Marvel Rivals is packed with some of the most iconic heroes and villains from Marvel Comics, but not all characters are chosen equally. Some dominate the pick rate charts, either because of their strength, fun factor, or fan-favorite status. Whether it's a strategist keeping the team alive, a vanguard soaking up damage, or a duelist going in for the kill, certain heroes are must-picks in nearly every match. Here’s a look at the 10 most-picked heroes in Marvel Rivals, ranked from least to most selected. If you keep seeing these names pop up in your matches, now you know why.
The Punisher
The Punisher isn't here for flashy powers or fancy gadgets; he's here to shoot things, and that's exactly what many players want. His grappling hook allows for quick repositioning, his smoke grenade provides cover, and he becomes a menace in turret mode. Armed with both a rifle and a shotgun, he's ready for any range. Essentially, he's the generic COD-like character you'll find in every hero shooter.
Mantis
Mantis might not be the flashiest character, but healers win games, and she has one of the best kits for keeping her team alive. Her healing combines burst and consistent healing, making her an excellent healer. Additionally, she can boost damage for herself or her teammates, adding offensive utility. She can also fend off divers with her sleep grenade, which, as the name suggests, puts opponents to sleep.
Winter Soldier
Winter Soldier isn't here to heal or protect the team—he's here to eliminate threats. His grapple arm pulls enemies in for a brutal uppercut, his explosive shotgun can delete opponents up close, and his ultimate chains into itself if he gets a kill, allowing him to go on rampages. The "AGAIN!" voice line is a testament to his devastating power.
His high pick rate is understandable. As a Duelist, he appeals to those who enjoy high-risk, high-reward characters. With a decent skill ceiling, he's accessible to beginners yet offers room for improvement as players gain experience.
Magneto
Magneto is one of the most versatile vanguards in the game, which is why he's so popular. He can shield himself and allies, deal massive AOE damage, and even team up with Scarlet Witch to unleash devastating sword slashes. His ultimate can absorb projectiles, countering other ults like The Punisher’s and Star Lord’s.
Players likely pick him often because he excels at both offense and defense, fitting into nearly any team composition. He's not just a tank; he's a disruptor. If you enjoy causing chaos while staying nearly unkillable, Magneto is a top pick.
Moon Knight
Moon Knight has one of the highest skill ceilings in the game, but that doesn't deter players from picking him frequently. He boasts tons of movement, hits hard, and his ankh enables crazy combos. His unique kit means skilled Moon Knight players can carry games, though less skilled ones may struggle.
His high pick rate is understandable; he's fun, flashy, and incredibly strong when mastered. He's one of those characters where players can feel themselves improving, which is addictive.
Luna Snow
Luna Snow is a healer who loves to ice skate on the battlefield, offering a fantastic combination of offense and defense. She can deal significant damage while healing both herself and her team. Her ultimate makes her and her teammates temporarily invincible, a crucial tool for saving the team from dangerous situations.
She's a favorite among support players because she's not just a passive healer—she actively impacts fights while keeping her team alive.
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange isn't just powerful; he's a strategic powerhouse. He can block ultimates, teleport, and zone enemies with his spells, controlling the entire battlefield when played well.
His high pick rate is easy to explain: he's fun, powerful, and somewhat broken. Doctor Strange's shield is his most potent ability, absorbing a lot of damage. Even if it's broken, he can get it back up in just three seconds. His survivability is also top-notch; when low on health, he can pop his shield and disengage while his healer restores him to full health.
Doctor Strange has quickly become one of the go-to tanks in Ranked due to these attributes.
Invisible Woman
Invisible Woman is one of the first new heroes added post-launch, which naturally boosts pick rates. However, her strength is undeniable—her barriers, stealth, and supportive abilities make her an incredible strategist pick.
Part of her popularity is the new character hype, but she's also well-designed. She brings team utility, protection, and sneaky plays, making her a great pick for both casual and competitive players.
Cloak & Dagger
Cloak & Dagger is perhaps the most unique character in Marvel Rivals, and players love that. You can swap between Cloak (a stealthy, crowd-controlling menace) and Dagger (a high-damage support) at will, meaning you're never stuck in one role.
This versatility makes them one of the most picked characters in the game. Whether you're shutting down enemies with Cloak’s debuffs or keeping the team alive with Dagger’s healing, you're always useful. The fact that they're essentially two characters in one makes them even better.
Rocket Raccoon
Rocket Raccoon is the most-picked hero in the entire game, and it's easy to see why. He's a DPS-strategist hybrid, not just dealing damage but also keeping his team alive. His healing bubbles, ammo stations, and revive ability make him incredibly useful in any team.
What makes Rocket so great is his versatility. Need healing? He's got it. Need utility? He's got it. Need damage? He's got it. And on top of all that, he's got one of the best personalities in the game.