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Everything You Need to Know About Moon Knight in Marvel Rivals

Explore the complex mind of Moon Knight through the comics and stories that define his fascinating character in Marvel Rivals.

Moon Knight from the 2021 series.
Image: Marvel Comics
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By: William AndersonFeb 7, 2025, 7:07 AM

Marvel Rivals features some of the most complex and unconventional heroes in the Marvel Universe, and few characters embody mystery, brutality, and sheer unpredictability quite like Moon Knight. Moon Knight is much more than just a masked vigilante—he is a warrior of the Egyptian god Khonshu, torn between multiple identities and fighting his battles with relentless ferocity.

With his high combat skills, supernatural resilience, and psychological depth, Moon Knight is a deadly force of vengeance who thrives in the shadows. His inclusion in Marvel Rivals brings a tactical melee playstyle with high durability and deceptive versatility, making him a thrilling pick for players who love fast, hard-hitting combat.

This article explores Moon Knight’s origins, powers, and role in Marvel Rivals, giving fans a deep dive into one of Marvel’s most brutal and enigmatic heroes.

Moon Knight #1 (1980) coverImage: Marvel Comics

Who is Moon Knight?

Moon Knight first appeared in Werewolf by Night #32 (1975), created by Doug Moench and Don Perlin. Unlike traditional heroes, Moon Knight’s story is defined by his fractured psyche, mystical origins, and violent methods.

Before becoming a costumed vigilante, Marc Spector was a mercenary, boxer, and Marine with extensive combat training. After a mission in Egypt went wrong, he was left for dead in front of the statue of Khonshu, the Egyptian god of the moon. In his near-death state, he was revived by Khonshu and chosen as his avatar, tasked with delivering justice to those who prey on the innocent.

However, Khonshu’s influence—and Marc’s pre-existing dissociative identity disorder (DID)—led to the creation of multiple alter egos, including:

  • Steven Grant – A wealthy businessman persona
  • Jake Lockley – A street-smart cab driver who gathers intelligence
  • Mr. Knight – A refined, tactical version of Moon Knight
  • Moon Knight – The costumed warrior and fist of Khonshu

These identities constantly shift, making Moon Knight one of Marvel’s most psychologically complex heroes.

Character Lore

A Mercenary Turned Warrior of Vengeance

Marc Spector was once a soldier of fortune, working with fellow mercenary Raul Bushman until he realized Bushman’s violent ways were too extreme. After betraying his employer, Marc was left for dead in the Egyptian desert, where he was resurrected by Khonshu and given a second chance at life.

With enhanced abilities and a divine mission, Marc took on the mantle of Moon Knight, dedicating himself to protecting the innocent and waging war on criminals in the most brutal ways possible.

Battling His Inner Demons

Unlike most heroes, Moon Knight’s greatest battle is within himself. His multiple personalities often conflict, leading to moments where he doesn’t even know which version of himself is truly real. While some question whether Khonshu is real or simply a figment of Marc’s mind, one thing is certain—Moon Knight fights like a man possessed, never backing down from a fight.

Moon Knight #1 (2021) coverImage: Marvel Comics

Moon Knight’s Powers and Abilities in Marvel Rivals

Peak Human Strength & Durability

Thanks to Khonshu’s blessing, Moon Knight possesses:

  • Superhuman endurance – He shrugs off pain and keeps fighting even when gravely injured.
  • Enhanced strength – While not as strong as Spider-Man or the Hulk, he can match Captain America in raw power.
  • High pain tolerance – Unlike most heroes, Moon Knight doesn’t fear getting hurt—he welcomes it.

Master Martial Artist & Weapon Expert

  • Trained in boxing, Judo, Muay Thai, and Krav Maga.
  • Uses a variety of weapons, including crescent darts, nunchaku, and a truncheon.
  • His brutal fighting style often makes opponents hesitate, as he doesn’t hold back in combat.

Moon-Based Powers

While Moon Knight is mostly human, Khonshu enhances his abilities when the moon is full, increasing his speed, agility, and strength.

Unpredictability & Fearlessness

Moon Knight’s greatest advantage in combat is his unpredictability. Unlike heroes who dodge and evade, he charges headfirst into battle, overwhelming opponents with relentless aggression. Even Taskmaster refuses to mimic Moon Knight because his fighting style is too reckless and self-destructive.

Moon Knight taking out thugs.Image: Marvel Comics

Moon Knight’s Story in Marvel Rivals

Summoned by Khonshu in the midst of battle, Marc Spector finds himself in the god’s Divine Space, where he learns of a looming threat: vampires growing stronger in an endless night. Before he can grasp the full extent of the problem, Doctor Doom intrudes, seeking to use the Vampiric Verses of the Darkhold to manipulate time. Doom proposes an alliance, suggesting Khonshu keep the moon in place over a single city, creating a permanent night for his dark experiments. Both Moon Knight and Khonshu reject Doom’s plan, recognizing the catastrophe it would unleash. Enraged, Doom warns that he will achieve his goal regardless before Khonshu banishes him from the Divine Space.

Realizing the growing vampire menace, Khonshu tasks Spector with protecting the night while he searches for the Darkhold, which also contains the Montesi Formula, a spell that could eradicate vampires entirely. As Spector questions his role, Khonshu reminds him that he is his Fist of Vengeance, not Blade. With no time to waste, Moon Knight is returned to Earth, landing on a New York rooftop just in time to hear a scream in the night. With the full moon shining behind him, he swings into action, knowing that soon, the battle against the creatures of the night will begin in earnest.

Moon Knight #1 coverImage: Marvel Comics

Essential Moon Knight Comics

For fans wanting to explore Moon Knight’s best stories, here are some must-read comics:

Moon Knight (1980) by Doug Moench & Bill Sienkiewicz

  • This is Moon Knights’s first solo series, establishing the vigilante’s backstory, villains, and psychological struggles.

Moon Knight (2006) by Charlie Huston & David Finch

  • This series is a darker, grittier take, focusing on Moon Knight’s violent methods and mental breakdowns.

Moon Knight (2014) by Warren Ellis & Declan Shalvey

  • This is where the the Mr. Knight persona is introduced, ushering in a refined but brutal detective version of Moon Knight. This version essentially definite the character for the next decade, influencing his portrayal in the TV show. 

Moon Knight (2021) by Jed MacKay & Alessandro Cappuccio

  • This recent take on Moon Knight showcases his role as protector of the Midnight Mission while expanding his relationships, powers, and mental struggles.

Moon Knight is more than just a masked vigilante—he is a force of vengeance, a warrior of Khonshu, and one of Marvel’s most dangerous street-level heroes. His inclusion in Marvel Rivals brings a brutal, fast-paced melee playstyle, perfect for players who love reckless aggression and high-damage combat.

Whether he’s taking down crime lords, battling supernatural threats, or standing against the Avengers, Moon Knight proves that fear is for the weak—and pain is just part of the fight.

TAGGED: Marvel Rivals, Marvel Comics, Marvel
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