Marvel Rivals players are getting ready for Season 3, which adds Phoenix and Blade to the roster along with a patch that adjusts hero balance. While some buffs and nerfs seem fair, Phoenix’s team-up ability with Wolverine might push the latter into a whole new level of annoyance for many.
For those unfamiliar, Wolverine’s kit allows him to go into, grab a tank or other target, and leap away, often leaving the victim isolated and vulnerable to the rest of the enemy team. Even if you manage to “kill” him, his passive lets him escape almost scot-free. His healing abilities make him a pest hard to pin down, especially compared to other games where healers aren’t quite as potent. Honestly, Wolverine’s strength partly comes from this distinct combination that’s hard to counter.
The Season 2 meta already favored flying heroes, making it challenging for tank mains to survive without being harassed from above or berated by teammates. Now, with Phoenix’s team-up boosting Wolverine, it feels like tank players might have an even tougher time. I mean, who wants to be the poor tank repeatedly snatched and shredded? It’s the kind of thing that can make you want to quit mid-match.
There are some counters, thankfully:
- Setting minefields as Peni Parker, especially paired with Rocket, can disrupt Wolverine’s approach
- The Thing’s resilience means he’s harder to grab and displace
- Doctor Strange players can try to fly away, hoping Wolverine won’t chase them down
- Emma Frost can combo a choke slam and kick to wall slam Wolverine, though her survivability is nerfed this season
- Having Moon Knight or Human Torch provide covering fire helps keep Wolverine at bay
- Or just banning Wolverine outright in every match
That last one might be the most popular option. Wolverine’s already a common ban in ranked games, and with Phoenix’s team-up ability, expect that trend to continue or even intensify. Phoenix herself might become a banned candidate, depending on how powerful she feels in practice. Each season now lasts just two months, so hopefully, this won’t drag on forever.
What do you think about Phoenix’s team-up with Wolverine? Does this make Wolverine too strong, or can clever play keep him in check?
