Marvel Rivals is barely two weeks old, but one issue has already surfaced that’s all too familiar to hero shooter fans: nobody wants to play support. Strategists, the game’s equivalent of support heroes, are in short supply. When they do show up, they’re celebrated like unicorns—rare and cherished by the community.

Naturally, this has led to growing calls for a role queue to encourage more balanced team setups. However, the game’s developers have other plans. According to creative director Guangyun “Guangguang” Chen, the focus is on freedom and creativity, not enforcing roles.

No Role Queue, No Problem?

Speaking with Dot Esports, Chen explained the reasoning behind the decision. “Right now, we’re not considering a role queue,” he said. “We want players to enjoy a wide variety of team compositions through team-up skills and unique hero designs. Marvel Rivals is about letting players select their favorite superheroes and play the way they want.”

Rather than forcing players into rigid roles, the developers want to see how the community experiments with different setups. “In Competitive play recently, we’ve seen all sorts of interesting compositions emerge,” Chen continued. “We’re excited to monitor how these evolve and impact the game.”

Team-Up Abilities: A Game-Changer

So, what’s Marvel Rivals’ answer to role queue? It’s all about team-up abilities. Unlike other hero shooters, where balance often revolves around fixed roles, Marvel Rivals encourages players to think strategically with their hero pairings.

Team-up abilities unlock new powers and synergies, making hero selection less about filling a role and more about creating unique strategies. For example, pairing two heroes with complementary skills can give your team a significant edge, whether by boosting a teammate or unlocking entirely new abilities.

This mechanic shifts the focus away from traditional role structures and toward a more dynamic, creative style of play.

Freedom in Playstyles

Another standout feature of Marvel Rivals is its flexibility. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to team composition. You’re free to experiment, whether that means sticking to the classic two vanguards, two duelists, and two strategists lineup or going off-script with something wild—like three vanguards and three strategists.

This open-ended system has drawn comparisons to Overwatch’s infamous “GOATs” meta, where unconventional setups dominated the scene. While some Overwatch veterans might have reservations, Marvel Rivals’ developers seem confident that this freedom will lead to fresh, exciting gameplay rather than frustration.

A Balancing Act

Of course, giving players total freedom comes with its own risks. Without role enforcement, there’s always the chance that certain compositions or roles will dominate. The development team is keeping a close eye on these trends and could make adjustments down the line if necessary.

For now, though, the goal is to let players experiment and find their own fun. Chen emphasized that the team is committed to creating a Marvel experience that feels authentic and empowering, where players can freely choose their favorite superheroes and dive into creative team dynamics.

What’s Next for Marvel Rivals?

Marvel Rivals is carving out its niche in the crowded hero shooter genre by embracing player creativity. The decision to skip role queues reflects the developers’ belief in the game’s unique mechanics, particularly the team-up abilities, to drive diversity and balance naturally.

Whether this approach will hold up in competitive settings is an open question. But for now, Marvel Rivals stands out as a game that prioritizes player choice and superhero fantasy over traditional role constraints.

So, while you might not see role queues anytime soon, you’ll have the freedom to build the team you want—and maybe stumble upon the next big meta along the way.