When Marvel Rivals burst onto the scene, skeptics were quick to dismiss it as just another Overwatch 2 clone. Nearly three months and 40 million players later, those same critics are suspiciously quiet as NetEase’s superhero shooter continues to carve its own identity in the crowded hero-shooter genre.
While Marvel Rivals certainly draws inspiration from Blizzard’s iconic franchise (what hero shooter doesn’t?), it’s the deliberate design choices that set it apart. Chief among these differences is a feature that Overwatch 2 players either love or loathe—depending on which side of the DPS queue they find themselves on.
As it turns out, this particular feature’s absence isn’t just a temporary oversight or a “coming soon” situation. NetEase has taken a firm stance, and their reasoning might just make you rethink everything you thought you knew about hero shooter design.
Why Marvel Rivals is saying “no thanks” to Overwatch 2′s role queue
The debate around role queue has been raging since Overwatch first implemented the system back in 2019. Blizzard’s solution to the infamous GOATS meta (three tanks, three supports) was to force a 2-2-2 team composition, requiring players to queue specifically as tank, support, or damage.
Meanwhile, Marvel Rivals has taken a completely different approach. In a recent interview with Metro, Game Director Guangyun Chen made the studio’s position crystal clear:
Yeah, so we totally get that the community is discussing role lock and role queue. At its core, it’s really about the game balance.
This isn’t just a temporary stance either. Chen doubled down on the studio’s philosophy, emphasizing player freedom over rigid structure:
So, what we want to offer is more line-up or more team comp possibilities through our hero design and our team-up mechanic. So, we’ll be taking a little bit more of a Marvel-inspired approach.
What’s fascinating is how this approach perfectly mirrors the chaotic, crossover nature of Marvel comics themselves. Just as comic readers might see Spider-Man teaming up with Wolverine one month and Doctor Strange the next, Marvel Rivals players can experiment with unexpected team compositions.
It’s all about giving the players the freedom to experiment and find their unique strategies, as we’ve seen in many games and streams.
The results speak for themselves. While Overwatch 2 players might spend 10+ minutes in DPS queues, Marvel Rivals matches form almost instantly. And contrary to what role queue advocates might expect, the game hasn’t descended into total chaos. Players are discovering that winning isn’t just about following a rigid 2-2-2 formula—it’s about synergy, adaptability, and yes, sometimes running three Duelists.
Balancing heroes instead of forcing team compositions
NetEase’s approach to game balance doesn’t rely on artificial restrictions. Instead, they’re focusing on making each hero viable regardless of team composition—a refreshing alternative to Overwatch 2‘s more rigid structure.
Post-launch, people have been exploring an indefinite amount of team compositions, and we’re excited about what’s coming, we believe no role queue will lead to a richer gaming experience for everyone.
This doesn’t mean the devs are taking a hands-off approach to balance. Quite the opposite—they’re constantly monitoring and adjusting based on real player data:
Moving forward, we will be looking at hero pick rates and win rates in different scenarios. Once we have some more detailed analysis and through thoughtful consideration, we’ll definitely make necessary balances and adjustments.
We’ve already seen this philosophy in action with the recent Season 1.5 update. The triple-healer meta—that dominated matches leading up to said patch—received targeted adjustments that didn’t eliminate the strategy entirely but prevented it from being the only viable option in competitive.
This nuanced approach to balance stands in stark contrast to Blizzard’s more heavy-handed solutions. Rather than forcing players into predetermined roles, NetEase is creating a game where any composition can work with the right coordination and skill. Just don’t quote us the next time you find yourself in an all-Duelist team, though.
What’s your take on role queue? Do you prefer Marvel Rivals‘ freedom or Overwatch 2‘s structure? Let us know in the comments below!
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
