Season 6 of Marvel Rivals starts off strong with the inclusion of Deadpool, one of the most requested characters from Marvel’s extensive library for the hero shooter. Deadpool, aka the “merc with a mouth,” arrives with chaos and mayhem the likes of which the game has never seen. As the most complex hero yet, Deadpool’s abilities are as wacky as he is, with a unique twist no one else has.
Alongside the Season 6 Battle Pass and multiple balance changes, Deadpool releases on January 16, 2026. Deadpool comes to Marvel Rivals as a Duelist, Strategist, and Vanguard, marking himself as the only three-in-one character in the game. Depending on which version of Deadpool you play, each of his properties will change, from how his attacks work to the effects of the abilities he uses.
Every Deadpool Ability Explained
Learn Hybrid Skills That Break The Fourth Wall
Although Deadpool’s mastery of mercenary skills with his trusty dual pistols and twin katanas make up a majority of his toolkit, Deadpool’s greatest ability is how he breaks the fourth wall. Deadpool has always been self-aware as a comic book character, and now as a video game character in Marvel Rivals. As such, many of his abilities break the mold of what the hero shooter has established, upending traditional ways heroes have been presented.
In the competitive modes of Marvel Rivals, only one version of Deadpool can be banned in a match. For example, your team can choose to ban the Duelist Deadpool, but rival teams can still have a Strategist or Vanguard Deadpool on their squad.
Deadpool can upgrade his abilities by reading a comic book, take selfies with defeated enemies for invulnerability, and much more. Given the diversity of how his skills change between roles, Deadpool is easily an overwhelming character to learn. Thankfully, you simply need to focus on which version of Deadpool you choose to play, whether it’s his Vanguard, Strategist, or Duelist forms.
All Duelist Deadpool Abilities
|
Ability |
Ability Type |
Cooldown |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dual Desert Eagles |
Primary Attack (LBM, RT, R2) |
30 Shots (Reload) |
Unleash two hand cannons left and right to shoot enemies. |
|
Headshot! |
Alternate Attack (RMB, LT, L2) |
N/A |
Deadpool throws his hero icon at opponents, where it spins in place and slashes anyone near its thrown location. |
|
Slice and Dice!/Lock and Load! |
Basic Ability (LSHIFT, L1, LB) |
N/A |
Deadpool switches from his twin pistols to his dual katanas for melee attacks. This move also swaps the swords for the guns if used again. |
|
Kick@$$ Katana |
Primary Attack (LBM, RT, R2) |
N/A |
Swing both swords to unleash a chain of combo melee attacks. |
|
Hazardous Hijinks |
Alternate Attack (RMB, LT, L2) |
10 seconds (2 Charges) |
Dash forward with Deadpool for a damaging slash. Doing this multiple times in a row increases the damage in a chain combo. |
|
Ability |
Ability Type |
Cooldown |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deadpool In Your Area |
Basic Ability (E, R1, RB) |
10 seconds |
Deadpool taunts in an AoE, disrupting the vision of opponents in range. Enemies affected also take constant damage for a short time. |
|
Upgrade! |
Basic Ability (Lft Ctrl, Circle, B) |
N/A |
When Deadpool defeats enemies, he gains XP to spend on upgrades to each of his abilities. Getting the final hit opens up enemies to have a selfie taken, which earns more XP than normal. |
|
Bunny Hop |
Jump (Spacebar, X, A) |
6 seconds |
Deadpool performs a double jump that deals damage to enemies if he jumps on top of them. Should Deadpool jump off an enemy or wall, the cooldown for this ability resets. Deadpool gains Bonus Health from jumping off enemies. |
|
Healing Factor |
Passive Ability |
N/A |
If Deadpool doesn’t take damage for a short time, he will automatically heal. |
|
Maximum Flair |
Passive Ability |
N/A |
As Deadpool’s abilities land on various targets, he builds up a style meter. When the style meter reaches “S,” Deadpool can use his Ultimate ability. |
