It’s Finally Clobberin’ Time
After more than a month of anticipation in season one, The Thing is set to make his grand entrance in Marvel Rivals, and it’s a moment fans have been eagerly awaiting. Known for his iconic catchphrase "It’s clobberin’ time!" and his unwavering determination, Ben J. Grimm, or The Thing, is the heart and soul of the Fantastic Four. While his teammates were gifted with flashy superpowers, Thing was transformed into a rock-like creature. Despite this tough luck, he has maintained his humanity and a heart of gold, making him one of the most beloved characters in the Marvel universe. In Marvel Rivals, The Thing is classified as a Vanguard hero, which means he serves as a tank—a role that has been in dire need of fresh blood. His arrival is expected to inject much-needed life and variety into the Vanguard category.
The Heart and Soul of the Fantastic Four
Ben J. Grimm, or The Thing, is the embodiment of toughness and resolve. While his transformation into a rocky creature might seem like a curse, it has only strengthened his resolve and determination. In the context of the Fantastic Four, he is the team’s anchor, providing both physical and emotional support to his teammates. His resilience and unyielding spirit make him a pivotal character in both the comic books and now, in Marvel Rivals. As a Vanguard hero, Thing is designed to take a lot of hits and keep on fighting, making him an essential addition to any team that needs a powerful frontline presence. His abilities are geared towards disrupting enemy movements and protecting his allies, ensuring that the team remains strong and cohesive in the face of adversity.
The Thing’s Kit in Marvel Rivals
The Thing’s abilities in Marvel Rivals are a testament to his brute strength and tactical prowess. Here’s a breakdown of his kit:
- Rocky Jab (Basic Attack): This rapid punch is perfect for closing the gap and dealing quick damage. Similar to Hulk’s basic attack, it emphasizes close-range combat.
- Stone Haymaker: A devastating heavy blow that can turn the tide of a battle with a single hit.
- Yancy Street Charge: This ability allows Thing to charge forward, launching enemies into the air and leaving behind a zone that prevents enemy mobility. It’s a powerful tool for disrupting enemy formations and setting up follow-up attacks.
- Embattled Leap: By jumping towards an ally, Thing can grant both of them damage reduction, making this a valuable defensive ability that can protect key members of the team.
- Unyielding Will (Passive): This passive ability makes Thing immune to launch-up, knock-back, and other displacement effects, making him a resilient force on the battlefield.
- Cosmic Fastball (Team-Up Ability): When paired with Hulk and Wolverine, Thing can lift Wolverine and hurl him like a wrecking ball, dealing massive damage to targets in his path.
- Cooperative Comrades (Team-Up Ability): Invisible Woman can channel her powers to fortify the entire Fantastic Four team, providing damage resistance and continual health regeneration, making up for any lost health.
- Clobberin’ Time (Ultimate): Thing uses his immense power to launch all enemies in front of him into the air, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks from his teammates.
Disruptive Melee Brawler
The Thing’s abilities are designed to make him a disruptive force on the battlefield. His Rocky Jab basic attack is similar to Hulk’s, emphasizing close-range combat where he can deal rapid damage. However, his other abilities offer a mix of mobility and disruptive potential. The Yancy Street Charge is a standout ability that can completely wreak havoc on enemy teams, launching them into the air and leaving behind a zone that prevents enemy mobility. This ability is particularly useful for setting up follow-up attacks with Stone Haymaker, which can deal massive damage to enemies caught in the air. His Embattled Leap ability provides valuable protection to his allies, making him a crucial support hero in team compositions. The Unyielding Will passive makes him immune to crowd control effects, ensuring that he remains a persistent threat on the battlefield.
Team-Up with the Fantastic Four
Marvel Rivals encourages players to build team compositions centered around the Fantastic Four, and The Thing’s kit is no exception. His Cosmic Fastball ability, which allows him to team up with Hulk and Wolverine to hurl Wolverine like a wrecking ball, is a powerful tool for dealing massive damage. Moreover, the Cooperative Comrades team-up ability, which allows Invisible Woman to fortify the entire Fantastic Four team with damage resistance and health regeneration, ensures that the team remains strong and resilient. These team-up abilities not only enhance the individual strengths of each hero but also create a formidable force that can dominate the battlefield.
A Welcome Addition to the Vanguard Role
The arrival of The Thing in Marvel Rivals is a significant event for the game. As a Vanguard hero, he brings a fresh perspective to the role, offering a mix of disruption, mobility, and protective abilities that can significantly impact the outcome of battles. His presence on the battlefield is expected to inject much-needed life and variety into the Vanguard category, making him a valuable addition to any team that needs a powerful frontline presence. With his iconic catchphrase and indomitable spirit, The Thing is set to clobber his way into the hearts of Marvel Rivals players, bringing a new dimension of excitement and strategic depth to the game.
