The Thing is set to join the Marvel Rivals roster alongside the rest of the Fantastic Four on January 10 at 1:00 AM PST, as confirmed in an official post on X. The announcement also teased the Season 1 trailer, titled Eternal Night Falls. That said, dates could shift slightly, but NetEase has been reliable in meeting player expectations and requests since the game launched, so any changes are unlikely. We still need a Vanguard, and The Thing is the perfect fit for the role. With his massive build, superhuman strength, and incredible endurance, he’s an ideal candidate to add another tank to Marvel Rivals.
The Thing in Marvel Rivals
Leaked details suggest that The Thing will take on the role of a Vanguard, perfectly suited to his tank-like nature. His rocky skin, immense strength, and nearly indestructible body make him an ideal choice for soaking up damage and holding the front line. As a former U.S. Marine test pilot, his combat expertise and strategic skills allow him to face even the toughest foes, making him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
The Thing reportedly uses his fists as both main and secondary for attacking. He can use the Combination Punch for rapid, multiple hits that bring small damage and Thunderbolt Punch, which throws a powerful slow attack to conquer the opponent. Based on leaks, these abilities are subject to change at release; however, this does show what raw strength the Thing has with a no-nonsense, straightforward style of fighting.
Abilities of The Thing in Marvel Rivals
Leaked abilities show the potential for The Thing as a great tank character. This should be the definitive position for this character as a Vanguard. As with his emphasis on crowd control and team protection, The Thing will be taking up the front lines and safeguarding his allies. Here’s the breakdown:
- Battlefield Support: Leaps to allies, granting damage reduction to both them and himself.
- Slam Moment: Delivers a massive strike, launching all enemies in front of him into the air.
- Solid as a Rock: Grants immunity to knockback and other displacement effects.
- Furious Charge: Charges forward, lifting enemies in his path and creating a seismic zone that prevents displacement.
- Team-Up Ability: Pairs with Wolverine. If both players confirm, The Thing or Hulk can lift Wolverine and throw him toward a target.
Best Team up for The Thing
When building a team around The Thing in Marvel Rivals, consider pairing him with these characters for optimal synergy:
- Mantis: Every tank needs a healer, and Mantis is a perfect fit for the job. Her Life Orbs can increase The Thing’s damage and health while also providing Healing Over Time, ensuring that The Thing can withstand sustained attacks. Mantis’ long-range healing allows her to keep The Thing in the fight, while also helping to protect teammates.
- Hulk: Another good pick to pair with The Thing is Hulk, which has more similar tanking characteristics. Hulk can stand at par with The Thing, keeping enemies at bay and absorbing various attacks. It can knock enemies from the skies using its Incredible Leap and allow for both tanks to bring down opponents and capitalize on their powerful attacks and durability.
- Wolverine: With the leaked Team-Up ability, Wolverine is a must-have for any team featuring The Thing. Both The Thing and Hulk can throw Wolverine into the thick of battle, making him an essential part of the frontline. You can launch Wolverine into the fray, follow up with Furious Charge to join him, and then wreak havoc together.
- Hawkeye: Not all good team compositions rely on tanks. To support The Thing, a DPS like Hawkeye is crucial for dealing with enemies that slowly chip away at The Thing’s health. From a distance, Hawkeye can pick off foes targeting The Thing, while the tank lures them in. Alternatively, use Slam Moment to send an enemy into the air, allowing Hawkeye to take them down from a safe distance.
While The Thing isn’t available in Marvel Rivals just yet, these suggestions are based on leaks and what’s been revealed by NetEase.
How to play The Thing
With his tanky abilities, The Thing is built to dive straight into the action. Starting with Furious Charge is a great way to quickly engage enemies, lifting them in your path and dealing damage as you rush into the fray. Once you’re in position, unleash a barrage of attacks with your fists your primary and secondary weapons and when the chaos intensifies, use your ultimate, Slam Moment, to send enemies flying into the air.
As a tank, it’s also essential to keep an eye on your teammates. If they’re struggling, activate Battlefield Support to reduce the damage they take and help them survive longer. Your role is to absorb hits and protect your team, ensuring your damage dealers can focus on taking down the enemy without worrying about their safety.
