In Marvel Rivals, “DPS” stands for “damage per second” and refers to heroes who specialize in dealing high amounts of damage quickly and consistently. These characters are essential for breaking through enemy defenses, securing eliminations, and turning the tide in objective-based matches.

While several classes can deal damage, the Duelist class is specifically designed for high DPS roles, though some Vanguards and Strategists can also fill this function.
What Makes a DPS Hero?
- High Damage Output: DPS heroes excel at rapidly reducing enemy health bars, often through a combination of strong basic attacks and powerful abilities.
- Burst and Sustain: Some DPS heroes focus on burst damage—taking out targets in a single combo—while others provide sustained damage over time.
- Lower Survivability: These heroes typically have less health or defensive options, relying on mobility, positioning, or stealth to survive.
Top DPS (Duelist) Heroes in Marvel Rivals
According to recent tier lists and competitive rankings, the following Duelists are considered top-tier DPS heroes in May 2025:
Hero | DPS Role Highlights |
---|---|
Hela | Exceptional base and critical damage, easy-to-land shots, powerful AoE ultimate. |
Hawkeye | High burst potential, can one-shot non-tanks with charged shots, excellent range. |
Magik | Strong melee DPS with sustain, portal-based mobility, high skill ceiling. |
Iron Fist | Fast melee attacks, self-healing, excels in close combat. |
Spider-Man | Agile assassin, burst combos, excels at picking off squishy targets. |
Winter Soldier | Versatile ranged and melee attacks, powerful ultimate for team wipes. |
Psylocke | Extremely fast and mobile, high burst damage, stealth options. |
Storm | Consistent ranged damage, excels at securing kills, strong synergy with team. |
Mr. Fantastic | High DPS at lower ranks, flexible abilities. |
Other notable DPS heroes include Wolverine, The Punisher, and Black Widow, each offering unique damage profiles and playstyles.

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DPS Across Classes
While Duelists are the archetypal DPS class, some Vanguards and Strategists—such as Rocket Raccoon and Emma Frost—can also output significant damage, especially when built or played aggressively. However, Duelists remain the go-to choice for pure damage roles.
Why DPS Matters
DPS heroes are crucial for:
- Breaking stalemates and pushing objectives
- Eliminating key enemy targets (supports, healers, or backline threats)
- Forcing enemy teams to reposition or retreat
Their high-risk, high-reward playstyle makes them favorites among players who enjoy fast-paced, impactful gameplay.
Conclusion
In Marvel Rivals, DPS heroes—especially those in the Duelist class like Hela, Hawkeye, Magik, and Iron Fist—are the backbone of any aggressive team composition. Mastering these characters means learning how to maximize your damage while staying alive, making DPS both a challenging and rewarding role for players seeking to make a difference in every match.
Written by:
Christian