Marvel Rivals Tank Mains Need To Stop Hiding Behind Their Strategists Like 10-Year Olds Hiding From Bullies Behind Their Mommies

In the two months since its launch, Marvel Rivals has taken the hero shooter genre by storm. NetEase’s fresh take on the formula has attracted players from all walks of life, from seasoned veterans to complete newcomers. But with this influx of new blood comes some… interesting interpretations of how certain roles should be played.

One particularly concerning trend has emerged among Vanguard players: the tendency to treat their Strategists like human shields instead of the other way around. It’s a bizarre role reversal that has experienced players pulling their hair out and support mains questioning their life choices.

And while we understand that taking damage can be scary (that’s literally what it’s designed to be), if you’re going to main a tank in Marvel Rivals, you need to understand that being the team’s meatshield isn’t just a suggestion—it’s your whole job description.

Let’s get one thing straight: if you’re playing a Vanguard hero in Marvel Rivals and finding yourself constantly cowering behind your team’s Luna Snow or Mantis, you might want to reconsider your role choice. The tank role isn’t just about having a chunky health bar—it’s about creating space for your team to work their magic.

SquiblyMcDuck, as they call themselves, hits the nail right on the head:

tanks who play scared, please play another role.. its not for people who play timid
byu/SquiblyMcDuck inmarvelrivals

When you’re the tank, you’re not just another damage dealer with extra HP—you’re the team’s frontline, their shield, and most importantly, their confidence. When you start backing away at the first sign of damage, you’re not just compromising your position; you’re throwing your entire team’s strategy into chaos.

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Of course, some players are still learning the ropes, and that’s perfectly fine. The problem comes when tanks refuse to adapt and learn, continuing to play like they’re allergic to damage when the developers at NetEase have custom-built their entire kit around taking hits:

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This disconnect between tank positioning and team follow-up often leads to frustrated Vanguards who find themselves isolated and overwhelmed. But then again, the responsibility goes both ways.

Success in Marvel Rivals (or any team-based shooter for that matter) isn’t just about individual performance—it’s about how well you work with your team. Even the most aggressive tank player needs their team’s support to be truly effective, and sometimes that support just isn’t there:

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This is where the real complexity of tank play comes in. You need to be aware not just of your own positioning, but of your team’s ability to support your advances. Sometimes, the bravest thing a tank can do is wait for their team to regroup:

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The key is finding that sweet spot between aggression and awareness. Yes, you need to be making space and soaking damage, but you also need to keep an eye on your Strategists when heroes like Black Panther, Iron Fist, or Psylocke (or even a dive-tank like Venom or Hulk) start harassing them. After all, a dead Strategist means no healing for anyone.

At the end of the day, playing tank in Marvel Rivals is about more than just having a big HP bar—it’s about having the courage to lead, the wisdom to know when to hold back, and the awareness to protect your own backline by fending off flankers.

Just remember: if you find yourself hiding behind your Luna Snow more often than protecting them… it might be time to try out a different role.

What’s your take on tank play in Marvel Rivals? Have you encountered these timid tanks in your matches? Share your stories and strategies in the comments below!