Understanding the DPS Role in Marvel Rivals

Updated: 19th May 2025 2 min read

In the dynamic 6v6 battles of Marvel Rivals, team composition is crucial. Among the three primary roles—Vanguard, Strategist, and Duelist—the Duelist role stands out as the primary source of damage output, commonly referred to in gaming parlance as “DPS” (Damage Per Second).

What Does DPS Mean in Marvel Rivals?

In gaming, “DPS” denotes characters or roles that specialize in dealing consistent and significant damage over time. In Marvel Rivals, this function is primarily embodied by the Duelist role. Duelists are designed to engage enemies directly, eliminate key targets, and apply pressure across the battlefield.

While they may lack the durability of Vanguards or the extensive supportive abilities of dedicated Strategists, their offensive capabilities are typically the highest.

Characteristics of Duelists

Duelists in Marvel Rivals are characterized by:

  • High Damage Output: They possess abilities and attacks that can quickly reduce enemy health pools.
  • Mobility: Many Duelists have movement skills allowing them to engage or disengage swiftly.
  • Target Elimination: Their primary objective is to focus on and eliminate high-value targets, such as enemy Strategists or other Duelists.
  • Fragility: To balance their offensive prowess, Duelists often have lower health or defensive capabilities, making positioning and timing critical.

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Notable Duelist Characters

Some prominent characters within the Duelist role in Marvel Rivals include:

  • Iron Fist: A melee specialist with rapid strikes and self-sustain abilities, excelling in close-quarters combat.
  • Storm: While classified as a Duelist, she utilizes weather-based powers for both ranged attacks and significant area control and team support, functioning often as a hybrid damage and utility character.
  • Psylocke: Combines psychic abilities with agility for swift eliminations and precise strikes, often used for flanking.
  • Spider-Man: Leverages high mobility and web-based attacks to disrupt enemies and isolate targets.

Each Duelist offers a unique playstyle, catering to players who prefer aggressive and proactive roles in matches, whether through pure damage or a blend of offense and utility.

The Importance of DPS in Team Composition

A balanced team in Marvel Rivals typically includes:

  • Vanguard: To absorb damage, initiate fights, and protect teammates.
  • Strategist: To provide healing, buffs, and tactical advantages.
  • Duelist (DPS): To apply offensive pressure, secure kills, and break through enemy defenses.

The effectiveness of a Duelist can often determine the outcome of engagements and team fights, making the role vital for offensive strategies and eliminating key threats.

Conclusion

In Marvel Rivals, understanding and effectively utilizing the role of damage dealers, primarily represented by the Duelist class, is essential for players aiming to dominate the battlefield. Their ability to deal significant damage and eliminate key targets makes them indispensable in most team compositions, often complemented by diverse kits that can include mobility, disruption, or even supportive elements.

Written by:

Christian