Clint Barton, better known as Hawkeye, might be considered just another archer by some, but in Marvel Rivals, he proves to be a formidable force. His precise aim and adaptable playstyle can make all the difference for any squad. To truly shine as Hawkeye, it’s about more than just hitting your mark—it’s about understanding your role and leveraging every tool at your disposal.
Two Winning Strategies for Hawkeye
Hawkeye offers flexibility in how you approach each match. One reliable tactic is to stick close to your team, positioning yourself behind frontline teammates. From this vantage point, he can consistently pressure opponents, focusing fire on enemy Duelists and Strategists. This method keeps Hawkeye safer and allows him to use Crescent Slash to disrupt enemy divers, forcing them to retreat or risk being overwhelmed by your team. At close range, explosive arrows deliver extra punch, making cluster fire a smart choice for clearing out nearby threats.
Alternatively, Hawkeye can adopt a flanking style, venturing off the beaten path to snipe from elevated positions or unexpected angles. This high-risk, high-reward approach demands careful positioning and awareness. Health packs become essential, especially if your healers can’t reach you. While Hawkeye struggles against divers when isolated, a well-timed flank can net crucial eliminations before rejoining the group.
Hawkeye’s Ultimate: The Game-Changer
Hawkeye’s ultimate ability, Hunter’s Sight, is a true tide-turner. Activating it reveals after-images of moving enemies, and each arrow that connects with these images or the original target stacks damage. Firing a Hypersonic Arrow through a crowd during the ultimate can devastate groups, while Piercing Arrow becomes even deadlier with Archer’s Focus at maximum. This combination can quickly eliminate multiple foes and swing the momentum in your team’s favor.
Exploring Hawkeye’s Abilities
Understanding each of Hawkeye’s abilities is key to mastering his playstyle:
- Hunter’s Sight (Ultimate): Enemies leave after-images when moving. Attacking these or the main target stacks damage, but shields can block the effect.
- Piercing Arrow (Primary Attack): Delivers massive damage, especially with a full Archer’s Focus and a headshot. Even body shots pack a serious punch.
- Blast Arrow (Primary Attack – Alternate): Fires three explosive arrows in a spread, ideal for close encounters or during Hunter’s Sight.
- Crescent Slash: Knocks back diving enemies, giving Hawkeye breathing room to retaliate.
- Hypersonic Arrow: Pierces shields, deals double damage, and slows enemies. The second hit grounds flying heroes, making it invaluable against aerial threats and during the ultimate.
- Ronin Slash: A melee attack that deflects projectiles, though timing is crucial for success.
- Skyward Leap: Grants Hawkeye a double jump for added mobility.
- Archer’s Focus (Passive): Aiming at nearby targets increases Piercing Arrow’s damage, maxing out at 100 for lethal headshots.
- Supersensory Vision (Team-Up Passive): When teamed with Black Widow, she gains a limited version of Hawkeye’s ultimate ability.