Marvel Rivals has officially entered the arena as one of the most chaotic and entertaining team-based hero shooters on the market, blending explosive gameplay with beloved Marvel characters in a way fans have long craved. With fast-paced objective modes, intricate team synergies, and characters that lean into the full weight of their comic book powers, Marvel Rivals is quickly carving out its own identity in the PvP landscape.

Among the many balance shifts and gameplay revelations that have come with Season 1, one name has risen to the top in terms of raw performance and dominance: Captain America. Thanks to his latest updates and the addition of the Team-Up Anchor mechanic, Cap is not only back in the fight—he might just be the strongest character in the game right now.

Let's break down why Captain America is currently S-tier, what this means for the rest of the meta, and what players should know going into competitive matches this season.

Captain America Is S-Tier Season 2

Let's start with the numbers:

• Base HP: 750

• Team-Up Anchor Buff: Grants an additional +5% damage across all abilities and basic attacks

• Ultimate Ability: When activated, boosts Cap's health to 1,000 HP and begins a constant regeneration effect

This makes him not only a high-durability frontline tank, but also a source of sustained pressure and damage—something most tanks simply can't offer at this level.

The Team-Up Anchor Meta

The biggest shift in Cap's power came with the introduction of Team-Up Anchor, which empowers him when he's near a teammate and initiates a team-up ability. This buff doesn't just give him a temporary boost—it creates a near-permanent state of advantage in fights. That small 5% damage bonus might sound minor on paper, but in the heat of close-quarters combat, it stacks up quickly and can be the difference between winning and losing an engagement.

The moment Captain America gets into the enemy backline with a single teammate, he becomes an unstoppable wall of force. The opposition just can't kill him fast enough, especially once his ultimate is active.

What About Other Characters? Let's Talk Balance

With Captain America leading the charge in terms of power, how are other heroes stacking up?

Emma Frost

Emma has become the control pick for many teams, thanks to her grab-and-lockdown mechanics. When she chains her grabs correctly, she can disable tanks and squishies alike, making her a top-tier support/disabler. If you're playing against her, make sure to prioritize her in fights, or risk being locked out of combat entirely.

Thor

Interestingly, Thor hasn't been showing up much in high-tier play this season. In a meta where burst and regen dominate, Thor's all-in playstyle doesn't offer enough sustain. That said, his kick combo (especially with his ult) can nearly one-shot tanks, so he still has situational value.

Rocket Raccoon (Bugged or Busted?)

There's been some controversy surrounding Rocket lately due to his bugged healing burst. Some players believe this tech is actually intended, while others insist it's a bug. Either way, Rocket has unexpectedly become a top-tier support option, providing incredible team sustain while outputting high damage from the backline.

Mid-Tier Characters and Shifting Opinions

Not every rework or team-up has landed perfectly. Utility-focused abilities that slow or disrupt tend to be more impactful than raw damage increases in tight team fights, and players are starting to lean toward high-control kits over flashy burst.

Gameplay Tips for Climbing with Cap

If you're looking to dominate this season with Captain America, here's what you need to keep in mind:

1. Stick with a Teammate: The Team-Up Anchor buff doesn't activate in solo play. Always engage with at least one partner to maximize your passive bonuses.

2. Use Portals to Flank: Especially on the new map, Cap thrives when he's able to teleport behind enemy lines and startle their backline.

3. Ult at Critical Moments: Don't waste your ult for extra damage. Use it when you're starting to take pressure or need to contest a final push. That regen makes all the difference.

4. Shield Bash Into Combos: The crowd control on your shield bash sets up perfect combos with allies. Communicate with teammates to follow up.

Final Thoughts

Between high health, regeneration, and the new buff mechanics, Cap is a monster in the right hands. Whether you're a seasoned player or just jumping into Marvel Rivals, you'll likely find that running Cap with a strong duelist or support creates a win condition all on its own.

Captain America is the face of the current meta in Marvel Rivals, and Season 1 belongs to him unless a mid-season patch nerfs his tanky team-up kit. Until then, expect to see Steve Rogers leading every major push, carrying games solo, and making life miserable for enemy supports.