Marvel Rivals: 22 Positioning Tips for Small and Large Maps
By a fellow Marvel Rivals player who's made all the mistakes so you don't have to
Marvel Rivals is more than flashy abilities and fast-paced skirmishes—it’s a game where positioning often determines whether you clutch the match or fall flat. Whether you're playing on a tight, enclosed map or a sprawling battlefield, mastering your movement and placement is essential.
After spending countless hours playing every role and experimenting with both team comps and solo strategies, I’ve put together 22 tips to help you improve your positioning across different map sizes. Let’s dive in.
Positioning Tips for Small Maps
Small maps in Marvel Rivals favor close engagements, flanks, and constant repositioning. Here's how to stay alive and make an impact.
1. Use Corners Like ShieldsAlways fight near cover. On small maps, corners are your best friend for breaking line of sight and avoiding ability spam.
2. Stick and MoveMobility characters like Spider-Man thrive here. If you’ve unlocked special cosmetics, show them off as you zip across walls—but remember: movement is your defense.
3. Don’t OvercommitDiving deep into enemy lines might feel rewarding, but without a way out, you're gifting them ult charge.
4. Track Flanks ConstantlyBecause the map is compact, a single flanker like Punisher can wipe your backline. Communicate and cover angles.
5. Don’t Group Up in Choke PointsExplosives and AoE abilities are brutal here. Always keep enough space between teammates.
6. High Ground = Vision and ControlCharacters like Storm and Iron Man can control sightlines from elevated spots. Secure these to dominate short sightlines.
7. Rotate as a UnitSmall maps are easy to traverse, so take advantage of quick team rotations to overwhelm isolated enemies.
8. Use Environmental HazardsSome maps include destructible terrain or traps—pull enemies into tight corners, then collapse.
9. Don’t Tunnel VisionKeep scanning. On small maps, fights develop quickly and your awareness has to match that pace.
10. Mind Respawn TimersThe short distance from spawn means enemies regroup faster—push after winning fights, but back off before respawns swing momentum.
11. Practice with Smaller-Sized DuelsIf you want to improve your spatial awareness, jump into custom matches and isolate 1v1s in tight corridors.
Positioning Tips for Large Maps
On large maps, positioning becomes more about macro decisions—when to push, when to flank, and how to pressure objectives.
12. Map Control Beats KillsSecuring key positions like high ground, forward spawns, and health packs is often more impactful than chasing kills.
13. Think Like a Sniper (Even if You Aren’t)Long sightlines make characters like Rocket or Hawkeye terrifying. Use long corridors to your advantage—don’t get caught in them.
14. Flank Smart, Not FastIt’s tempting to go solo on large maps. If you do flank, ping or voice-communicate. Lone wolves get picked.
15. Play the EdgesAvoid running straight down the center. Use map edges to move unseen and arrive where you're least expected.
16. Use Long Cooldowns for Map TravelSome heroes have mobility ultimates or abilities better saved for rotation rather than fights—know when to use them for repositioning instead of damage.
17. Scout Before You EngageIf you’re running a recon-style hero, like Black Widow, your job is to spot key targets or traps. Don’t rush in—feed your team info.
18. Beware the Long Spawn WalkDying far from an objective means you're out for longer. Play cautiously on offense, especially if your team is staggered.
19. Divide and ConquerUse verticality and spacing to split the enemy. On wide-open maps, spacing your team prevents devastating ult combos.
20. Save Mobility for RetreatsIt’s tempting to engage with your dash or leap—but hold those cooldowns for disengaging unless you're sure you’ll win the duel.
21. Pressure from Multiple AnglesOn large maps, multi-lane pressure is king. Send two players wide while the rest hold mid for maximum map stress.
22. Know Your Skin and SizeThis might sound strange, but visibility matters. If you buy Marvel Rivals skins that are bright or bulky, you’re easier to spot—so play accordingly. On open maps, low-profile cosmetics sometimes give you a slight edge in stealth.
Whether you’re grinding competitive matches or just enjoying casual queues with friends, improving your positioning can transform how you experience Marvel Rivals. You don’t need to be the top fragger—just be in the right place at the right time.
And if you're planning to buy Marvel Rivals bundles or skins, consider how each hero’s design and role affects your playstyle on different maps. A flashy costume might look amazing, but it should also support your gameplay strategy, not hinder it.