If you’ve just jumped into Marvel Rivals, the fast-paced fighting card game featuring your favorite superheroes and villains, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by its mechanics and roster. Whether you’re new to card battlers or just new to this game, these 10 tips will help you build a solid foundation and improve your gameplay quickly. This beginner guide focuses on essential strategies to get you started on the right foot.

1. Understand the Core Gameplay Mechanics

At its heart, Marvel Rivals combines card battling with real-time fighting elements. Each character has a unique deck and special abilities, so mastering the flow of combat—blocking, attacking, and using your power cards—is crucial. Spend some time in the tutorial to familiarize yourself with these basics before jumping into PvP matches.

2. Choose Your Starter Character Wisely

Your choice of character can shape your early experience in Marvel Rivals. Start with a hero you like and understand their playstyle. For beginners, characters with balanced stats and straightforward combos tend to be more forgiving. Getting comfortable with one or two characters will help you learn game mechanics faster.

3. Build a Balanced Deck

Deck construction is critical. Don’t just focus on offensive cards; include defensive and utility cards to handle various match situations. As you play, experiment with different cards to find the right balance for your playstyle. Remember, a well-rounded deck in Marvel Rivals increases your adaptability in matches.

4. Prioritize Upgrading Key Cards

Since Marvel Rivals allows card upgrades, focus on leveling up cards that suit your primary strategy. This approach maximizes your deck’s effectiveness and gives you an edge against opponents who may have stronger but less synergized decks.

5. Master the Timing of Power Cards

Using power cards at the right moment can turn the tide of battle. Avoid spamming these cards early on; instead, wait for openings or to counter your opponent’s moves. Timing your power cards effectively is a skill that separates beginners from more experienced players.

6. Learn to Manage Your Energy

Energy management is fundamental. Don’t exhaust your resources too quickly; instead, plan your moves to maintain a steady flow of attacks and defenses. Efficient energy use ensures you’re not left vulnerable during critical moments in a match.

7. Practice Combos and Counters

Every character in Marvel Rivals has unique combos and counters. Spend time in practice mode experimenting with these to improve your reaction time and precision during matches. Knowing when to block, dodge, or retaliate is essential for competitive play.

8. Study Opponent Patterns

Pay attention to your opponent’s behavior and card choices. Recognizing common tactics helps you anticipate their moves and respond accordingly. Over time, you’ll develop a deeper strategic understanding of the game’s meta.

9. Take Advantage of Daily Challenges and Events

Daily challenges and events offer opportunities to earn valuable rewards and practice under different conditions. Participating regularly can accelerate your progress and expose you to diverse gameplay scenarios.

10. Join the Community and Learn from Others

Lastly, engaging with the Marvel Rivals community on forums or social media can provide insights that aren’t obvious from playing alone. Veteran players often share tips, deck builds, and updates that can help you refine your approach.

Starting with Marvel Rivals can be daunting, but with these tips, you’ll quickly gain confidence and enjoy the depth of this exciting card fighter. Focus on learning the mechanics, refining your deck, and studying your opponents—and soon you’ll be competing with the best.