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Control decks in Marvel Rivals are designed to manipulate the battlefield, stall aggressive opponents, and strategically dismantle enemy plans. As a long-time TCG and strategy gamer, I've invested significant time into testing combinations that create a commanding board presence while limiting threats. In this guide, I'll walk through the top 8 Marvel Rivals cards that consistently excel in control decks, including insights from my own experience. Whether you're optimizing your build or exploring Marvel Rivals Bundles for upgrades, these cards offer consistent, tactical advantages.

1. Doctor Strange – Time Warp

Doctor Strange is a cornerstone for many control strategies. His ability to manipulate time by rewinding enemy actions allows for precise control over critical turns. I’ve won several matches solely by reversing a game-ending combo with Time Warp. This card works wonders when paired with stall tactics or reactive plays.

2. Scarlet Witch – Chaos Hex

Scarlet Witch is a powerhouse in disrupting enemy synergies. Her Chaos Hex randomly disables opponent abilities, making her a wildcard that can shut down even the most optimized strategies. In control decks, this element of unpredictability often forces your opponent to play around their own weaknesses.

3. Loki – Illusionist’s Gambit

No control list feels complete without Loki. His ability to clone or disguise himself as other characters creates strategic confusion. In practice, I’ve used Illusionist’s Gambit to bait opponents into using their best removal on a decoy. It’s especially potent in mirror matches where mind games make the difference.

4. Storm – Tempest Cage

Storm brings consistent crowd control with Tempest Cage, which slows down rush tactics and traps enemies in place. This card has single-handedly held back aggressive decks in many of my ranked games, especially when comboed with other area denial tools.

5. Magneto – Magnetic Suppression

Magneto adds a layer of control over movement and positioning. His suppression field locks down high-priority targets, forcing opponents into suboptimal plays. I’ve found this card to be crucial in matchups where board control is constantly contested.

6. Mystique – Double Agent

Mystique shines in decks that rely on counterplay and deception. Double Agent lets you temporarily switch allegiance of enemy units, turning their power against them. This has flipped the board in my favor more than once, especially when stealing key attackers or defenders during critical turns.

7. Nick Fury – Tactical Overwatch

Nick Fury’s card grants insight into your opponent’s hand and upcoming draws, which is invaluable in a control deck. Knowing what’s coming lets you tailor your response. I always include Tactical Overwatch when facing combo-heavy lineups to break their flow before it starts.

8. Black Widow – Silent Strike

Black Widow offers precision removal that fits perfectly in control decks. Her Silent Strike eliminates threats without triggering abilities, bypassing many of the protections that otherwise stall out games. In my own matches, she’s been instrumental in keeping troublesome enemies in check.

Choosing the Right Marvel Rivals Bundles

Many of the cards above are included in curated Marvel Rivals Bundles, which offer excellent value for building a control-focused deck. If you’re just starting out or looking to round out your collection, bundles centered around characters like Doctor Strange, Loki, and Scarlet Witch are particularly worthwhile. They often include support cards and synergistic builds that make control gameplay smoother and more consistent.

Don’t Overlook Marvel Rivals Costume Bundles

While not directly tied to gameplay mechanics, Marvel Rivals costume bundles do more than offer visual flair. They help personalize your playstyle and often come with bonus items or card art that enhances your in-game experience. From my perspective, playing a customized Storm or Loki just feels more immersive, and that adds to the strategic enjoyment of every match.

Building a control deck in Marvel Rivals is about patience, foresight, and strategic dominance. The eight cards listed above have proven to be invaluable in my journey across dozens of matches, offering the tools needed to shift tempo, suppress aggression, and outmaneuver any opponent. Whether you're exploring Marvel Rivals Bundles for your ideal deck or picking up Marvel Rivals costume bundles to complete the look, these cards form the backbone of any serious control strategy.

Learn This First:Marvel Rivals Tier List Maker Guide 2025