Marvel Rivals is the newest contender in the hero shooter genre, and as expected, it has its quirks to iron out. One of the most frequent complaints I hear revolves around team stacking and the lack of a role queue. However, I think the absence of role queue is actually one of the game’s strengths, and adding it could risk the community’s longevity.
First off, Marvel Rivals is undeniably fun, and one of its standout features is the near-instant matchmaking. You load up the game, hit play, and you’re in—often within seconds. Introducing role queue would almost certainly lead to longer wait times, which would be an easy target for criticism. Ironically, the same players who advocate for role queue might be the first to declare the game "dead" once queues become noticeably longer.
The chaos of Marvel Rivals is my favorite part. Each match is unpredictable, and the lack of role queue contributes to this dynamic. Sure, you might end up with a team of five Duelists and one tank (a common reason players ask for role queue), but those teams often find a way to win anyway. The unpredictable matchups and frantic gameplay feel authentic, like a true superhero brawl, and role queue risks making matches feel repetitive and overly structured.
NetEase has taken a clever approach to balance without role queue by introducing hybrid characters. Recent additions like Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman highlight this strategy. Mr. Fantastic, while labeled a Duelist, functions effectively as a tank thanks to his damage-absorbing kit. On the other hand, Invisible Woman, categorized as a Strategist, excels at supporting her team but is also fully capable of holding her own in a fight. These hybrid kits allow for flexibility in team compositions, reducing the need for strict role assignments.
In short, I believe the chaos is worth embracing. Role queue, especially in casual play, could stifle the game’s appeal. While I can see a potential argument for role queue in competitive mode, it wouldn’t necessarily make the solo queue grind any easier—it would just mean longer wait times unless you plan to play support. And if you’re willing to play support anyway, why insist on role queue in the first place?
