Marvel Rivals has already impressed fans worldwide with its unique roster. The game currently has 33 characters, but more are expected in Season 1. As we step into 2025, the game can do more to improve the roster by adding new characters. The Marvel Universe is home to many fan favorites across its 85-year run. There are numerous characters that the hero shooter could bring over. This list only highlights some of the best choices.

5. Juggernaut

Capping off number five is the Juggernaut, an unstoppable force of an X-Men villain. Cain Marko is the stepbrother of Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X. The character is the mystical avatar of Cyttorak, empowered by the chaos gods’ will. Juggernaut has also gone against Marvel characters like Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk. In recent times, Juggernaut has been an ally to the X-Men.

Juggernaut is a straightforward pick for a Vanguard rep. His super strength and durability lend well to the class. Juggernaut is most known for his charging ability. The character is an unstoppable force that bats away everything in his sight. Juggernaut’s magic powers rely on him being in motion. Once he is in motion, nothing stops the Juggernaut from charging. Juggernaut having a charge-based ability feels fitting. It could give him a movement buff and block enemy damage. Overall, Juggernaut’s iconic design and suitable powers make him a strong candidate for the Vanguard class.

4. Black Bolt

Be careful because number four is a man of few words. Black Bolt is the ruler of Attilan and the king of the Inhumans. Black Bolt’s ability lets him mentally manipulate ambient electrons. This ability manifests in his dangerously powerful quasi-sonic scream. This limitation prohibits him from speaking. Even the softest utterance will obliterate anything in his path.

The Inhumans are lesser-known Marvel characters in the greater mythos. Even in Marvel’s attempts to push them, they never gained mainstream popularity. Of the Inhumans, Black Bolt seems the most likely choice to make his debut in the game. His abilities also provide plenty of creative expression for gameplay. A good use of his powers would be helping protect his teammates with his scream. The Quasi-Sonic Scream could also make for a good ultimate ability, knocking enemies back and killing them.

3. Green Goblin

The Green Goblin is one of Spidey’s most iconic archnemeses. Green Goblin is a criminal mastermind born from Norman’s split psyche. He is Spider-Man’s most dangerous enemy due to his explosive arsenal. In fact, Goblin’s most heinous crime is the murder of Peter Parker’s love interest, Gwen Stacy. The character remains untouchable due to his unhinged and frankly terrifying nature.

Green Goblin’s iconic glider provides him with a unique flying method. Goblin’s pumpkins also give him a very distinct way to attack enemies. You could use the explosions to knock targets back. Marvel Rivals often incorporates team-up abilities between specific characters. These team-up abilities encourage flexible dynamics and offer new tools to utilize. It would be interesting to see a team-up ability between Spider-Man and his greatest archenemy.

2. Silver Surfer

Silver Surfer makes number two on our most wanted characters list. Norrin Radd was an astronomer whose fateful interaction with Galactus saved his planet. He chose to become Galactus’ herald, sacrificing his free will to seek worlds for his new master. Despite his evil master, Norrin rebels against Galactus and becomes a hero. As the Silver Surfer, Norrin is imbued with dangerous cosmic powers that give him untold abilities. The Power Cosmic lets him fire energy blasts, convert matter into energy, and navigate through space.

Marvel Rivals is sorely lacking in Strategists, and the Silver Surfer could rectify that. Revitalizing organisms is only one of the applications of Surfer’s cosmic might. In fact, the vastness of the Power Cosmic gives Surfer access to many abilities. Marvel Rivals would have fun developing Silver Surfer due to his flexible powerset. Additionally, Silver Surfer would join the Guardians of the Galaxy, representing Marvel’s cosmic side. These two ideas make him an interesting character to approach for the roster.

1. Ghost Rider’s Absence is Infernal

Sitting at number one, Ghost Rider is an excellent candidate for Rivals‘ duelist class. Johnny Blaze was just a stunt motorcyclist before he encountered Mephisto. He made a deal with the infernal menace to save the life of his surrogate father. As a result, Mephisto bound Johnny to Zarathos, the Spirit of Vengeance. This unlikely fusion created everyone’s favorite vengeance-seeking biker, Ghost Rider!

It’s not hard to see why Ghost Rider would be a good choice for Marvel Rivals. He offers numerous fiery attacks to punish enemies. Ghost Rider’s trademark ability is his penance stare. He can make his enemies feel all the emotional suffering and pain they’ve inflicted on others. The ability has also been implemented in past games like Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. Johnny Blaze’s fiery talents and punishing weaponry feel tailor-made for Marvel Rivals’ intense gameplay.

Rivals Has Competitive Gameplay Growth

Marvel Rivals‘ roster is jam-packed with numerous picks. It brings home all your MCU favorites, like Iron Man, the Winter Soldier, and Scarlet Witch. It’s home to lesser-known characters like Luna Snow, Magik, and the ever-popular Jeff the Land Shark. With a starting roster of 33 characters, Rivals feels well-rounded in its presentation. Each character feels unique, right down to their abilities.

These five characters bring interesting powers to Marvel Rivals. For example, Ghost Rider’s powers are rooted in the supernatural. While the Inhumans may not be popular, few can deny Black Bolt’s unique powerset. Last but not least, Silver Surfer embodies Marvel’s cosmic pantheon more than anyone else. Overall, I hope you enjoyed this list. If you have a personal favorite, feel free to let us know.