8 Best Tank Heroes In Marvel Rivals

With a roster of 33 heroes available at launch, deciding who to play in Marvel Rivals can feel overwhelming. Players not only have to pick the role that suits their playstyle—be it Vanguard, Duelist, or Strategist—but also invest time mastering each hero to find their perfect match.

Each hero brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the battlefield. While some shine with raw durability, others excel in utility or damage output. This list focuses on the Vanguard heroes, the tanks, ranking them based on their ease of use, learning curve, and overall effectiveness in the current meta. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player looking to switch things up, we’ve got you covered with the top tank heroes to dominate the arena. Let’s dive in!

#8: Peni Parker

Peni Parker brings a unique flair to the tank role, especially for fans of mecha-inspired characters. Interestingly, she doesn’t directly pilot her mech but instead relies on its abilities to control the battlefield. Peni excels in area denial, deploying webs that spawn spiderbots to damage enemies and heal herself over time.

Her ultimate ability is a game-changer for reclaiming objectives. It pushes enemies away while flooding the area with webs, mines, and spiderbots, creating chaos and securing control. While she’s an incredibly fun hero to play, Peni isn’t the best choice for anchoring a team as the primary frontline tank. Instead, she shines as a utility hero, disrupting opponents and supporting her allies in creative ways.

#7: Captain America

As one of Marvel’s most iconic heroes, Captain America is a natural choice for players seeking a familiar face in the Vanguard role. This melee-range tank wields his signature shield with versatility, using it to block incoming attacks and protect his teammates. He can also throw the shield to deal damage, perform a charging dash to close gaps, and create an area that boosts movement speed and provides healing.

Captain America thrives in specific team setups, especially those with strong healers who can support his bold, aggressive playstyle. However, without adequate healing or backup, he may struggle to hold objectives against a relentless barrage from enemy Duelists. Despite this, his ability to lead the charge and shield his allies makes him a solid pick for those who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay.

#6: Thor

Thor might not have the largest health pool among the Vanguards, but don’t let that fool you—this Asgardian powerhouse can wreak havoc on the enemy’s backline. Thanks to his quick dashes and high close-to-mid-range damage, Thor excels at disrupting enemy formations. Each of his abilities provides temporary shields, compensating for his smaller base health and allowing him to stay in the fight longer.

Thor’s ultimate ability is a game-changer, capable of dealing massive damage across a large area, making it perfect for clearing objectives or turning the tide of a battle. However, he shines brightest with a well-coordinated team. His playstyle demands commitment, as diving headfirst into the enemy can leave him vulnerable to being overwhelmed if backup isn’t readily available. Thor is an excellent pick for players who love high-impact, aggressive tactics and thrive in organized team environments.

#5: Magneto

Magneto stands out as a unique blend of Vanguard and Duelist, offering ranged attacks that pack a serious punch alongside abilities that manipulate magnetic energy to create shields for himself and his team. His ultimate ability, a devastating meteor attack, deals massive damage across a wide area and has the added bonus of letting players block enemy attacks during its charge-up animation, adding both offense and defense in one move.

However, Magneto’s slower movement speed and difficulty handling close-quarters combat can put him at a disadvantage, especially against melee-focused tanks. When paired with Scarlet Witch, his melee capabilities are significantly enhanced, partially addressing this weakness. Still, without the right support or strategy, Magneto may find it challenging to hold his own against more agile or close-combat-focused heroes. He’s a powerful pick for players who enjoy strategic ranged gameplay and excel at timing their abilities for maximum impact.

#4: Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange is a ranged Vanguard with a straightforward playstyle, making him a great choice for players looking for a hero with both utility and damage potential. His abilities focus on protecting his team, such as shielding allies by positioning himself strategically and using his portal ability to teleport teammates across the battlefield for quick repositioning. His main attack deals respectable damage, and his ability to float makes him a persistent nuisance for opponents trying to pin him down.

