7 tips to dominate as a Vanguard in Marvel Rivals

If you want to rise as a formidable Vanguard in Marvel Rivals, you must think beyond the basics. The Vanguard class shines by absorbing damage, holding the frontlines, and creating opportunities for your teammates to capitalize on. Whether you're a newcomer or trying to take your tanking skills to the next level, mastering the Vanguard role is crucial to your team's success.

So without further ado, let's check out seven tips to dominate as a Vanguard hero in Marvel Rivals.

Note: The article is subjective and reflects the writer's views.

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7 key tips to dominate as a vanguard in Marvel Rivals

1) Learn to Stay Alive — It’s a Priority

Doctor Strange in Marvel Rivals (Image via NetEase Games)

As a tank, your job is to absorb damage and create space. If you’re the first to go down, your team loses their frontline. Focus on positioning and timing your engagements.

Remember, ultimate abilities like Venom's Feast of the Abyss and Doctor Strange's Eye of the Agamotto are game-changers, so stay alive to use them and dominate as a Vanguard in Marvel Rivals.

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2) Synergize for Battle

Venom and Penny Parker's Interaction (Image via NetEase Games)

It's not just about choosing your favorite character — it's about knowing what works. Some characters shine in certain combos. For example, pairing a tank like Venom with Penny is a solid strategy and they even form a Symbiotic Bond teamup. Venom can dive in burst with his Frenzied Arrival and deal damage, while Penny can set traps with her Bionic Spider-Nest and support.

Understanding team dynamics and pairing effectively can make all the difference in controlling the map.

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3) Hold angles aggressively

Groot's multiple Thornlash Walls (Image via NetEase Games)

Positioning is everything! Learn to hold angles without overcommitting. For example, if you’re playing Groot, you can use Thornlash Wall and Ironwood Wall to secure the capture area while your duelists are upfront.

The key to dominating as a Vanguard in Marvel Rivals is to keep the pressure on while minimizing damage taken.

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4) Know your characters robustly

Magneto's Metallic Curtain (Image via NetEase Games)

Understanding each character’s abilities can shift the battle in your favor. For example, Magneto’s Metallic Curtain can block projectile attacks, making it effective against ranged DPS like Hawkeye. Know the cooldowns — Magneto's shield has a cooldown of 3 seconds.

Similarly, keeping track of Iron Man’s Micro-Missile Barrage cooldowns (which take 8 seconds to charge) will give you insight into when to engage with him and when to play defensively, leveraging interruptions when he's vulnerable.

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5) Take space with your DPS

Widow from Marvel Rivals (Image via NetEase Games)

As a tank, your role is to create opportunities for your DPS. Communicate with your team and call out when you’re ready to push. Use your shield, wall, or big health pool to absorb damage while your DPS follows up. If you see an opening, don’t hesitate to lead the charge.

For example, if your Duelist teammate like Black Widow is sniping from afar, push the front lines to keep the enemy distracted. Communicate your movements well.

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6) Adapt to the map

Groot's Ironwood Wall (Image via NetEase Games)

Not every tank works well on every map. For example, Venom and Doctor Strange work great in an open space with their AOE abilities, but in tight corridors, you might want to switch to Groot, who can wall off incoming fire with Ironwood Wall and protect your backline effectively.

Penny Parker is also a great choice for close combat dominance with her traps. Always be prepared to pivot based on what’s best for the team — flexibility is your ally to dominate as a Vanguard in Marvel rivals!

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7) Practice makes you perfect

We are Venom! (Image via NetEase Games)

Finally, practice is key to dominating as a Vanguard in Marvel Rivals. Spend time in the practice range to hone your skills and learn the nuances of each character. Experiment with different tanks and strategies to find what works best for you.

The more you play, the better you’ll understand the game’s mechanics and your role within it.

Also check out: 5 best Vanguard in Marvel Rivals