The best keyboard settings for Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals ^[1] may not be a first-person shooter, but that doesn’t mean the settings players use aren’t important. From accurate heroes like Hawkeye to those who don’t require as much precision as Scarlet Witch, it’s only natural that players serious about wanting to climb the Marvel Rivals ranks will want to know what the best settings for the game are.

Today, we want to take a closer look at Marvel Rivals’ settings. To be more specific, since we’ve already covered the best controller settings for Marvel Rivals, we want to highlight the best keyboard and mouse settings for the game. This includes movement, weapon, abilities, and team-up abilities settings that ensure players can use whatever input they want quickly.

So, without further ado, here are the best keyboard and mouse settings for Marvel Rivals.

Best keyboard and mouse settings for Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals is a game that awards precision, adaptability, and grip over mechanics. For the best performance, having the right keybinds is important. Below is a guide going over default setups and alternative keybinds, explaining their advantages and how to tailor them to your style.

Movement

Movement is key in any hero shooter, including Marvel Rivals and Overwatch 2. While the basic movement is naturally the best to use, there are some alternative keybinds players can use for things like ascending and descending when playing as heroes or villains who can fly.

Default Keybinds

• Forward: W
• Backward: S
• Left: A
• Right: D
• Jump: Space
• Ascend: Space
• Descend: Left Ctrl

The WASD setup is standard and widely used. It's easy and allows for seamless movement. Jump and Ascend are mapped to Space, allowing for accessibility during aerial maneuvers. Left Ctrl is a natural fit for Descend and perfect for evading or repositioning mid-air.

Alternative Keybinds

• Ascend: E
• Descend: C

Set Descend to E if you prefer Space for jumping only. Some players also find it easier to use C for Descend due to easier reach with the thumb. These changes free up Space for jumping-only actions but can require some time to get used to.

Weapons

Marvel Rivals has multiple heroes, from those who use guns to those who use their fists. Some characters require players to reload constantly, though a certain alternative keybind for reloading can make things much easier.

Default Keybinds

• Primary Attack: Left Click
• Secondary Attack: Right Click
• Primary Weapon: 1
• Secondary Weapon: 2
• Next Weapon: Scroll Up
• Previous Weapon: Scroll Down
• Reload: R

This layout gives you quick and easy access to weapon controls. Using the mouse buttons for attacks keeps the right hand focused on aiming, which helps keep things organized.

Alternative Keybinds

• Reload: Mouse Button 4
• Weapon Switching: Q/E

Mouse Button 4 for reloading can make things faster. Q/E for switching weapons instead of the usual scrolling reduces the reliance on the mouse wheel, especially if you have a malfunctioning scroll wheel. Just ensure these binds do not clutter the left-hand key bind area or are used by something else.

Abilities

Abilities make Marvel Rivals stand out from other third-person shooters. From Jeff the Shark’s ability to eat enemies and foes alike to Iron Man’s missiles, it’s crucial for players to have easy access to every ability when on the move to ensure they don’t miss anything.

Default Keybinds

• Ability 1: E
• Ability 2: Left Shift
• Ability 3: F
• Ultimate Ability: Q
• Melee Attack: V

This setup groups all the ability keybinds around WASD making the combat more fluid. Q and E are easy to access, while F and Left Shift will provide some tactile feedback.

Alternative Keybinds

• Melee Attack: Mouse Button 5
• Ability 3: C

Mouse Button 5 for melee attack will allow for instantaneous reactions during combat. Ability 3 at C reduces the travel distance to activate it. If going for these, ensure they don't conflict with other keybinds.

Team-Up Abilities

Default Keybinds

• Team-Up Ability 1: Z
• Team-Up Ability 2: X
• Team-Up Ability 3: C

Mapping these to the bottom row keeps them accessible without crowding primary movement and attack keys. The abilities are situational, so they're placed out of the way to avoid clutter.

Alternative Keybinds

• Team-Up Abilities: Map to 3/4/5

This is more consistent with other numerical abilities. Players used to number-based ability mapping will be familiar with this. That said, it might not be the best route for the average player, considering it requires stretching fingers, possibly leading to slower activation.

Hero Controls

Default Keybinds

• Change Hero: H
• Hero Profile: F1
• Scoreboard: Tab
• Chrono Vision: B
• Toggle UI: Ctrl+M

These provide quick access without disrupting gameplay. Pressing H to switch heroes feels natural and easy during respawn time.

Alternative Keybinds

• Scoreboard: Caps Lock

This avoids finger displacement from Tab and can lead to faster access during pressure moments. Just make sure you’re not accidentally clicking Caps Lock constantly.

Spectating Controls

Default Keybinds

• Player POV: Z
• Follow Player: X
• Free Cam: C
• Bird’s Eye View: V
• Follow Convoy: F
• Pause/Play: Space

These keys separate camera controls for instinctive use. 

Alternative Keybinds

• Pause/Play: P
• Free Cam: Middle Mouse Button

These leave space for other actions and the Free Cam may feel more streamlined. 

Mouse Sensitivity and Crosshair

Recommended Mouse Settings

• Horizontal Sensitivity: 2.6
• Vertical Sensitivity: 2.6
• Invert Horizontal Look: Off
• Invert Vertical Look: Off

The sensitivity is subjective and can vary based on your preference. 2.6 is generally balanced for most players, but feel free to find your sweet spot.

Recommended crosshair settings

• Reticle Type: Crosshair
• Reticle Animation: Off
• Width: 1
• Opacity: 10
• Outline Opacity: 10
• Length: 7
• Center Gap: 1
• Blur: 2.50
• Dot Size: 0
• Dot Opacity: 10
• Color: Blue

This crosshair design is simple, doesn't get in the way, and offers clear visibility without distractions.

FAQs

Is Marvel Rivals better with a controller or keyboard and mouse?

It’s hard to answer this question definitively since what type of controls players use depends on their personal playing style. While some prefer gaming using their keyboard and mouse, others may be more comfortable gaming with a controller while on their beds. 

As for the competitive advantage, it depends on the character you’re playing. Naturally, playing someone like Hawkeye will likely be better with a keyboard and mouse since he requires accurate and quick aiming. On the other hand, Scarlet Witch only requires players to aim in the general direction of enemies, making it easier for controller players to level the playing field. It’s a good idea to try out both controls before deciding on the best one.

References

1. [1] "Official Marvel Rivals website". www.marvelrivals.com. Retrieved December 25, 2024