Everything You Need to Know About Doctor Strange in Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals brings together the most powerful and iconic heroes in the Marvel Universe, and few wield more mystical might than Doctor Strange. As the Sorcerer Supreme, Strange is the defender of Earth against supernatural and interdimensional threats, using powerful spells, artifacts, and ancient knowledge to battle forces beyond human comprehension.

With control over reality and time, Doctor Strange is a one of the most powerful Vanguards in Marvel Rivals. Whether casting destructive spells or shielding allies with mystical barriers, he brings a unique, magic-based playstyle that stands apart from all the brawlers and shooters throughout the cast.

This article explores Doctor Strange’s origins, powers, and role in Marvel Rivals, giving fans a deep dive into Marvel’s greatest sorcerer.

Image: Marvel Comics

Who is Doctor Strange?

Doctor Strange first appeared in Strange Tales #110 (1963), created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Initially a brilliant but arrogant surgeon, Dr. Stephen Strange had everything—fame, wealth, and skill—until a tragic accident took away his ability to perform surgery.

Desperate to restore his hands, he sought out the Ancient One, the master of the mystical arts. Though initially skeptical, Strange embraced the teachings of magic and, over time, became the Sorcerer Supreme, tasked with defending the universe from dark forces.

As one of the most powerful magic users in the Marvel Universe, Doctor Strange’s battles go beyond the physical realm, often dealing with cosmic beings, interdimensional threats, and reality itself.

Character Lore

The Fall and Rise of a Sorcerer

Once an arrogant neurosurgeon, Stephen Strange lost everything after a car crash shattered his hands. When modern medicine failed him, he sought out mystical healing, leading him to Kamar-Taj, where he trained under the Ancient One and learned the ways of the Mystic Arts.

Over time, Strange rose beyond being just a student, eventually inheriting the title of Sorcerer Supreme after proving himself in battle against dark forces.

The Sorcerer Supreme & Defending the Multiverse

As the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange is responsible for guarding Earth from magical and supernatural threats. He is often called upon when cosmic or reality-altering dangers arise, including battles against:

• Dormammu – The ruler of the Dark Dimension, a constant enemy of Strange.
• Baron Mordo – A former ally turned rival, seeking Strange’s downfall.
• Shuma-Gorath – A Lovecraftian entity that seeks to consume dimensions.
• Mephisto – The devilish ruler of the underworld, often scheming against humanity.

Though often working alone, Strange has fought alongside the Avengers, Defenders, and even the X-Men, proving his value as one of Earth’s mightiest protectors.

Image: Marvel Comics

Doctor Strange’s Powers and Abilities

Master of the Mystic Arts

Doctor Strange possesses near-limitless magical abilities, allowing him to:

• Manipulate reality 
• Summon magical constructs
• Control elements

Dimensional & Cosmic Manipulation

Strange can tap into extradimensional energy, calling upon:

• The Vishanti (Agamotto, Oshtur, and Hoggoth) for protection and wisdom.
• The Crimson Bands of Cyttorak to bind and imprison foes.

Artifacts of Power

Strange wields some of Marvel’s most powerful artifacts, including:

• The Eye of Agamotto – This grants him clairvoyance, time manipulation, and truth-seeking abilities.
• The Cloak of Levitation – Allows Strange to fly and move freely without effort.
• The Book of Vishanti – A repository of white magic, counteracting dark spells.

Astral Projection & Teleportation

Doctor Strange can:

• Separate his spirit from his body, allowing him to explore different planes of existence.
• Teleport across dimensions, traveling through time and space in an instant.

Image: Marvel Comics

Doctor Strange’s Story in Marvel Rivals

Doctor Strange, sensing an unexpected visitor, welcomes Victor von Doom into the Sanctum Sanctorum. Doom reveals his desire to bend time itself and seeks the forbidden Vampiric Verses from the Darkhold to achieve his goal. Strange, knowing the dangers of tampering with time, refuses Doom's request, leading to a magical duel. Strange ultimately overpowers Doom but allows him to leave, warning him of the consequences of his ambition. Before Doom departs, he ominously predicts a great darkness approaching New York.

Strange hides the Darkhold in a remote corner of the Astral Plane to safeguard it. Months later, a massive temporal disturbance—likely caused by Doom—ripples across reality, piercing dimensions and targeting the Sanctum Sanctorum. With mere moments to react, Strange realizes he is faced with a life-altering decision that could determine the fate of countless universes.

Image: Marvel Comics

Essential Doctor Strange Comics

For fans wanting to explore Doctor Strange’s greatest stories, here are some must-read comics:

Doctor Strange: The Oath (2006) by Brian K. Vaughan & Marcos Martin

• This is a classic comic that perfectly showcases Strange’s morality, intelligence, and personal struggles that come with the title of Sorcerer Supreme.

Doctor Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts (1968-1980) by Steve Englehart & Frank Brunner

• This psychedelic, reality-bending series establishes Strange’s role as Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme.

Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme (1988-1996) by Roy Thomas

• This series expands Strange’s lore and challenges his responsibilities as the guardian of magic.

Doctor Strange (2015-2017) by Jason Aaron & Chris Bachalo

• Just before the first Doctor Strange solo film hit theatres, Jason Aaron a Chris Bachalo delivered a fantastic series that explored many of the mystical aspects of the character.

Doctor Strange is more than just a sorcerer—he is a guardian of reality, a master of the mystical arts, and one of Marvel’s most powerful heroes. His presence in Marvel Rivals brings spell-based combat, reality-altering abilities, and tactical depth, making him one of the game’s most unique and versatile characters.

Whether summoning the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak, teleporting across dimensions, or wielding the Eye of Agamotto, Doctor Strange proves that true power comes not from brute force, but from wisdom and mastery over the arcane.