Marvel Rivals introduces a roster full of dynamic heroes, but few are as versatile and impactful as the Winter Soldier. Also known as Bucky, this formidable character scales in strength based on how skillfully he’s used, offering high returns for players who can maximize his abilities. His toolkit is adaptable to nearly any team setup, and his ultimate can swing battles in dramatic fashion.
Strategic Role And Playstyle
Bucky shines when played as a mid-range disruptor who trails just behind frontline tanks. Rather than diving into the chaos headfirst, his value comes from creating openings, isolating threats, and punishing fragile backline targets. Winter Soldier is particularly effective at pulling aerial enemies to the ground, peeling aggressive foes off your team’s Strategists, and helping to dismantle coordinated enemy pushes.
To make the most of his abilities, it’s essential to focus on synergy and timing. Use the Bionic Hook to yank high-priority enemies into danger, then follow up with Trooper’s Fist or Tainted Voltage to finish them off or set up kills. Once the Kraken Impact ultimate is charged, it becomes a game-changer — and potentially a game-ender.
Combat Rhythm And Target Priority
A strong approach when controlling Winter Soldier involves constantly cycling through skills and using his weapon to chip away at soft targets. His ultimate works best on weakened enemies, so it’s important to first pick off isolated damage-dealers before turning your attention to tankier foes.
Start by eliminating squishy characters out of formation — such as DPS or support roles — and finish by helping clean up remaining frontliners. This step-by-step approach not only builds momentum but also maximizes Bucky’s potential to reset his ultimate and keep the pressure on.
Deep Dive Into Winter Soldier’s Abilities
Here’s a breakdown of what makes Winter Soldier’s toolkit so effective:
Kraken Impact (Ultimate)
This iconic ability allows Bucky to leap into the air and smash into a selected location, applying a lethal death mark on hit targets. Enemies whose health drops into the critical zone will instantly be eliminated, recharging Bucky’s ultimate on the spot. If timed right, this can be chained repeatedly, making him a devastating force. The effect is both visual and psychological — the sound cue is audible map-wide, signaling his reign of terror has begun.
Roterstern (Primary Fire)
His rifle launches explosive rounds in bursts of three, dealing minor splash damage. What’s remarkable is how every skill used instantly reloads the gun, letting players cycle through combat without interruption. Its rapid reload and high efficiency make it ideal for steady pressure.
Trooper’s Fist
This gap-closing melee punch launches enemies upward, enabling easy combos or follow-ups from teammates. It’s best used on weakened or retreating enemies, closing the distance to deliver the finishing blow.
Tainted Voltage
A precision projectile that slows enemies on impact. When used against airborne opponents, it forces them to land, exposing them to ground attacks. It’s particularly useful against fliers like Iron Man or Storm, helping even the odds in air-heavy matchups.
Bionic Hook
Arguably Bucky’s standout ability, this hook can snatch enemies (or multiple targets) and pull them directly into danger. Ideal for isolating enemy Vanguards or disrupting support lines, it’s especially powerful when combined with environmental or team-based traps — for instance, setting up barriers with Groot to trap and finish enemies efficiently. It also interacts with portals and mobile characters, letting Bucky neutralize elusive threats like Magik, Spider-Man, or Black Panther.
Ceaseless Charge (Passive)
Bucky’s passive enhances his staying power. Each use of his bionic arm skills restores ammo and grants bonus health, creating a strong incentive to weave abilities into every fight. Rather than reloading manually, players should rotate through skills to maintain pressure while gaining survivability.
Final Thoughts On Using Winter Soldier
In skilled hands, Winter Soldier is more than just a damage-dealer — he’s a battlefield manipulator who punishes mistakes and punishes hesitation. With tools that blend offensive bursts, enemy control, and durability, he fits into any lineup while offering one of the strongest ultimates available.
When played with coordination and focus, Bucky can completely shift the tempo of a match. Mastering him requires understanding positioning, target priority, and combo timing — but for those willing to learn, he’s one of the most rewarding heroes in Marvel Rivals.