|
Upgraded Ability |
Ability Type |
Cooldown |
Upgrade Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dual Desert Eagles |
Primary Attack (LBM, RT, R2) |
30 Shots (Reload) |
Shots build up a thought bubble near Deadpool. When full, the bubble flies toward an enemy, exploding on contact. |
|
Headshot! |
Alternate Attack (RMB, LT, L2) |
N/A |
Deadpool can throw his icon three times in a row by catching it on its returning rebound. On the third throw, the icon explodes in a small AoE. |
|
Kick@$$ Katana |
Primary Attack (LBM, RT, R2) |
N/A |
If you perform a Bunny Hop on an enemy, your sword strikes immediately transition into a multi-stab attack combo that deals more damage than normal swings. |
|
Hazardous Hijinks |
Alternate Attack (RMB, LT, L2) |
10 seconds (2 Charges) |
Removes the cooldown on the attack as long as you hit an opponent. Slashes no longer combo, but now allow Deadpool to bounce off hit targets into the air. |
|
Deadpool In Your Area |
Basic Ability (E, R1, RB) |
10 seconds |
Deadpool’s taunt now deals more constant damage, also reducing the amount of damage he takes from enemy attacks. Enemies that remain in the taunt AoE for a long time also have aspects of their UI hidden, such as their health bar and Ultimate meter. |
All Vanguard Deadpool Abilities
|
Ability |
Ability Type |
Cooldown |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dual Desert Eagles |
Primary Attack (LBM, RT, R2) |
30 Shots (Reload) |
Same as Duelist form. Shots do slightly less damage as a Vanguard. |
|
Magical Unicorn Shield |
Alternate Attack (RMB, LT, L2) |
10 seconds |
Deadpool throws a unicorn plushie onto the battlefield, creating a small bubble shield where it lands. This bubble absorbs damage for a short time. |
|
Slice and Dice!/Lock and Load! |
Basic Ability (LSHIFT, L1, LB) |
N/A |
Same as Duelist form. |
|
Kick@$$ Katana |
Primary Attack (LBM, RT, R2) |
N/A |
Same as Duelist. Sword strikes do slightly less damage as a Vanguard |
|
Hazardous Hijinks |
Alternate Attack (RMB, LT, L2) |
10 seconds (3 Charges) |
Dash forward with Deadpool for a damaging slash that knocks enemies down. Doing this multiple times in a row increases the damage in a chain combo. Even if knocked down, Deadpool can still chain this combo together fast. |
|
Ability |
Ability Type |
Cooldown |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deadpool In Your Area |
Basic Ability (E, R1, RB) |
12 seconds |
Deadpool performs the same AoE taunt as in his Duelist form, but as a Vanguard, he also gains an Attack Speed boost for his guns and swords. |
|
Upgrade! |
Basic Ability (Lft Ctrl, Circle, B) |
N/A |
Same as Duelist. |
|
Bunny Bounce |
Jump (Spacebar, X, A) |
6 seconds |
Deadpool can use a double jump, but only once. Like his Duelist form, he can reset its cooldown by jumping on enemies or walls, but only when using The Big Test Ultimate in his Vanguard form. |
|
Healing Factor |
Passive Ability |
N/A |
Same as Duelist. |
|
Maximum Flair |
Passive Ability |
N/A |
Same as Duelist. |
|
Upgraded Ability |
Ability Type |
Cooldown |
Upgrade Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dual Desert Eagles |
Primary Attack (LBM, RT, R2) |
30 Shots (Reload) |
Same as Deadpool’s Duelist pistol upgrade. |
|
Magical Unicorn Shield |
Alternate Attack (RMB, LT, L2) |
N/A |
The unicorn plushie’s bubble AoE is much larger, taking more damage before disappearing. |
|
Kick@$$ Katana |
Primary Attack (LBM, RT, R2) |
N/A |
Swords do slightly more damage. Deadpool does not gain access to better combos as he does in his Duelist form with this Vanguard upgrade. |
|
Hazardous Hijinks |
Alternate Attack (RMB, LT, L2) |
10 seconds (2 Charges) |
Same as Deadpool’s Duelist upgrade for this ability. |
|
Deadpool In Your Area |
Basic Ability (E, R1, RB) |
12 seconds |
Same as Duelist, but Deadpool now buffs allies in his taunt AoE too. Any friendly target affected takes significantly reduced damage while the AoE lasts. |
All Deadpool Strategist Abilities
|
