MarvelGetting the right team setup for Marvel Rivals can be the difference between a win and a loss, but a lack of Vanguard players makes getting the balance right difficult. Many are hoping the debut of The Thing on February 21 could help spark more interest in the role.
When it comes to character preference in Marvel Rivals, the Duelist role has dominated as a general favorite. The ability to hit hard and fast with a balance between ranged and close combat draws players to characters like Psylocke, Scarlet Witch, and Star-Lord among others.
Unfortunately, this leaves roles like Support and Vanguard in the woods, despite their importance to the match. It has become a well-known meme that those who play Vanguard will likely be doing it solo, leaving it all on one person to throw the heaviest punches.
Despite the lack of popularity so far, some are hopeful The Thing’s debut could change the tides, ending the solo career of current Vanguard masters.
Players fear being “forever Tanks”
In a post shared to the r/MarvelRivals sub Reddit, one player has brought the issue into question, wondering if The Thing’s debut could invigorate Tank-curious players, or burn out after the hype dies down.
Vanguard players in the comments were quick to share their personal feelings, with one stating, “Thankless a** job at this point,” and another adding, “I will stand on Solo Tanking being the least fun you can have while playing Rivals. Even when my team is winning my fingers hurt and my eyes are watery and tired.”
In another post, the original commentator stated, “For the love of god, tanks mains are people too! don’t let us solo tank, end our suffering!”
Players in the comments expressed their desire to Tank, citing a lack of character options as a large reason for choosing not to. One added, “I want to tank more. I love playing Thor and I love playing Hulk. I’ve even developed a fondness for Captain America.”
This has led some to speculate that the addition of The Thing could change the tides. While the big hero doesn’t have vertical mobility, making him an easier target for the more agile characters, he does offer a different slew of abilities that make him appealing.
While some are hopeful The Thing’s arrival will improve the fate of solo-tankers, others are worried the novelty of a new option will wear off, leaving the same Vanguard experts holding up the load for Vanguard and Duelist players. However, if The Thing does change the meta up, it could be the call needed to get more Tank options added to Marvel Rivals in the future.
