Marvel Rivals introduces a distinct gameplay feature called “team-ups,” enabling heroes to work in tandem and gain exclusive abilities. This mechanic not only diversifies the strategic layer of the game but also reinforces connections between characters, offering both lore-rich synergy and competitive advantage. With each new season, developers refresh or rotate these combinations, keeping the experience engaging and tactical.
Defining Marvel Rivals Team-Ups
Team-ups are special synergies formed when particular heroes appear on the same team. One of the heroes acts as the “anchor,” empowering the others with new skills or enhancements just by being present. These enhancements are tailored based on character backstories, relationships, and skill sets.
For example, including Invisible Woman as part of a group with any of her Fantastic Four allies allows them to deploy extra shielding abilities. This not only aligns with her protective powers in the comics but also reinforces team strategy. These combinations encourage players to think tactically about which characters to select before entering a match.
Team-Up Mechanics and Hero Synergy
The underlying principle behind team-ups is cooperation. Heroes gain new abilities or buffs when placed alongside specific allies. These powers can be offensive, defensive, or utility-based, such as healing or mobility enhancements. Whether it’s through temporary shielding, enhanced attacks, or resurrection mechanics, team-ups foster teamwork and coordination among players.
Complete List of Active Team-Ups (Season 2)
Here are the combinations currently available in Marvel Rivals Season 2 as of May 2025:
Team-Up Name | Heroes Involved | Effects and Anchor Mechanics |
Allied Agents | Black Widow, Hawkeye | Hawkeye grants Black Widow enhanced tracking abilities. |
Ammo Overload | Punisher, Rocket Raccoon | Rocket throws an overload device enabling bonus attacks. |
Arcane Order | Scarlet Witch, Doctor Strange | Doctor Strange replaces Scarlet Witch’s spell with a new arcane burst. |
Atlas Bond | Iron Fist, Luna Snow | Iron Fist empowers Luna’s frost ring with chi energy. |
Chilling Charisma | Luna Snow, Jeff the Land Shark | Jeff uses Luna’s icy powers to launch freezing spitballs. |
Dimensional Shortcut | Magik, Black Panther | Black Panther gains short-range time rewind via Limbo. |
ESU Alumnus | Squirrel Girl, Spider-Man | Spider-Man provides a web-based acorn explosive. |
Fantastic Four | Sue Storm, Reed Richards, Human Torch, The Thing | Invisible Woman enhances teammates with psionic shielding. |
Fastball Special | Wolverine, Hulk, The Thing | Wolverine can be launched as a projectile by Hulk or Thing. |
Gamma Charge | Hulk, Iron Man, Namor | Hulk shares gamma energy to strengthen allies. |
Guardian Revival | Adam Warlock, Star-Lord, Mantis | Grants temporary revival cocoons to teammates. |
Lunar Force | Moon Knight, Cloak & Dagger | Creates a special healing realm of light and darkness. |
Mental Projection | Emma Frost, Magneto, Psylocke | Illusion-based skills become available through psychic links. |
Planet X Pals | Groot, Rocket Raccoon, Jeff the Land Shark | Reduces damage while riding on Groot’s shoulders. |
Ragnarok Rebirth | Hela, Loki, Thor | Hela revives Thor and Loki if she lands the finishing blow. |
Stars Aligned | Captain America, Winter Soldier | Trigger shockwave combo that slows enemies. |
Storming Ignition | Storm, Human Torch | Combines storm and fire powers into massive tornadoes. |
Symbiote Bond | Venom, Peni Parker, Spider-Man | Symbiote boosts shared between characters for new abilities. |
Season 2 Updates and Rotations
New to Season 2 are team-ups such as Arcane Order and Stars Aligned. Several previous combinations have been modified:
- Ammo Overload no longer includes Winter Soldier.
- Chilling Charisma now excludes Namor.
- Dimensional Shortcut removed Psylocke.
- Gamma Charge no longer involves Doctor Strange.
Additionally, Metallic Chaos and Voltaic Union have been entirely phased out. This seasonal shuffling encourages players to explore different strategies and learn new synergies as the meta evolves.
Why Team-Ups Matter
By allowing characters to form dynamic alliances, Marvel Rivals breathes fresh life into the PvP shooter genre. While other games may focus solely on individual skill or static roles, this system demands coordination, planning, and awareness of character lore and tactical benefit.
As more characters are added, it’s likely the list of team-ups will grow, offering even more variety and opportunity for creative plays. The evolving nature of these alliances ensures that players remain engaged across multiple seasons.
FAQs
What are team-ups in Marvel Rivals?
Team-ups are a gameplay feature that unlocks special abilities when certain heroes are played together. These bonuses range from new powers to passive enhancements.
How do team-ups function in-game?
One hero acts as the “anchor,” activating abilities for themselves or others when part of a predefined pairing or group.
Which team-up offers the strongest benefits?
This varies based on the match, but Gamma Charge, Guardian Revival, and Mental Projection are consistently impactful.
Do team-ups change every season?
Yes, developers rotate or modify team-ups with each new season, sometimes removing heroes or replacing them with new ones.
Can players select who to team up with?
Yes, during team composition, players can plan their selections based on known synergies and anchor mechanics. Coordination is key to making these combos effective.