The Thing, also known as Ben Grimm, is joining Marvel Rivals on February 21, 2025, as a Vanguard character. He is a beginner-friendly hero excelling at close-quarters combat and disrupting enemy formations. He has high durability and is immune to displacement, making him an unstoppable force. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you master The Thing:
The Thing Abilities in Marvel Rivals
Here’s a rundown of The Thing’s abilities:
- Rocky Jab (LMB): Rapidly punch forward.
- Stone Haymaker (RMB): Deliver a devastating heavy blow.
- Yancy Street Charge (Shift): Continuously charge forward, launching up enemies and leaving behind a zone at the final position that prevents the use of mobility abilities. Use this to initiate fights or retreat.
- Embattled Leap (E): Jump to an ally and give both of you damage reduction. Use this to leap toward allies or enemies, making him highly versatile. Alternatively, leap toward a frontline ally and use Shift to retreat or assist your backline.
- Unyielding Will (F): Cannot be launched, knocked back, or moved by enemy abilities.
- Clobberin’ Time (Q – Ultimate): The Invisible Woman taps into her powers, channeling Psionic Might to fortify the entire Fantastic Four team, granting damage resistance and health regeneration to Mister Fantastic, The Thing, and Human Torch. It is a large ground pound that deals damage in an outward cone, knocking up enemies hit, leaving them vulnerable to other attacks.
- Cosmic Fastball (Team Up – Z): Wolverine, Hulk, and The Thing can interact with each other. Once both parties confirm, Hulk and The Thing can lift Wolverine and press the key to hurl him forward.
- Cooperative Comrades (Team Up – C): Launch all enemies in front of you into the air with a powerful attack.
The Thing Gameplay and Combos in Marvel Rivals
- The Thing’s play style is a hybrid of Vanguard roles.
- Master the gameplay loop of leaping, applying damage reduction, charging, and leaping away.
- Always dive with an ally, so you can use Embattled Leap and gain damage reduction.
- Initiate with SHIFT to knock up the enemies and combo into your ult to stack CC abilities.
- Avoid frontline battles and go after the enemy backline. Use SHIFT to prevent them from escaping your attack.
- The Thing excels at stunning enemies and preventing their mobility. His Shift can lock down enemies, while his ultimate launches opponents into the air, making him a perfect setup hero for burst-damage teammates.
Best Combos
- Cloak & Dagger: Combining The Thing’s Charge or Ultimate with Cloak & Dagger’s Ultimate can devastate enemy teams.
- Moon Knight: If The Thing stuns enemies, Moon Knight’s bouncing projectiles become deadlier. His Ankh can further pull escaping enemies, securing kills.
- Star-Lord, Punisher, and Winter Soldier: Their burst damage pairs well with The Thing’s crowd control, allowing them to quickly finish off clobbered enemies.
The Fast Ball Combo
- Throw Wolverine into the enemy line.
- Immediately use the Embattled Leap (E) to jump toward Wolverine.
- This allows The Thing to quickly join Wolverine in the enemy backline while granting damage reduction to both heroes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- High durability with displacement immunity.
- Strong area control with Slam Moment and Furious Charge.
- Synergizes well with close-range allies like Wolverine and Hulk.
- Provides team-based defensive support with Battlefield Support.
Weaknesses:
- Limited ranged capabilities.
- Can be kited by mobile enemies.
- Requires good positioning to maximize crowd-control abilities.
How to Counter The Thing
- Evade before he slams. As soon as you see him running in your direction, use your escape tool so he can’t slam you.
- Use heroes who can stay out of his range like The Human Torch, Hela, and Mantis.
- Stun him and run away. The Thing has no way to stop or dodge stuns and needs to be in short range to attack you.
Mastering The Thing in Marvel Rivals can significantly enhance your team’s performance. With his impressive durability, crowd control capabilities, and synergy with close-range allies, he can dominate the battlefield when played strategically. However, players must be mindful of his weaknesses and positioning to maximize his effectiveness. Whether you are charging into battle or providing support, The Thing is a formidable Vanguard character that can turn the tide in any match.