In 2024,Marvel Rivalstook the world by storm by reinvigorating the hero shooter genre. The game is kept alive with frequent updates, and asMarvel Rivalssteps into its next season, players will be treated to two new playable heroes, as well as a new Battle Pass to work through.
One of the new heroes being added to theMarvel Rivalsroster is Jean Grey as Phoenix. Following on from the X-Men-themed Hellfire Gala season, the inclusion of one of the team’s foundational members is setting Season 3 up to be very rewarding forX-Menfans.Jean Grey’s inclusion inMarvel Rivalswas leakedahead of her official reveal, leading to speculation about how one of Marvel’s strongest characters will play in-game. Now that she has been confirmed, it seems like Jean Grey will be living up to her Omega-level status.
Jean Grey’s Ult May Be One of Marvel Rivals’ Strongest
Phoenix Is a Threat to Summons
In the recent Dev Vision Vol. 07, details forMarvel RivalsSeason 3: The Abyss Awakens have been revealed. As well as announcingPhoenix will be added toMarvel Rivalsthis season – followed by Blade in the midseason update a month later – some of the character’s abilities have been revealed. Jean Grey seems to be a highly mobile duelist who fights at range. Very little information was shared about her primary abilities, other than that she has a chain reaction mechanic that is unique to her.
However, details about her Ultimate ability were given, and it could be one of the game’s strongest. After merging with the Phoenix Force, it is described that Jean Grey deals massive damage to the enemy team. What makes this ability stand out when compared to otherpowerful Ultimates inMarvel Rivals, though, is that it can clear the battlefield of enemy summons all at once. The range of this effect is not yet known, but it seems as though it could be a game-changer, shutting down many strategies.
It seems like many of theMarvel Rivalsnewcomers are being given abilities based on negation. Even though Jean Grey’s ultimate does cause damage, its primary utility seems to be removing enemy summons. This is comparable toEmma Frost’s Ultimate, which prevents enemies from using their own Ultimate ability if they have entered her line of sight. This negates healers like Luna Snow and Mantis from making their team near invincible, preparing them for a team wipe. As for Jean Grey, her ultimate could counter the regular abilities of a lot of the game’s roster.
Many Characters' Strongest Moves Could Be Negated
The strength of Phoenix’s Ultimate ability is clear, but it could potentially be much more devastating depending on what counts as a summon. It seems clear thatNamor’s Aquatic Dominion ability inMarvel Rivalswould be considered a summon, shutting down one of the primary aspects of the character’s kit. Another character that is likely to be affected is Loki, wiping out his clones to temporarily reduce his healing output to the enemy team.
However, Jean Grey’s ability to negate summons could also affect other, less obvious characters. It’s possible that Peni Parker’s Arachno-Mines would be considered a summon, but this could also include her Bionic Spider-Nest. If these are both true, her Spider-Sweeper Ultimate would be nerfed significantly.Rocket Racoon could also be nerfedby Jean Grey’s ability if his ability to generate the B.R.B. counts as a summon as well. If this is the case, then it could be likely that Groot’s Thornlash and Ironwood Walls would both be affected too.
Although Emma Frost prevents all Ultimates before players are able to use them, Jean Grey could potentially stop a select few after they have been used. Squirrel Girl’s Unbeatable Squirrel Tsunami and Namor’s Horn of Proteus are almost definitely summons, making Phoenix the perfect counter. While it may be one ofMarvel Rivals’ weaker Ultimates, it could also affect Rocket Raccoon’s C.Y.A. ability, preventing the enemy team from benefiting from a damage buff.
Some Team Comps Could Counter Jean Grey
With a kit this strong, Jean Grey seems like the perfect fit for any team, acting as a major threat to opponents. Because of this, it would be very important to devise team compositions that work around her and prevent the enemy team’s Phoenix from shutting strategies down. Emma Frost could work well here, keeping Jean Grey from using her Ultimate as Namor’s Giganto summon andSquirrel Girl’s squirrel stampededeal major damage to grouped-up enemies.
Playing as Jean Grey may become a very easy way for players to become a primary target. Since her Ultimate has the potential to shut down the team’s tactics, it’s very likely that she will be the focus of the team’s damage. Since her base health is 275, many ofMarvel Rivals’ DPS characterslike The Punisher and Spider-Man could stop Phoenix’s Ultimate before it has a major effect.
It could also be beneficial to avoid characters with summoning capabilities to ensure that Jean Grey cannot make the most of her Ultimate. This shouldn’t be necessary in most situations as she will not have access to her Ultimate in every firefight, but eliminating this ability from her kit by using the rightteam comp inMarvel Rivalscould severely nerf the opponent Jean Grey and help to secure victory.
Jean Grey seems like she is going to be an extraordinary character when she joins theMarvel Rivalsroster, with an astonishing Ultimate ability that can stop certain enemy players in their tracks. As one of themost powerful Marvel characters, she also has the potential to be one of the strongest characters inMarvel Rivals. Along with Emma Frost, it seems as though the recent X-Men additions to the cast have some of the most potential to shut down enemy tactics and enforce their own strategies, making Phoenix a daunting foe to face.
