Team-ups in Marvel Rivals are a core gameplay feature that sets it apart from other PvP hero shooters. By pairing specific heroes, players can unlock exclusive abilities that range from enhanced defensive buffs to devastating offensive moves. Each team-up revolves around an anchor hero, whose presence activates bonuses for their partnered heroes, creating exciting synergies rooted in Marvel’s rich lore.
For example, when Invisible Woman serves as the anchor for the Fantastic Four, she grants Mr. Fantastic, Human Torch, and The Thing access to additional shields. This reflects her protective abilities and the team’s iconic bond. Other team-ups, while not always as lore-driven, are designed to complement each hero’s skills, encouraging players to experiment with combinations to find the perfect match for their playstyle.
Strategic Depth of Team-Ups
The team-up system pushes players to think beyond individual hero selection. Choosing the right anchor and supporting heroes can significantly impact a match, as these combinations amplify strengths and cover weaknesses. Effective team-ups require coordination, rewarding squads that communicate and align their strategies. This mechanic adds a layer of depth, making Marvel Rivals a game where teamwork and planning are just as crucial as sharp reflexes.
Season 2 Team-Up Roster
As of May 2025, Marvel Rivals is in its second season, bringing a refreshed lineup of team-ups that evolve with each season. Below is a breakdown of the current team-ups, their anchor heroes, and the unique abilities they unlock:
- Allied Agents (Black Widow and Hawkeye): Hawkeye enhances Black Widow’s vision, allowing her to spot and damage enemy afterimages.
- Ammo Overload (The Punisher and Rocket Raccoon): Rocket Raccoon tosses an Ammo Overload device, boosting The Punisher’s firepower.
- Arcane Order (Scarlet Witch and Doctor Strange): Doctor Strange empowers Scarlet Witch, swapping her Chthonian Burst for a Mystic Burst.
- Atlas Bond (Iron Fist and Luna Snow): Iron Fist infuses Luna Snow’s ice powers with Chi, creating a frost ring for crowd control.
- Chilling Charisma (Luna Snow and Jeff the Land Shark): Luna Snow shares her icy abilities, letting Jeff spit frozen projectiles at foes.
- Dimensional Shortcut (Magik and Black Panther): Black Panther taps into Magik’s Limbo to rewind to a previous position.
- ESU Alumnus (Squirrel Girl and Spider-Man): Spider-Man equips Squirrel Girl with a web bomb for explosive attacks.
- Fantastic Four (Invisible Woman, Mr. Fantastic, Human Torch, The Thing): Invisible Woman bolsters her teammates with psionic shields.
- Fastball Special (The Thing, Hulk, Wolverine): Hulk or The Thing can hurl Wolverine forward for a devastating strike.
- Gamma Charge (Iron Man, Hulk, Namor): Hulk infuses Iron Man and Namor with gamma energy for enhanced attacks.
- Guardian Revival (Adam Warlock, Star-Lord, Mantis): Adam Warlock grants cocooned revival to his allies.
- Lunar Force (Moon Knight and Cloak & Dagger): Cloak & Dagger’s light and dark energy lets Moon Knight heal and turn invisible.
- Mental Projection (Emma Frost, Magneto, Psylocke): Emma Frost links minds, enabling illusory projections for her allies.
- Planet X Pals (Groot, Rocket Raccoon, Jeff the Land Shark): Groot shields Rocket and Jeff, reducing their damage taken.
- Ragnarok Rebirth (Thor, Hela, Loki): Hela can instantly revive Thor and Loki or grant bonus health.
- Stars Aligned (Captain America and Winter Soldier): Winter Soldier slams the ground, and together they unleash a shockwave.
- Storming Ignition (Human Torch and Storm): Their combined powers create fiery tornadoes and hurricanes.
- Symbiote Bond (Venom, Spider-Man, Peni Parker): Venom’s symbiote enhances Spider-Man and Peni Parker’s abilities.
What’s New in Season 2?
Season 2 introduces Arcane Overload and Stars Aligned as brand-new team-ups, while Ammo Overload, Chilling Charisma, Dimensional Shortcut, and Gamma Charge have been revamped. Notably, Winter Soldier was removed from Ammo Overload, Namor from Chilling Charisma, Psylocke from Dimensional Shortcut, and Doctor Strange from Gamma Charge. Two team-ups, Metallic Chaos and Voltaic Union, were retired entirely. These changes keep the game fresh, and NetEase is likely to introduce more team-ups with new heroes in future seasons, ensuring evolving strategies and exciting gameplay.
Why Team-Ups Keep Gamers Hooked
Team-ups are a game-changer for Marvel Rivals, offering a unique edge in the crowded hero shooter market. By blending Marvel lore with strategic gameplay, NetEase keeps matches dynamic and engaging. Whether players prefer the raw power of Gamma Charge or the tactical illusions of Mental Projection, team-ups cater to diverse playstyles. As new seasons roll out, expect more creative pairings and abilities to keep the battlefield unpredictable.