It was never a matter of if Deadpool would show up in Marvel Rivals. The real mystery was how the developers would squeeze his swords, guns, healing factor, and fourth-wall chaos into a competitive hero shooter without breaking the game or the internet.
Now that the gameplay trailer is out, the answer is very on-brand. Deadpool does not pick a lane. He takes all of them.
In Marvel Rivals Season 6, Deadpool can be played as a Duelist, Strategist, or Vanguard, depending entirely on the role you select before the match. Same costume. Same attitude. Completely different playstyles.
And somehow, it makes perfect sense.
Deadpool’s Role-Swapping Is Not a Gimmick
Most hero shooters lock characters into strict roles for balance reasons. Deadpool laughs at that rule, reloads his pistols, and stabs it with a katana.
When you select Deadpool, you choose his role, and the game adjusts his health pool, abilities, and utility accordingly. This is not a mid-match swap or a temporary stance change. It is a full role identity that shapes how you play him from start to finish.
Duelist Deadpool: Pure Chaos, Maximum Damage
As a Duelist, Deadpool leans into fast-paced aggression.
- He can throw his katana, which spins forward like a rotating blade and shreds enemies in its path.
- His kit favors mobility, burst damage, and constant pressure.
- This version fits players who like flanking, chasing eliminations, and living dangerously.
If you want Deadpool at his most reckless, this is the role.
Vanguard Deadpool: Tanky, Loud, and Hard to Ignore
Vanguard Deadpool is where things get weird in the best way.
- He gains access to a deployable spherical shield, letting him absorb damage and protect teammates.
- His increased max health allows him to stand on objectives and soak up fire.
- He still fights like Deadpool, just with more survivability and fewer regrets.
A tank who cracks jokes while blocking bullets feels ridiculous on paper. In practice, it works.
Strategist Deadpool: Healing, But Make It Violent
This is the role no one saw coming, yet it fits perfectly.
- Strategist Deadpool heals allies by shooting them or slashing them with his katanas.
- His support kit rewards aggressive positioning rather than passive backline play.
- Healing feels active, chaotic, and unmistakably Deadpool.
If traditional healers bore you, this version fixes that problem fast.
A Skill System That Breaks the Fourth Wall
Deadpool does not just bring flexible roles. He also introduces one of the strangest progression mechanics in the game.
As you fight, Deadpool levels up during the match. When that happens, an in-game, book-style menu pops up, letting you choose which abilities to unlock or upgrade next.
This system rewards momentum and smart decision-making. It also adds a light roguelike flavor to each match without overwhelming the core shooter mechanics.
Abilities That Feel Like Deadpool, Not Just Another Hero
Deadpool’s kit leans hard into humor, but every joke serves gameplay.
- One ability damages enemies when they miss their shots, punishing poor aim in a very Deadpool way.
- After eliminating opponents, Deadpool can take photos with them, because of course he can.
- In one trailer moment, he uses photo mode to become invincible and tanks an Ultimate from Magneto using his backside.
None of this feels random. It all reinforces Deadpool’s identity while staying mechanically relevant.
Season 6 Brings More Than Just Deadpool
Deadpool may steal the spotlight, but Season 6 adds meaningful content across the board.
New Map: Museum of Contemplation
Launching on January 29, the Museum of Contemplation introduces a fresh battlefield with a distinct visual style and new combat flow. It is designed to reward vertical play and coordinated team movement.
Times Square Gets More Personality
The non-combat Times Square hub is getting two major upgrades:
- Photo Mode, perfect for showing off skins and Deadpool’s antics
- The Clobberin’ Club, a duel arena where players can fight and broadcast their matches on giant in-world screens
It turns the lobby into a social space instead of just a waiting room.
Hero Proficiency Finally Gets a Real Upgrade
Hero proficiency has been fully reworked.
- More tiers
- Hero-specific rewards
- Earnable in-game currency
- Animated character avatars
Progression now feels meaningful rather than cosmetic padding.
Team-Ups Are Changing in a Big Way
Season 6 also reshuffles several team-up abilities.
- Peni loses her team-up with Rocket
- Spider-Man loses his combo with Human Torch
- Peni and Spider-Man gain a new team-up that gives Spider-Man a web bomb
The standout addition is Deadpool’s team-up with Jeff.
This combo creates a spinning toy that:
- Heals allies
- Covers enemy screens with animated Deadpools
It is disruptive, funny, and strategically useful, which sums up Deadpool’s design philosophy perfectly.
Why Deadpool Fits Marvel Rivals So Well
Deadpool could have been a novelty character. Instead, NetEase leaned into what makes him different.
- He breaks role rules without breaking balance
- He adds humor without sacrificing competitive depth
- He feels fresh in a genre that often plays it safe
Deadpool does not just join Marvel Rivals. He bends it slightly out of shape, and the game is better for it.
Season 6 is shaping up to be one of Marvel Rivals’ strongest updates yet. And yes, Deadpool is absolutely the reason why.
