Marvel Rivals
What Is a Vanguard in Marvel Rivals?
The tank role in Marvel Rivals: heroes with high health and ways to block damage who lead pushes and protect the team.
What is a Vanguard in Marvel Rivals?
Vanguard is the tank role in Marvel Rivals. Vanguards have more health and ways to block or reduce damage, for themselves or allies. Their job is to hold the front line, create space for the team and lead the fight for the objective. Examples include Hulk, Captain America, Doctor Strange and Magneto.
What a Vanguard does
- Take space: move forward so your team can follow and stand on the objective.
- Protect allies: shields, barriers and crowd control keep your damage dealers and healers alive.
- Start fights: many Vanguards can dive in or lock down enemies so the team can follow up.
- Absorb pressure: drawing enemy attention gives the rest of the team time to play.
How the three roles fit together
| Role | Main job |
|---|---|
| Vanguard | Front line, space and protection |
| Duelist | Damage and eliminations |
| Strategist | Healing, support and fight-winning ultimates |
Example
Your team is pushing the payload. As a Vanguard, you walk in front with your shield up, absorbing damage while your Strategists heal you and your Duelists pick off enemies who step out to shoot you.
Playing Vanguard well
Good Vanguards don’t just soak damage. They choose when to push and when to retreat, watch their cooldowns and stay close enough for healers to reach them. Some Team-Up Abilities also make Vanguards stronger with the right partner. For help with positioning and decision-making, our Marvel Rivals coaches can review your games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vanguard the same as a tank?
Yes. Vanguard is Marvel Rivals’ name for the tank role.
Do I need a Vanguard on my team?
Most teams play at least one, because without a front line it is hard to take space or hold the objective, but compositions vary.