Marvel Rivals season 3 is almost upon us, bringing with it the blessing of the Phoenix Force. Jean Grey, original member of the X-Men and sometimes terror of the cosmos, is joining the roster as a new duelist. As usual, we're also getting a new map, some balance changes and several quality of life changes when it comes to cosmetics.
And hang in there, Daywalker devotees -- Blade is coming in Season 3.5 next month.
Phoenix's abilities in Marvel Rivals
Phoenix joins as yet another duelist -- an already oversaturated role, but one that feels appropriate for her. She brings a mix of area-of-effect damage that can help chew through groups of enemies as well as mobility that lets her flit around the battlefield to find flank angles.
Phoenix's primary fire applies instant damage to enemies (also known as hitscan fire) and applies Spark stacks to opponents, represented by up to three flame icons above their characters. Heroes detonate at full stacks, releasing a burst of additional damage around them and healing Phoenix over time.
Her alternate fire sends a rapid-fire burst of flame that creates a series of small explosions, similar to Hela's alternate fire. The first blast briefly stuns enemies while the other apply a slowing effect. This ability also applies Spark stacks.
I can't tell you exactly what's happening here, but whatever it is, it looks fun. Marvel/Screenshot by Adam Benjamin
Her first ability is a quick dash that leaves behind an exploding illusion, which can apply a Spark stack to any enemies hit.
Her second ability grants Phoenix limited-duration flight, speed boost and ammo regeneration, allowing Phoenix to freely fly around the battlefield for a few seconds. The flight is on a resource meter that recharges while Phoenix isn't flying.
Phoenix's ultimate has a few different effects. After she leaps into the air, you aim toward a point of impact where the ultimate applies a burst damage in an area and adds a Spark stack to anyone hit. It also destroys any deployable items -- think Peni nests, Rocket beacons, Namor squids -- in the area. Perhaps most significantly, it removes all bonus health (represented by blue portions of a hero's health bar), allowing Phoenix to more effectively cut through the overhealth applied by Venom's Symbiotic Resilience ability or support ultimates like Luna Snow's Fate of Both Worlds and Mantis's Soul Resurgence.
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