Hawkeye stands out as one of the most formidable Duelists in Marvel Rivals. With his capacity to fire from afar and eliminate almost any character with a single shot (except the Vanguards), he poses a significant threat, particularly when the opposing Hawkeye has sharp targeting skills.
He is frequently banned in competitive matches, but there are times when he gets through, forcing players to come up with strategies to counter him. If you find facing Hawkeye frustrating and want to learn how to take him down, this guide will help prepare you for your next encounter.
Strategies for Countering Hawkeye
Hawkeye typically operates as a backline damage dealer, staying behind his teammates while unleashing potent arrows to take down foes in a single shot. Engaging him from a distance can be risky, as he generally has the advantage in these duels.
To effectively counter Hawkeye, consider using dive heroes (such as Spider-Man or Venom) who can close the distance quickly. Once you’re in close range, Hawkeye struggles to use his charged attacks efficiently, which gives you the edge. While he may try to escape, heroes with strong chase capabilities will also help in countering him.
Additionally, flanking Hawkeye can be very effective since he often targets enemies hidden behind his frontline. A well-executed flank forces him to defend against multiple threats, making it harder for him to focus and perform well.
Choosing the right counter heroes is essential, but mastering their controls is just as important. Solidifying your fundamentals—like aim, positioning, and ability timings—will significantly increase your chances of taking down Hawkeye.
Countering Hawkeye as a Strategist
Countering Hawkeye in the role of a Strategist can be one of the toughest challenges, as you are often stationed behind your teammates to provide healing and support, putting you at a disadvantage against the nimble marksman.
The most effective approach is to team up with a damage-dealing ally. Excellent choices include Mantis and Luna Snow, who can incapacitate Hawkeye with their stunning abilities. Mantis can put him to sleep, while Luna Snow can freeze him, allowing your DPS companion to finish the job.
Moreover, Mantis’ normal attacks can deal significant damage, especially if aimed correctly, which can help offset any missed shots by Hawkeye.
Countering Hawkeye as a Vanguard
As a Vanguard, several heroes can take on Hawkeye effectively. Venom is a notable choice, as he can engage Hawkeye up close with his swinging abilities. If Hawkeye attempts to escape, Venom can pursue him with ease.
Thanks to his impressive health and the Symbiotic Resilience ability, Venom presents a significant challenge for Hawkeye to overcome. Other effective options include Doctor Strange and Magneto, who can utilize shields to protect themselves and their teammates from Hawkeye’s arrows.
Moreover, Magneto is capable of deflecting absorbed damage back at Hawkeye, complicating his strategy. Captain America is also a reliable counter, as he can close in on Hawkeye and disrupt his plans, even if he is a relatively average Vanguard compared to others.
Groot can also serve as a decent counter to Hawkeye. He can set barriers blocking Hawkeye’s sight, although this works best in narrow spaces rather than in open maps.
Countering Hawkeye as a Duelist
When playing as a Duelist, you have several options to effectively counter Hawkeye. The standout choices are Spider-Man and Psylocke, both known for their incredible diving abilities and high damage output, allowing them to take down Hawkeye with relative ease.
Spider-Man has an added edge with his Spectacular Spin and Get Over Here abilities, which can stun Hawkeye and disrupt his game plan. While Psylocke lacks a stun, she boasts multiple dashes in her skill set, which, when used strategically, can confuse Hawkeye and lead to missed shots. Both characters excel at flanking as well.
Iron Fist also makes for a strong counter against Hawkeye, thanks to his close-range attack capabilities combined with defensive abilities like Harmony Recovery, Dragon’s Defense, and Chi Absorption, which pressure Hawkeye into retreating. Star-Lord is another viable option; he can dive in effectively and, when partnered with a Strategist, can quickly take care of Hawkeye.
If you’re confident, playing as Hawkeye to take him down can be an option as well. Aiming for headshots can allow you to overpower the opposing Hawkeye and establish dominance on the battlefield.
