With exceptional defensive abilities and competent battlefield control, Groot is an integral hero in Marvel Rivals. As a frontline tank, he excels in creating strategic barriers, choke points, and traps that hinder enemy movement.
His defensive abilities are robust. He can absorb enemy attacks, shield teammates, and convince opponents to navigate cautiously around his well-placed obstacles.
Groot’s utility extends beyond his defenses as his walls provide bonus effects like granting health and damage bonuses to his allies. As such, he becomes a desired character for defenders who like to guard their team during intense action.
To explain Groot’s true potential, this guide breaks down his abilities, playstyle, best team compositions, and how to counter him.
Groot’s Abilities in Marvel Rivals
Groot shines in team-based scenarios where he can take the defensive while his teammates can go offensive. He comes with the following abilities:
Vine Strike
Vine Strike is Groot’s primary attack that launches vines at enemies before him. Although it’s not a powerhouse move, it can be used repeatedly to maintain pressure in fights.
Spore Bomb
Groot’s secondary attack is when he throws a Spore Bomb that explodes on impact and splits into multiple spores to deal with AoE damage. Spore Bomb is an excellent ability to control multiple enemies or stop advancing opponents.
Ironwood Wall
At a designated spot, Groot summons a sturdy Ironwood Wall. Once Awakened, this ability deals damage to nearby enemies and provides Groot with health regeneration bonuses.
Thornlash Wall
This ability allows him to place a smaller Thornlash Wall. When Awakened, it strikes nearby enemies that Groot or his teammates attack.
Strangling Prison
Strangling Prison is Groot's ultimate ability, which releases a cluster of vines to pull nearby enemies and imprison them.
Flora Colossus
Groot's passive ability enhances his walls when he's nearby, granting them additional effects. Ironwood Wall provides bonus health to allies, while Thornlash Wall inflicts damage on enemies who come into contact with it.
Friendly Shoulder
When Groot is paired with Rocket Raccoon or Jeff the Land Shark, they can ride Groot’s shoulders and get damage reduction.
How to Play Groot in Marvel Rivals
When playing Groot in Marvel Rivals, focus on keeping control of the battlefield, protecting your allies, and breaking enemy formation. Groot performs exceptionally well when you keep him closer to the team.
His walls form barriers and choke points that can isolate enemies, allowing your aggressors to strike them. However, as Groot’s moves are slow, you must pay attention before positioning him.
You can start using his defensive abilities, like Ironwood Wall or Thornlash Wall, to create barriers where enemies advance. To Awaken them, make sure Groot stays near the walls. When enemies charge in groups, use Spore Bombs to disrupt enemy pushes.
Finally, when used strategically, Groot’s ultimate ability, Strangling Prison, can be a game-changer. Deploy it to ensnare high-value targets such as enemy Strategists or Duelists. Once they’re immobilized, coordinate with your team to swiftly eliminate them and turn the tide of the battle.
Team Pairing with Groot
Groot performs exceptionally well when teams utilize his defensive capabilities to draw opponents away. The Vanguard role works exceptionally well when Groot is paired with Namor or Hulk.
These heroes take the frontline and protect Groot while he creates walls to separate or trap enemies for them. For Duelists, Star-Lord and Iron Man are excellent choices. These characters have impressive mobility and ranged attacks, which Groot lacks.
Strategists like Rocket Raccoon and Hela are strong partners. Groot’s Friendly Shoulder ability allows Rocket Raccoon to ride his shoulder while receiving damage reduction. Additionally, Groot’s ultimate ability allows him to trap enemies, and since Hela is a powerful character, she can deal devastating AoE damage to those enemies.
Lastly, Mantis proves to be an invaluable ally for healing. Whenever Groot takes damage, you can rely on Mantis to restore his health, ensuring he stays in the fight longer and remains effective on the battlefield.
How to Counter Groot
To deal with Groot in Marvel Rivals, you can exploit his lack of mobility and dependence on being near his walls. Ranged heroes with high mobility serve as a good counter.
Characters like Iron Man, Storm, and Scarlet Witch can attack Groot without getting near him. Since these characters are difficult for Groot to target, he will gradually wear down if not adequately supported.
Additionally, abilities that can destroy or bypass Groot's walls are good counters. Heroes such as The Punisher can take away crowd control abilities from Groot by breaking down his walls with his Culling Turret attack.
To counter Groot effectively, focus on maintaining distance, applying constant pressure, and disrupting his ability to control the battlefield. By isolating Groot from his team or preventing him from using his walls, you can neutralize his impact and shift the fight in your favor.