultimate was previously the most unique Ultimate in the Strategist category, as it sees him eating allies and enemies alike, healing the former while damaging the latter (and often taking everyone off a ledge for a big multi-kill). However, after Marvel Rivals’ Season 4 update, Jeff now leaves a healing pool behind where he activated his Ult, making it feel just like all the others. As such, it’s really just Ultron and Adam Warlock with distinct Ultimates now — though both are essentially Overwatch copies. Ultron’s empowered blasts heal and damage like Moira, while Warlock’s is a version of Mercy’s old resurrect ability.

While Loki’s Ultimate is technically unique, as it’s a reverse Echo Ult from Overwatch where he copies an enemy, everyone simply uses it to copy an enemy Strategist due to the value their boring healing Ultimates provide. This means these types of Ults that drag out fights and stop the action in its place are seen even more.

Marvel Rivals reveals gameplay of Loki's Robe of Relaxation skin.

Sadly, the problems extend beyond just repetitive Ultimate design, as Strategists in Marvel Rivals largely lack impactful abilities outside their Ultimates. While Overwatch 2 heroes boast game-changing powers like Ana’s sleep dart and grenade or Baptiste’s immortality field, Marvel Rivals’ Strategists provide the most value by heal-botting. Healing in Marvel Rivals is so incredibly strong that unless someone is flanking with Loki or sniping with Adam Warlock, the only time a Strategist is really encouraged to fight is to defend themselves in one-on-one duels. Ultimately, this sees characters like Cloak and Dagger and Invisible Woman feeling very similar despite their different kits, as both are stuck pumping out heals into their allies for a vast majority of their games.

Marvel Rivals’ Most Unique Strategists Show The Role Can Still Thrive

Despite these major issues, there are things to praise within Marvel Rivals’ Strategist category. Conceptually, the idea of Cloak and Dagger is incredible, as two characters in one is something that even Overwatch didn’t tackle despite being on the market for several years before Marvel Rivals came to be. Loki’s deception-focused kit is refreshing, too, as is Jeff’s ability to dive underground and strategize bursts of healing via his placed bubbles. These sparks of brilliance are unfortunately underappreciated due to how formulaic playing Strategist can feel in Marvel Rivals, as players lack the room for skill expression that they have when playing support in Overwatch 2.

Realistically, Marvel Rivals could use a complete overhaul for damage and healing numbers so that Strategists have the wiggle room to pursue kills. In Overwatch 2, healing prolongs fights and rarely wins them, as characters like Kiriko and even the new Support Wuyang are encouraged to go for bold eliminations whenever they see a window. If that doesn’t happen, though, then at the very least, more varied Ultimate abilities and increasingly impactful base abilities would be good to see. Hopefully, NetEase hears the criticisms fans have about Strategists in Marvel Rivals, as they're problems that can and should be fixed. If they are, then one of the big complaints about Marvel Rivals will fade away entirely, bringing it one step closer to reclaiming its spot on top of the mountain.

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