Scarlet Witch in Marvel Rivals
Scarlet Witch is a compelling choice in Marvel Rivals and can be quite effective when played correctly. While she may not seem as overpowering as she did during the game’s initial testing phase, there are many advantages to selecting Wanda over other characters. Notably, Scarlet Witch is particularly attractive for beginners who may not have much experience with hero shooters or games that demand precise aiming.
The general consensus on Scarlet Witch’s power level is mixed. Some tier lists rank her near the top, while others place her in the A- or B-tier. Even if she’s not the strongest character overall, she possesses abilities that can significantly influence the game’s momentum and give her team a competitive edge.
All of Scarlet Witch’s Abilities
Overview of Skills
Scarlet Witch’s abilities in Marvel Rivals are quite straightforward. She lacks complex passive abilities that require players to manage cooldowns, making her an excellent option for newcomers who are gradually adapting to more intricate characters.
Basic Attack: Chaos Control
Wanda’s basic attack is called Chaos Control. Rather than aiming a projectile, Scarlet Witch simply siphons health from the nearest enemy when the attack button is held down. This attack has no reload time or cooldown, allowing it to be used continuously. The damage inflicted depends on the target’s remaining health, and players can accumulate up to four charges of Chaos Energy while attacking.
Mystic Projection
By pressing Left-Shift/R1/RB, Scarlet Witch can fly freely around the map. While utilizing this ability, she becomes invisible to enemies, offering her both mobility and protection from attacks.
Dark Seal
Scarlet Witch’s E/L1/LB ability, Dark Seal, unleashes a small sphere of chaos energy. Upon impacting an enemy or the environment, it creates an explosive force field that intermittently stuns enemies within its radius. Players can also shoot this energy without hitting a target and trigger the detonation when enemies are in proximity.
Telekinesis
This ability allows players to hold the jump button while in the air to slow their descent. This gives Scarlet Witch enhanced control over her fall, keeping her out of reach of melee attackers for longer periods and allowing her to navigate elevated platforms without risking exposure on the ground.
Chthonian Burst
Chthonian Burst uses one charge of Chaos Energy to create a missile that exceeds the range of Scarlet Witch’s basic attack and deals splash damage to enemies. Players can see how much Chaos Energy they have stored with the four indicators in the center of the screen.
Using Scarlet Witch’s Ultimate Ability
Scarlet Witch’s ultimate ability, Reality Erasure, can be activated by pressing Q or both thumbsticks when her meter is full. Once activated, she begins to charge up energy and will inflict substantial damage on all nearby enemies once fully charged.
It’s crucial to remember a few key points when using her ultimate. First, this move is highly noticeable. When activated, Scarlet Witch announces “pure chaos,” alerting the opposing team of her next action. Additionally, she is vulnerable during this time, meaning that players need to be strategic about when and where to unleash her ultimate ability to avoid being taken down by the enemy.
An effective strategy involves using Reality Erasure from a concealed position near the enemy team. Starting the charging process inside a hidden area can allow for a surprise attack just as the damage is released. If the opposing team lacks long-range heroes, Wanda can soar above them during the charge and then dive in for the attack.
Similar to her basic attack, there’s no need to aim Reality Erasure. This aspect further establishes her as a beginner-friendly character, although players still must be cautious to avoid enemy fire while charging her ultimate.
Best Team Composition for Scarlet Witch
Scarlet Witch works best when paired with heroes who can counterbalance her vulnerabilities. In Marvel Rivals, she has a team-up ability with her father, Magneto, available from the start. While Scarlet Witch doesn’t gain new abilities from this alliance, it’s beneficial for Magneto, who can establish a strong frontline presence.
When both are on the same team, Magneto gains a new attack using an Enchanted Greatsword that fires Chaos Energy, enhancing his melee and ranged attack options. His protective skills can also serve to keep Scarlet Witch safe while she charges her ultimate.
Alternatively, heroes like Cloak and Dagger are valuable support allies. Dagger can heal without needing precise aim, making it easier to assist Scarlet Witch as she stays mobile. Moreover, Doctor Strange can also be a good pairing, offering protective shields for Scarlet Witch during her ult.
Key Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Winning
Scarlet Witch can deliver tremendous damage but must play cautiously. With limited health and defensive capabilities, she can be quickly eliminated if not careful. While getting up close for her basic attack is necessary, players should only do that momentarily to store Chaos Energy, then retreat to a safer distance for combat.
Using Mystic Projection frequently allows for better navigation in hazardous zones, so players should often employ it while traversing areas with limited visibility. Additionally, approaching combat from less visible pathways, such as buildings or side rooms, decreases her risk of being targeted.
Scarlet Witch’s ultimate ability can dramatically turn the tide of battle, so it shouldn’t be wasted in one-on-one encounters. Instead, it should be conserved for impactful moments, as many Marvel Rivals matches come down to seconds at objectives—something Scarlet Witch can achieve with her well-timed ult.
