The Argument For & Against Role Lock In Marvel Rivals

Though Marvel Rivals has been a huge success in its first week, conversations about the need for role lock have already begun. This new addition to the hero shooter genre looks like it is here to stay and finally challenge Overwatch. This is largely due to its amazing gameplay and friendly microtransactions. Based on early leaks and reports, it seems as if new seasons will bring levels of content, like more villains for Marvel Rivals, that will keep the game fresh.

Currently, the 6v6 format feels functional and rewarding. Splitting heroes into three roles was the standard and fit, but it can lead to unbalanced matches. Every class does a good job of having fun characters, but given the nature of a hero shooter, the Duelist has become the most popular role.

The Argument For Role Lock In Marvel Rivals

Role Lock Is As Fair As Possible

Role Lock in Marvel Rivals would be to the benefit of having more equal and overall fun games. It would prevent games without Vanguards or Strategists, which has become a big issue. In this way, Role Lock could be limited to just the competitive mode and/or quick match. This would leave the arcade deathmatch mode open for anyone to play any role they desire.

Related Marvel Rivals Might Already Be Making A Classic Hero Shooter Mistake By Adding Too Many New Heroes Too Quickly Marvel Rivals launched with a massive roster of thirty three characters and leaks have shown that more are coming thick and fast.

Role Lock in Rivals could work in two ways without any large issues. The first option is the base 2-2-2 that Overwatch coined. This format allows for the most team balance and synergy for each role. Vanguards are especially helped by this format as it takes the pressure away from solo tanking, and allows for some of best team-ups in Marvel Rivals.

Another option that may be exclusive to how Marvel Rivals is made/balanced is a 1-3-2 format. Most, if not all, Vanguards have some sort of self-sustain built into their kit that allows them to survive with proper healing/positioning. This also frees up more Duelist slots for faster-paced games and faster queue times. This option would likely take the most balance and could still run into some issues, but it is an option to consider.

The Argument Against Role Lock In Marvel Rivals

Trying To Be Too Serious

The argument against role lock in Marvel Rivals comes down to three significant issues: fun, queue times, and balance. The latter could be the biggest issue, as limiting roles usually means they have to be finely tuned to not limit who can and cannot be used. Rivals have a relatively "balanced" philosophy where no one is overpowered if every character is broken. Any version of role lock would need near-perfect balance so as not to upset the roster.

Queue times are another big issue; role lock could drastically increase these. Right now, the game has near-instant queue times, and even if this shrinks down to one or two minutes after a few weeks, it could get even longer with role lock. This then becomes whether it will be worth waiting in these possibly five to ten-minute queues to get a more balanced team. If the match lasts long enough, then this isn't an issue, but if one team dominates, the losing team has more reason to get angry.

The Ideal And Likely Outcome For Marvel Rivals

Finding The Perfect Balance

Close

Marvel Rivals has two possible paths: adding role lock or avoiding it. The latter would be the easiest decision, and it may not be the killer some think it is. Unlike other hero shooters, Rivals has the backing of a beloved universe. As long as the Vanguard and Strategist roles in Marvel Rivals have fun and popular characters, some people will play them. However, this does mean team imbalance would be more likely than not.

Role lock would be the balanced and more likely choice, but it comes down to how it's implemented. 2-2-2 would be fairer, but 1-3-2 would be faster for both the developer and the player. Based on how the genre usually goes and the work needed to create all these characters, the base 2-2-2 is the likely path Marvel Rivals takes. Whether this is just for competitive or non-arcade modes is hard to tell until it happens.

Overall, role lock is not the killer feature some worry it may be, at least as long as Rivals can keep its populace up. One of the issues with this feature in Overwatch is it came at a time when the game was at one of its weaker player counts. As long as Marvel Rivals can keep up the positive reviews it has established, the eventual addition of role lock should not hurt the game's longevity.