Ability |
Ability Type |
Cooldown |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dual Desert Eagles |
Primary Attack (LBM, RT, R2) |
30 Shots (Reload) |
Gunshots now heal targeted allies and damage enemies. |
|
Bouncing Bobblehead |
Alternate Attack (RMB, LT, L2) |
8 seconds |
Deadpool throws his hero icon like a boomerang, causing it to spin like blades. Allies are healed from hits while enemies are damaged. |
|
Slice and Dice!/Lock and Load! |
Basic Ability (LSHIFT, L1, LB) |
N/A |
Same as Duelist/Vanguard form. |
|
Kick@$$ Katana |
Primary Attack (LBM, RT, R2) |
N/A |
Sword slashes send waves of healing to nearby allies. Otherwise, they damage enemies normally. |
|
Healing Hijinks |
Alternate Attack (RMB, LT, L2) |
10 seconds (2 Charges) |
Dash forward with Deadpool for a damaging slash that unleashes a wave of healing on hit. Nearby allies gain health if you land this attack on an enemy target. |
|
Ability |
Ability Type |
Cooldown |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deadpool In Your Area |
Basic Ability (E, R1, RB) |
12 seconds |
Deadpool performs the same AoE taunt as in his other forms, but it now grants Healing Over Time to any ally in the effective radius. |
|
Upgrade! |
Basic Ability (Lft Ctrl, Circle, B) |
N/A |
Same as Duelist/Vanguard. |
|
Healing Hop |
Jump (Spacebar, X, A) |
6 seconds |
Deadpool can use a double jump, resetting its cooldown if he jumps off a wall, enemy, or ally. This move deals damage to enemies, but gives off a short burst of healing if done to a teammate. |
|
Healing Factor |
Passive Ability |
N/A |
Same as Duelist/Vanguard. |
|
Maximum Flair |
Passive Ability |
N/A |
Same as Duelist/Vanguard. |
|
Upgraded Ability |
Ability Type |
Cooldown |
Upgrade Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dual Desert Eagles |
Primary Attack (LBM, RT, R2) |
30 Shots (Reload) |
The AoE explosion of Deadpool’s thought bubble builds up from shooting both allies and enemies. The blast heals nearby allies, but damages any nearby foes. |
|
Bouncing Bobblehead |
Alternate Attack (RMB, LT, L2) |
N/A |
If Deadpool catches the Bobblehead as it comes back, he can throw it two more times in quick succession. On the third throw, it explodes for large healing for allies and damage to enemies. |
|
Kick@$$ Katana |
Primary Attack (LBM, RT, R2) |
N/A |
Katana slashes now have a chance to do a critical stab, sending out more healing and dealing more damage. If done after a Healing Hop, your next slash is guaranteed to be a critical one. |
|
Healing Hijinks |
Alternate Attack (RMB, LT, L2) |
10 seconds (2 Charges) |
Same as Deadpool’s Duelist upgrade for this ability, but now with added healing waves upon each hit. |
|
Deadpool In Your Area |
Basic Ability (E, R1, RB) |
12 seconds |
Same as Duelist, but Deadpool now buffs allies in his taunt AoE too. Any friendly target affected heals over time and gains a damage boost for a short time. |
How To Use Deadpool’s Ultimates
Multiple Conditions That Reward Players For Being Stylish Mercenaries
Considering how Deadpool has three different roles in Marvel Rivals, it isn’t surprising to see that he has multiple Ultimate attacks based on the role he’s in. However, you may be shocked to learn that Deadpool has two Ultimates per form, with each being capable of being upgraded further like all his other abilities.
Since Deadpool can charge his Ultimate simply by upgrading his style meter to “S,” he has a cooldown on his Ultimate too. Even if you recharge it instantly, you’ll still need to wait for it to come back before using it again.
Deadpool’s Ultimates are tied to which weapons you are using in addition to the role you’re playing, technically giving the hero four Ultimate moves in every position. The katana Ultimates test you with mini challenges, requiring you to hit a certain number of enemies within a certain time limit to hit a “Jackpot” with Deadpool. If you have everything upgraded, these extreme Ultimates can provide some of the best benefits in the game.