However, Doctor Strange comes with a unique drawback: his dark magic build-up. Each attack increases a meter that, if maxed out, triggers an anti-healing state, leaving him highly vulnerable. Players need to manage this bar carefully by using his E ability to reset it before it fills up. While this mechanic requires attention, it adds a layer of strategy to an already versatile and impactful Vanguard, making Doctor Strange a solid pick for players who enjoy supporting their team while staying active in the fight.

#3: Bruce Banner / The Hulk

Bruce Banner offers a unique playstyle as one of the few heroes with multiple forms, making him a standout Vanguard option. Players begin as Bruce Banner, a fragile character whose primary goal is to survive until they can activate “Puny Banner,” transforming into Hero Hulk—a powerful melee tank with formidable abilities.

Hero Hulk thrives in close combat, dealing heavy damage and absorbing punishment for his team. His ultimate ability allows him to further transform into Monster Hulk, a massive, unstoppable force with a grab ability capable of neutralizing a single enemy entirely. Monster Hulk’s sheer health pool and crowd-control potential make him a nightmare for opponents on the battlefield.

However, mastering Bruce Banner’s three forms comes with a steep learning curve. Players must carefully manage transitions and maximize the effectiveness of each form, as being forced back into the vulnerable Banner state can leave both the player and their team exposed. Despite these challenges, Bruce Banner and his hulking transformations are an excellent choice for players seeking a versatile and rewarding tank experience.

#2: Groot

Groot stands out as the sturdiest Vanguard in Marvel Rivals, boasting an impressive 700 health—significantly more than most heroes in his category. His tanky nature perfectly complements his ability-based playstyle, which focuses on creating walls to control the battlefield. Groot excels at dividing enemy forces, blocking off critical paths, and securing objectives by manipulating the terrain to his team’s advantage.

Groot’s ultimate ability is a game-changer, capable of wiping out an entire enemy team if timed correctly. By activating it when opponents are grouped together, Groot can turn the tide of battle in an instant. His toolkit makes him a quintessential tank, excelling in crowd control and defense.

However, Groot’s primary weakness lies in his lack of mobility. With no movement-based abilities and a slow base speed, he can struggle to rejoin the fight quickly after being taken down. This downtime can leave his team vulnerable in his absence. Despite this drawback, Groot remains an exceptional choice for players seeking a tank that can dominate the battlefield through strategic positioning and raw durability.

#1: Venom

Venom secures the top spot as the most effective Vanguard in Marvel Rivals, thanks to his impressive versatility and raw power. With a high health pool and a potent main attack that has surprising critical strike potential at mid-range, Venom thrives in almost any situation. His swing ability allows him to leap into the heart of battle from nearly anywhere, making him a constant threat to enemy backlines.

Venom’s survivability is further enhanced by his E ability and ultimate, both of which grant him bonus health. The E scales based on his missing health, while his ultimate rewards him with additional durability as he deals damage. This self-sustaining mechanic makes him incredibly hard to eliminate once he’s in the fray, especially when paired with supportive Strategists or aggressive Duelists who can capitalize on his explosive entries.

Venom’s combination of mobility, durability, and offensive power makes him a nightmare for opponents and a vital asset for any team. His ability to disrupt enemy formations while remaining a tough target to take down cements his position as the premier Vanguard hero in the game.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tank hero in Marvel Rivals can make or break your team’s success. Each Vanguard brings unique abilities and playstyles to the battlefield, offering a variety of options depending on your team composition and strategy. From Venom’s relentless aggression and survivability to Groot’s unparalleled durability and crowd control, these heroes excel in their roles while shaping the flow of the game.

Whether you’re a fan of ranged specialists like Doctor Strange, crowd-controlling giants like Groot, or versatile powerhouses like Venom, there’s a tank hero that matches your preferred playstyle. Experimenting with these heroes will not only enhance your experience but also elevate your impact in every match. Dive in, try them out, and discover which Vanguard feels like the perfect fit for your Marvel Rivals journey!