Torch Hero, otherwise known as the Human Torch, is a high-mobility damage dealer specializing in ranged fire-based attacks. Since the character is a Duelist fundamentally, he excels with DPS. Through his playstyle, he keeps enemies at bay, dealing consistent burn damage over time and using his superior mobility to reposition when needed.
Unlike Vanguard heroes like The Thing or Magneto, Torch Hero is not meant to be on the front lines. Instead, the character excels in flanking his opponents or dealing damage to them from a distance. Read on to learn more about how to capitalize on his attributes.
How to Play as Torch Hero in Marvel Rivals
To play Torch Hero effectively, it’s crucial to stay on the move. His abilities allow him to dash around the battlefield, making him difficult to target while continuously dealing damage. Positioning is everything, as staying too close to enemies can make him vulnerable due to his lower durability.
Finally, Johnny has abilities that allow him to engage quickly and escape tricky situations, alongside the attributes to stay airborne for prolonged periods of time. Mastering his mobility will make the difference between being a major offensive threat or an early elimination.
Using Torch Hero’s Abilities to Your Advantage
As mentioned before, Johnny’s strength lies in his mobility and ranged attacks. Here are a few abilities that he capitalizes on to achieve his ultimate playstyle.
1. Blazing Shots (Primary Attack)
Blazing Shots is Johnny’s Primary Attack, where he fires consistent balls of fire at his enemies. The longer he uses this ability, the stronger it gets. That being said, being strategic about it is crucial, as consistent usage leads to a brief cooldown period.
2. Inferno Burst (Secondary Attack)
Inferno Burst is the Torch Hero’s Secondary Attack. Being AoE (Area of Damage) in nature, this is where Johnny uses a burst of flame to deal damage to his enemies over a wide-spread area. It’s best to use the Inferno Burst when there are multiple opponents close to each other.
3. Scorched Dash
As the name suggests, the Scorched Dash is an ability that aids the Torch Hero with his mobility. Through Dash, Johnny’s able to quickly propel forward in a trail of fire, damaging and lighting his opponents on the way. Because of its nature, it’s best to use this ability to reposition quickly, close gaps with your opponents, or retreat from critical situations where your life’s on the line.
4. Flame Ascend
As the name suggests, this is where the Torch Hero ascends into the air, gaining a significant height advantage over his enemies for a brief period. Ideal for players looking to reposition.
5. Supernova (Ultimate Ability)
Supernova is the Torch Hero’s Ultimate ability. Due to its nature, it’s considered to be one of his most potent ones, being able to quickly turn the tide in his favor. Here, Johnny Storm releases an explosive ball of fire which deals AoE damage to his enemies, quickly depleting their health bar and laying waste to their offensive strategies.
To be fatal, though, it is best to use Supernova when your enemies and opponents are clustered together. You can also use it in critical situations.
6. Burning Ember (Passive Ability)
Burning Ember is Johnny’s Passive, where he’s able to enhance his movement speed by dealing consistent damage to his enemies. Through Ember, he can quickly reposition, flank, or escape dangerous situations on the battlefield.
Best Strategies for Playing Torch Hero
The first thing to be careful of is your positioning. Since you have to ideally keep a distance from your enemies by leveraging your attributes and mobility, it is best to not stay in one place for a prolonged period. To achieve this objective efficiently, use abilities like Scorched Dash.
With your fire attacks, it’s relatively easier to harm your opponents. With the added bonus of Johnny being ranged, it’s efficient to become potent quickly. When trying to deal damage, it is best to open up your offensive strategy with the Blazing Shots. Remember not to use the ability constantly, as it may lead to a temporary cooldown.
When the going gets tough (since you’re not a huge fan of durability when playing as Johnny), it’s best to revert to abilities like Scorched Dash or Flame Ascend to quickly escape and reposition. Being wary of your health bar is vital, as you don’t begin with much health when playing as the Torch Hero.
Finally, time your Supernova well. Try to acquire strategic positions on the map where you’re exposed to all your enemies’ whereabouts. This way, you’ll know when they’re close to each other, allowing you the golden opportunity of activating Supernova.
Best Torch Hero Team-Ups in Marvel Rivals
Torch Hero works best with allies who can support his high-speed playstyle, offer crowd control to keep enemies in place, or provide healing to sustain him in battle. Here are the best heroes to pair with him:
1. Mister Fantastic
Mister Fantastic’s crowd control abilities help Torch Hero land more consistent attacks, making them a great duo. His long-range attacks also provide backup when Torch Hero needs to reposition.
2. Invisible Woman
Invisible Woman’s shields and defensive abilities provide Torch Hero with much-needed protection, allowing him to engage in fights more aggressively without worrying about his low durability.
3. Storm
Both Storm and Torch Hero excel at ranged attacks and area denial. Their elemental synergy makes them an excellent combination, capable of covering large portions of the battlefield with fire and lightning.