Deadpool’s role in Marvel Rivals is totally unique

Of course Deadpool’s role in Marvel Rivals is completely different from everyone else. He doesn’t fit into anything the Marvel-themed hero shooter’s done yet, as he’s not a Dualist or a Strategist or even a Vanguard. He’s all three. Sometimes. It just depends on the situation.

NetEase showed off Deadpool in a new trailer ahead of the character’s Jan. 16 debut with a tease about how his multirole functions work. Deadpool is singular, so even if you’re playing him as a Vanguard, a teammate can’t also play Deadpool as a Strategist — you’re only allowed one Merc with a Mouth per team. The trailer doesn’t show how or when you can choose his role, but there is another unique element to Deadpool’s kit. Throughout the round, you can level up his skills in some fashion. Whether it increases their power or just unlocks new functions for them isn’t completely clear, though.

What is clear is how Deadpool plays. Regardless of his current role, he uses his dual katanas and dual pistols for melee and ranged combat, respectively — which, from a Vanguard perspective, makes for a refreshing change. Ranged Vanguards like Peni Parker and Doctor Strange have no melee options (aside from quick attacks), and melee characters such as Angela are at a loss if their targets are far away. Even better, it looks like Deadpool can occasionally increase his attack speed, shaking up Rivals‘ slower, more methodical fight cadence in characteristically unpredictable bursts.

As a Strategist, Deadpool’s ranged shots and sword slashes provide healing, though, from the trailer at least, it doesn’t seem like he’s packing fancier moves like Gambit that prevent healing for foes and boost it for allies.

Deadpool’s debut is part of Marvel Rivals season 6 and its Night at the Museum theme. Alongside the new hero is a fresh convoy map, Museum of Contemplation, which you can see NetEase showing off in Deadpool’s trailer.