As Marvel Rivals gears up for its big debut, fans are being treated to exciting daily reveals until the game launches on December 6. The latest buzz surrounds the unveiling of the Hydra Erebus Base map and the addition of Hawkeye as a new Duelist character. This announcement comes as no surprise to many, considering an image of Hawkeye had previously appeared on the Marvel Rivals website alongside Moon Knight before mysteriously vanishing.
With Hawkeye set to become playable soon, there’s a lot of speculation around how his unique skill set will resonate with fans of Clint Barton and those who like long-range combatants. Following NetEase Games’ presentation of Hawkeye’s gameplay and abilities, it’s clear that he’s going to be a formidable contender. While it remains to be seen exactly how he will influence the game’s competitive scene, his potential to dominate both from a distance and in close combat is undeniable.
Intriguingly, Hawkeye is the 28th character to be showcased from the 33 heroes slated for the initial Season 0 lineup. Among the revealed heroes, Barton is emerging as a strong Duelist, boasting the potential to take out rivals with a single well-aimed shot using his Piercing Arrow ability. Presently, no other hero in the game can claim such efficiency at eliminating foes with one hit.
To maintain game balance, Hawkeye’s one-shot kill capability comes with some constraints. He can’t pre-fire angles; instead, he needs to draw back his bow to charge his shot, reaching a full 100% only when aimed directly at a target. This mechanic encourages precision and thoughtful shooting while averting any controversy over heroes capable of one-shot kills without having a clear sight line.
Hawkeye also has a powerful passive ability called Archer’s Focus, which enhances damage based on how long he aims at a foe. The charge on his bow increases its accuracy as it’s drawn back, adding another layer to his gameplay.
Though renowned for his archery skills, Hawkeye isn’t a one-trick pony; he’s also adept with a sword, owing to his experience as a ronin samurai. In-game, this is showcased with abilities like Crescent Slash, which sends Hawkeye leaping forward to strike and launch enemies into the air. This maneuver is particularly handy for knocking opponents into environmental hazards. Meanwhile, his Ronin Slash ability equips him with a Wakizashi sword for melee attacks while also deflecting incoming projectiles. These attributes ensure that players won’t find Hawkeye lacking in close-quarters skirmishes, especially as his Skyward Leap ability grants him the mobility to swiftly jump to safety.
Hawkeye’s secondary fire, the Blast Arrow, evokes memories of Overwatch’s original Scatter Arrow. He launches three explosive arrows, dealing area of effect damage—a feature that ensures they don’t bounce or score headshots. Similarly, the Hypersonic Arrow slices through several enemies at once, sending airborne foes like Storm or Iron Man plummeting down.
Barton’s ultimate move, Hunter’s Sight, creates “Afterimages” of moving adversaries. While he can’t secure headshots on these shadows, they can be damaged, translating into direct harm to the actual targets. There’s some speculation that another character, possibly Black Widow, who might be announced soon, will be able to utilize these “Afterimages” through Marvel Rivals’ Team-Up Ability, though this remains unconfirmed.
Ultimately, Hawkeye stands out as a well-balanced projectile hero, effectively capable of tackling airborne enemies, thriving in close combat, and excelling from a distance. Despite his versatility, he might be susceptible to being outmaneuvered by flanking characters like Star-Lord or Loki, seasoned Hela players, or Vanguard heroes who can withstand significant damage. Given Hela’s prominence as an S-Tier pick in closed playtests, it will be fascinating to watch how Hawkeye measures up to her prowess. Nonetheless, his ability to execute one-shots could significantly shift the game’s dynamics, especially when paired with teammates who possess stunning abilities, such as Mantis.
