Stephen Strange stands out as the most talked-about character since Marvel Rivals was in its beta phase. His portal ability gained quite a reputation, sparking some viral clips of him tricking opponents into walking right off the map just after spawning. This clever use of his skills is a small glimpse into why he’s such an intriguing tank character; the freedom to experiment with him is almost limitless compared to others on the roster.
At his core, Doctor Strange excels defensively, with a shield reminiscent of Reinhardt’s, forming a formidable wall to protect multiple teammates at once. Pair this with his mobility, which is enhanced by his ability to fly, and you find yourself with a shutdown powerhouse capable of countering the game’s most daunting threats. If your enemy’s Hela is gearing up to unleash a potentially devastating ultimate, you can fly close to interrupt her, raise your shield, and give your team crucial seconds to seek cover. Faced with overwhelming pressure from an enemy team that’s pinning you down at spawn? Doctor Strange can open a portal and orchestrate an ambush from behind. And let’s not forget the brilliant mind games his portals can play on opponents; they can lead enemies unknowingly into a bottomless pit or trap them in an endless loop right outside their spawn doors.
Doctor Strange brings a level of excitement that’s vital for keeping Marvel Rivals engaging. NetEase, so far, has allowed players to explore and exploit these clever tactics over the game’s initial month. For the sake of its enduring appeal, here’s hoping that Doctor Strange continues to be one of the most innovative and experimental heroes in the lineup.
