In Marvel Rivals, mastering defense is just as crucial as executing aggressive combos. Whether you’re facing a relentless rush or a tactical opponent, having the right build focused on survivability and control can turn the tide of battle. After plenty of matches and testing various setups, I’ve compiled 15 effective builds that emphasize strong defensive play without sacrificing your ability to counterattack.

1. Hulk - Juggernaut Tank

Hulk’s high health pool combined with Juggernaut’s damage resistance creates a solid frontline. Prioritize armor and health regeneration stats to endure heavy hits, while keeping Hulk’s crowd control abilities handy to stagger foes.

2. Doctor Strange - Time Manipulator

Doctor Strange’s defensive potential lies in his ability to manipulate time and space. Equip skills that increase evasion and reduce cooldowns to keep your distance and avoid damage, then punish with counterattacks.

3. Captain America - Shield Wall

Cap’s iconic shield offers great defensive perks. Focus on builds that enhance block efficiency and health regeneration. This setup is perfect for players who prefer to absorb damage and retaliate at the perfect moment.

4. Wolverine - Regenerative Fighter

Wolverine’s healing factor is central to his defense. Maximize health regen and resistance to control effects. With the right timing, Wolverine can outlast opponents and turn fights around when they think they have the upper hand.

5. Iron Man - Energy Barrier Specialist

Iron Man’s suits provide built-in energy barriers. Boost his shield capacity and cooldown reduction, allowing you to maintain defensive buffs longer and punish enemies when they overcommit.

6. Black Panther - Agile Defender

Speed and agility are Black Panther’s assets. Invest in dodge chance and counterattack damage. This build lets you evade attacks and quickly strike back while maintaining a defensive posture.

7. Thor - God of Thunder

Thor excels at crowd control with his hammer strikes. Enhance his resistance to stun and knockback effects, allowing you to maintain positioning while controlling the battlefield.

8. Spider-Man - Evasive Acrobat

Spider-Man’s mobility is key for defense. Increase his evasion and movement speed stats. This build is ideal for hit-and-run tactics that frustrate opponents and create openings.

9. Scarlet Witch - Mystic Barrier

Scarlet Witch can create powerful shields and disrupt enemies. Focus on shield strength and cooldown reduction, enabling you to maintain protective barriers while casting disruptive spells.

10. Deadpool - Unpredictable Survivor

Deadpool’s unique healing and dodge abilities make him tricky to pin down. Prioritize regeneration and evasion stats to outlast enemy combos and punish mistakes.

11. Vision - Phasing Defender

Vision’s ability to phase through attacks is invaluable defensively. Boost his dodge and damage reduction stats to make him a hard target while maintaining offensive pressure.

12. Black Widow - Tactical Retreat

Black Widow’s stealth and agility are great for defense. Enhance her evasion and counterattack damage, allowing you to avoid damage and strike swiftly when opponents hesitate.

13. Ant-Man - Size Manipulator

Ant-Man’s size-changing powers offer unique defensive advantages. Build around dodge chance and crowd control resistance to survive longer and control the flow of combat.

14. Gamora - Precision Blocker

Gamora’s precise strikes are deadly when paired with strong defense. Focus on block efficiency and health regeneration to tank damage and punish with quick counters.

15. Daredevil - Sensory Shield

Daredevil’s heightened senses grant improved reaction times. Invest in dodge chance and damage reflection to create a build that punishes opponents who rely on brute force.

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Mastering defense in Marvel Rivals is about more than just surviving—it’s about controlling the pace and punishing overextensions. These 15 builds provide a solid foundation for players aiming to become tough-to-beat defenders while still maintaining offensive threats. Try mixing and matching these setups based on your playstyle and team composition, and you’ll find yourself climbing the ranks in no time.