The table below goes over each version of Deadpool’s Ultimates, based on which form you are playing the hero:
|
Ultimate |
Role |
Description |
Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Skill Issue |
Duelist |
Deadpool places a taunt on an enemy he can see. Every time that target misses an ability or attack, a small version of Deadpool hits them for instances of damage. |
Enemies continuously lose HP, and missed abilities causes more damage. Missing also make enemies Vulnerable for a short time. |
|
Pop Quiz! |
Duelist |
Deadpool enters a state of increased speed and self-healing, but must hit five enemies in 10 seconds to unlock his “Jackpot.” If successful, Deadpool gains a massive speed and healing buff for a short time. |
A damage boost is added to the Ultimate’s effects. Gaining a “Jackpot!” also causes Deadpool to reset all his ability cooldowns, except for Healing Factor. |
|
The Ban Hammer |
Vanguard |
Same as the Duelist version, but this time, Deadpool gains bonus HP and damage if the opponent misses their abilities. Enemies are still damaged for whiffing attacks as usual. |
Deadpool gains even more bonus HP and damage from a targeted foe’s missed abilities. Damage is increased too, just like the Duelist version. |
|
Ultimate |
Role |
Description |
Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Big Test |
Vanguard |
Deadpool gains extra healing speed and healing, but also creates an AoE field that grants himself and nearby allies Bonus Health. Deadpool also gains an extra use of Hazardous Hijinks. With a “Jackpot” from hitting five enemies in 12 seconds, Deadpool gains additional healing and speed for a short time, and his Healing Factor cooldown resets. |
Increased speed, Bonus HP, healing, and uses of Hazardous Hijinks. “Jackpot” gives even more of these buffs, resets Healing Factor, and causes additional hits to grant even more Bonus Health for a short time. |
|
Pwnage Pound |
Strategist |
Same as the Duelist version, but this time, allies near Deadpool receive non-stop healing. Every hit taken by an enemy from this Ultimate also causes allies in the heaing field to regain even more HP. |
Missed attacks and abilities cause a taunted opponent to take even more damage, and create even more healing for allies in Deadpool’s healing field. |
|
Final Exam |
Strategist |
Deadpool activates a healing field, letting himself and allies regain health if in the same AoE radius. Hitting seven enemies in 10 seconds with certain skills while in this state causes all sources of healing to be boosted with a “Jackpot.” |
Healing aura of Deadpool also grants Bonus Health when upgraded with “Jackpot.” Doing so also resets Deadpool’s Healing Factor. |
Best Team Comps For Deadpool
Put Together Anyone Who Can Stand Wade’s Nonsense
It’s pretty difficult to imagine which characters work well with Deadpool, as the character is practically suitable to fulfill any position your team needs. That being said, some universal constants in Deadpool’s skills do leave some gaps in the character’s playstyle, as there will always be things the merc with a mouth simply can’t do.
This manifests in different Team-Up abilities in Marvel Rivals, or in various synergies characters have in other roles. Deadpool as a Duelist may want to have a Vanguard or Strategist with him, while the Vanguard version of Deadpool could stand to have a different Duelist backing him up. Here are some good examples of characters that pair well with Deadpool in specific roles:
- Jeff the Land Shark (any Deadpool)
- Magneto (when with Duelist/Strategist Deadpool)
- Gambit (when with Strategist Deadpool)
- Storm (when with any Deadpool)
- Loki (when with Strategist Deadpool)
Jeff the Land Shark has a Team-Up with any type of Deadpool called “Comical Chaos,” with Deadpool gaining different effects as the anchor depending on his role. This synergy gives Jeff a new ability where he can throw a unicorn plushie onto the battlefield, targeting where it goes first. When placed, this plushie shoots out moving streams of healing water, restoring the HP of allies that get within its range.
This healing ability works great in Deadpool’s Strategist form the best, but other Strategists like Loki and Gambit can also stack their healing or buffs with the hero too. If you’re looking for extra protection, Magneto’s bubbles can help shield Deadpool in his more fragile forms. Since Deadpool applies so many buffs to allies in his forms, characters like Storm are excellent picks to add on extra bonuses.
Best Tips, Tricks, & Strategies For Winning
Be The Best There Is At Whatever Deadpool Does
Your strategies with Deadpool will change depending on his role, with each version having its own pros and cons. For every kind of Deadpool, though, you want to get as much XP as possible to upgrade your abilities quickly. Managing to get stronger versions of all your skills will help your team in the long run, especially as your Ultimates become the best versions of themselves.
One overlooked part of Deadpool’s skills is the very long cooldown on his abilities, especially each Ultimate. It may seem like you should use his Ultimate frequently if you get it so fast from your style meter, but this can be a trap. Make sure to spend your Ultimate at the right time, as you are unlikely to get it back even if you do recharge it after a few enemy hits.
The selfie photobomb ability of Deadpool also grants him invincibility from all attacks for a short time, so make sure to use it to avoid big sources of damage, such as Magneto or Iron Man’s Ultimate.
The nuances between weapon forms on Deadpool need to be taken into account as you play as well. Some skills from this frequently reappearing X-Men character in Marvel Rivals are locked to whether he is using his guns or swords, including some Ultimates. Much like Cloak & Dagger, treating both weapon states as different stances for Deadpool will help you understand what skills are available to you throughout a match.
Overall, it might be best to stick to one form of Deadpool at first before learning another. The variations in this hero’s abilities are unlike anything seen in Marvel Rivals before, but once you pick up some tricks with one role, they might translate to another to help you master this mercenary’s chaos.
- Released
-
December 6, 2024
- ESRB
-
T For Teen // Violence
- Engine
-
Unreal Engine 5