NetEase’s 6v6 hero shooter, Marvel Rivals, continues to expand its impressive roster of iconic Marvel heroes and formidable villains. As new characters are introduced, discussions within the community frequently turn to the game’s class system, with particular attention paid to the “Duelist” role – a classification that has become a hot topic among players due to its prominent presence.
The Current Landscape: A Duelist-Heavy Roster
As of mid-2025’s latest updates, Marvel Rivals boasts a total of 37 distinct characters. A striking 20 of these characters are classified as Duelists.
This significant number firmly establishes Duelists as the largest class in the game by a considerable margin, dwarfing both the Vanguard class (comprising nine characters) and the Strategist class (with eight characters).
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Why the Abundance? The Appeal and Design of Duelists
Duelists, often colloquially referred to as the “damage dealers” or DPS (Damage Per Second) characters, consistently rank as the most popular class among the player base. Their core focus on direct combat and the often flashy, impactful nature of their abilities make them inherently appealing to players who gravitate towards aggressive, offensive gameplay.
Beyond player preference, community discussions and observable developer trends suggest another reason for their prevalence: Duelists are generally considered easier to design.
Compared to more specialized roles like Vanguards (tanks) or Strategists (support), whose abilities must intricately balance team functions and survivability, the direct damage-oriented kit of a Duelist can be less complex to conceptualize and balance within the game’s ecosystem.
Community Voices: Reactions to the Imbalance
The noticeable abundance of Duelists has not gone unnoticed by the Marvel Rivals community. Many players express concerns about the wide imbalance in class distribution, with a vocal segment hoping for a greater focus on introducing more Vanguards and Strategists in future updates.
While some community members acknowledge that certain characters possess hybrid capabilities that blur class lines, the core numerical disparity undeniably points to a significant Duelist skew.
The Road Ahead: Hopes for Roster Evolution
NetEase has publicly committed to consistent roster expansions, with new characters slated to arrive approximately every 45 days. While it’s probable that Duelists will maintain their status as the most numerous class, there is a palpable hope among fans that upcoming additions will contribute to a more balanced class distribution.
This would, in turn, offer a wider variety of playstyles and tactical options, enriching the overall Marvel Rivals experience.
In summary, out of a 37-character roster in Marvel Rivals, a substantial 20 characters are currently classified as Duelists, making them the most prevalent class in the game by a significant margin. This numerical dominance sparks ongoing discussions within the community regarding class balance and future character additions.
Written by:
Christian