I can’t stress this enough: Marvel Rivals has a serious tank problem, and it’s making high-ranked matches unbearable.
I usually play solo in Ranked, but I don’t mind teaming up for duos or trios when needed. However, as I climbed to Celestial 3, I noticed a glaring issue—very few players are actually good at playing tanks.
I’ve been a tank main since Season 0, and with over 2,000 hours of Overwatch 2 as Winston and Reinhardt, I’d say I know my way around the role. But in Marvel Rivals, it seems like no one is bothering to learn how tanks actually work.
As a Magneto and Doctor Strange main, I constantly see the struggles of solo tanking. And when someone finally switches to a second tank to help, they’re often completely ineffective. A quick look at their match history usually confirms it—they’ve never played that hero before. It’s baffling how some players even make it to high ranks.
Just Learn Tanks
The problem is simple—everyone wants to be a Duelist (DPS). And it makes sense; getting kills and popping off is an easy dopamine rush. But tanking is a completely different game. Creating space, zoning out stragglers, and protecting your team—these responsibilities don’t come naturally to most Duelists, which is why tanking plays such a crucial role in hero-based games.
Start Small
If you really want to improve in Marvel Rivals, the best way is to learn multiple roles. Tanking enhances game awareness, giving you a completely different perspective on how fights unfold. That’s why I’m encouraging instalock Duelists to try at least one tank.
There are plenty of tank choices to fit different playstyles, and you don’t have to jump into Ranked right away. Start small—win some, lose some, and learn. Quick Play is a great place to test out Vanguards and find one that suits you. Who knows? You might actually enjoy it.
Higher Win Rate
While some players are pushing for a triple-support meta, the standard 2-2-2 composition still has the highest win rate. If you’re struggling against a three-support team, remember that their lack of damage is your biggest advantage. Having a second tank to control space can easily turn the tide of a match—if they know how to play the role properly.
Unfortunately, even in high ranks like Grandmaster and Celestial, players keep forgetting this. Many want to be the “main character,” so they lock in a Duelist. Tanks don’t get highlight reels or flashy kill streaks—they just quietly do their job and make winning possible.
So yes, Marvel Rivals has a tank problem, and it’s time more players step up. Who knows? Maybe Season 2’s next hero will be the long-rumored Emma Frost as a Vanguard—and you’ll wish you had tank experience when she drops.