Is a vampire hunter needed?
Taking on the role of vampire slayer has officially reached Marvel Rivals, as Blade makes his debut with the 3.5 update, offering a new hybrid gameplay option for players to gain an advantage.
Blade comes equipped with two signature weapons that enable him to effectively pursue and defeat a variety of enemies. While he lacks a passive ability, his unique skill allows him to diminish the healing of enemies he engages with, enabling his team to more effectively target and eliminate key opponents in battles.
Below is a detailed guide to mastering Blade and maximizing his effectiveness in Marvel Rivals.
Overview of Blade’s abilities in Marvel Rivals
| Ability | Description | PC Control | Controller |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancestral Sword (Basic Attack) | Blade employs his sword to strike enemies in close range, hitting twice, with a chance for a third double hit. | LMB | RT/R2 |
| Hunter’s Shotgun (Basic Attack) | Blade can switch to his shotgun, delivering high damage to foes with eight shots available. | LMB | RT/R2 |
| Scarlet Shroud | This ability makes Blade unstoppable for a short duration and reduces damage taken from frontal attacks, while also decreasing the cooldown for Daywalker Dash. | RMB | LT/R2 |
| Daywalker Dash | Blade dashes forward; if using his shotgun, he shoots upon impact, applying a healing reduction effect; otherwise, he can inflict a slowing blow with a cleaving strike. | LShift | LB/L1 |
| Bloodline Awakening | Utilizing his unique bloodline, Blade increases his attack speed and executes a spinning attack, though at the cost of reduced healing. | E | RB/R1 |
| Thousand-Fold Slashes (Ultimate) | Blade draws the Sword of Dracula, making a significant dash forward and creating a damaging slashing zone that also reduces healing for enemies struck. | Q | LS+RS Click |
Additionally, Blade can team up with Cloak & Dagger, which enhances his capabilities by providing a healing effect and temporary invisibility, akin to the collaboration seen with Moon Knight.
Strategies and Tips for Playing Blade in Marvel Rivals
As a multifaceted character in Marvel Rivals, Blade excels when engaging close to enemies. His arsenal of weapons, including the Ancestral Sword and the Hunter’s Shotgun, allows him to swiftly eliminate threats. He is particularly effective against enemy tanks on the front lines, leveraging his healing reduction ability to help his team secure objectives efficiently.
If you identify a weakness within the enemy ranks or spot a lone target, activate your Bloodline Awakening to enhance your attacks during one-on-one confrontations. However, one limitation of Blade is his lack of ranged attacks, making him vulnerable to characters like Iron Man or Star Lord. Timing his guard effectively and depending on teammates for ranged protection is crucial.
With Daywalker Dash, Blade possesses an effective mobility option, offering two dashes that recharge over time. You can hasten this recharge with the Scarlet Shroud ability, which also provides a defensive block to navigate challenging situations. When diving into melee, be aware of enemy damage dealers targeting you; use the block to disengage and reposition for a better attack angle against priority tanks or carries on the enemy side.
Blade’s ultimate move, Thousand-Fold Slashes, has the potential to shift the course of team fights by creating a harmful zone on the point, facilitating your team’s control by defeating opposing heroes. As it also provides anti-heal effects, it can counter several impactful ultimates from characters like Luna Snow and Mantis. To utilize this ability effectively, approach from unexpected angles or narrow spaces to restrict enemies’ escape from the zone.
For more insights, explore our guides on Luna Snow and Hela to enhance your gameplay in Marvel Rivals.
