Let me tell you something, bub. It’s 2026, and in the chaotic, superpowered brawl that is Marvel Rivals, there’s one hero who stands head and rocky shoulders above the rest when it comes to pure, unadulterated, face-punching fun: me, Benjamin J. Grimm, THE THING! Forget fancy energy beams and complex teleportation tricks. My strategy is as simple and beautiful as a brick to the face: get in close and turn the opposition into gravel. And the best part? According to the geniuses who made this game, I’m officially rated as one of the EASIEST characters to pick up and play. That’s right, clobberin’ time is now beginner-friendly time!
My “Fantastic” Family and My Simple, Beautiful Role
I run with a crew called the Fantastic Four. You got:
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Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards): A stretchy “Duelist.” All brains, no proper fists.
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Human Torch (Johnny Storm): A flaming “Duelist.” Hothead, literally.
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Invisible Woman (Sue Storm): A “Strategist.\” Prefers hiding and making force fields.
And then there’s ME. I’m not a Duelist or a Strategist. I’m a VANGUARD. My job description? Lead the charge, absorb the punishment, and smash anything that moves. My gameplay philosophy has zero room for puny projectiles. My entire arsenal is built for melee mayhem. If it ain’t within arm’s reach, it ain’t worth my time… until I make it within arm’s reach.
My Kit: It’s Clobberin’ Time, Not Calculus Time
They say my abilities are so straightforward you can master them in minutes. I say they’re perfectly designed for maximum impact with minimal fuss. Here’s what makes me the bedrock of any team:
| Ability | What It Does | My Pro-Tip (It’s All Yer’s, Kid) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Attack | A relentless series of rocky fists. Good, honest pummeling. | This is your bread and butter. Spam it on anything that gets too close. It’s reliable, it’s mean, and it builds up to the big one. |
| Stone Haymaker | My signature move! A massive, wind-up punch that sends enemies FLYING. | ⚠️ WARNING! Missing this leaves you wide open. Use it on stunned enemies, or when you’ve got them cornered. It’s a fight-ender, not an opener! |
| Yancy Street Charge | I lower my head, get a shiny orange shield, and charge forward like a runaway bulldozer. | Perfect for closing gaps or escaping sticky situations. That shield is your best friend when you need to get from Point A to Point Smash. |
| Embattled Leap | I leap through the air and crash down next to an ally, giving us BOTH a damage reduction buff. | This isn’t just a mobility tool—it’s a team-saving maneuver! See a teammate in trouble? LEAP! You become a living, breathing fortification. |
| Cooperative Comrades (Ultimate) | I let out a rallying roar that grants nearby allies a huge overshield and me a ton of bonus armor. | Timing is everything! Don’t pop this when it’s just you and one enemy. Wait for the big, chaotic team fight. You turn your whole squad into an unstoppable, tanky wrecking crew! |
My Battle Plan: A Masterclass in Controlled Violence
Think playing me is just running in swinging? Think again, chucklehead! Even a one-star difficulty rock-man has tactics. Here’s how I dominate the arena in 2026:
1. The Engagement: How to Say “Hello.”
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Solo Target?
Yancy Street Chargeis your greeting card. Close the distance safely behind that shield. -
Teammate in the Mix?
Embattled Leapis the BEST option. You help a friend, get damage reduction, and immediately become the biggest problem on the battlefield. You soak up the aggro like a rocky sponge while your ally deals the damage. It’s a beautiful partnership!
2. The Fight: To Haymaker or Not to Haymaker?
This is the most important decision you’ll make. My primary attack is steady and safe. Use it on slippery, dodgy enemies like Spider-Man or Deadpool. Save the Stone Haymaker for when the enemy is:
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Stunned by a teammate
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Trapped in a corner
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Busy reloading
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Just generally being a predictable schmuck
A missed Haymaker isn’t just a whiff—it’s an invitation for the entire enemy team to unload on you. Make it count!
3. The Ultimate Timing: The Roar Heard ‘Round the Arena
My Cooperative Comrades ultimate is a game-changer, but a premature roar is a wasted roar. 🗣️💥
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DO use it when: 3 or more enemies are committed to a fight, or when pushing/defending a critical objective with your team clustered.
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DO NOT use it when: It’s just a 1v1 skirmish or when the enemy team is scattered. You’ll waste the group buff and be vulnerable when they regroup!
Why I’m the Perfect Pick for 2026
In a meta that’s constantly shifting with new heroes and complex abilities, I remain a constant. A beautiful, orange, rocky constant. I am the embodiment of easy to learn, rewarding to master. You can contribute meaningfully from your very first match by just being a tough, disruptive presence. But to truly excel, to become the unmovable object AND the unstoppable force, you need to master the rhythm of my engages and the earth-shattering impact of my Haymaker.
So, if you’re tired of missing sniper shots or messing up complex ability combos, come join me. Pick The Thing. Feel the power of granite knuckles. Experience the joy of being the team’s anchor. Just remember the rule: See enemy. Close distance. Apply fist. Repeatedly. It’s clobberin’ time!