Marvel Rivals’ Cloak and Dagger Explained

With such a wide variety of characters to pull from such a massive canon, Marvel Rivals is already adding niche new characters to its roster. Though they have been a part of Marvel Comics since the 80s, Cloak and Dagger aren’t as firmly established of a name as other characters on Marvel Rivals roster.

Additionally, Cloak and Dagger are two people who make up one playable character in Marvel Rivals. They are the only playable characters with this unique twist, which is rooted in their extensive backstory.

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By J Brodie Shirey

Who are Cloak and Dagger?

Cloak and Dagger were originally written as teenage runaways who meet in New York City. As runaways, Tyrone “Ty” Johnson and Tandy Bowen bond over their shared experiences and desperate drive to survive. Unfortunately, the two teens are injected with a new experimental form of drug. Somehow, the teens survive and gain superpowers in the process, becoming Cloak and Dagger respectively.

The powers Cloak and Dagger gain work best when the two heroes fight alongside each other. Described as “twin superpowers,” Dagger can create daggers of light and use the power to heal thanks to lightforce, whereas Cloak can teleport and become intangible through his darkforce. Additionally, Cloak and Dagger can draw power from emotions through touch. Once again reflecting the dark and the light, Dagger draws power from hope and Cloak draws it from fear. Cloak and Dagger are known for working as a duo, but they are associated with the X-Men.

This dynamic duo once again entered public consciousness through the Freeform television series Cloak & Dagger. The series was part of Marvel’s television shows that were released prior to the creation of Disney+ like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Agent Carter, Runaways, and the various Defenders related shows on Netflix. This makes Cloak & Dagger technically part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though the characters have yet to be included in any of the MCU’s mainline films. Though Cloak & Dagger was canceled after two seasons, the duo went on to make appearances in Hulu’s Runaways.

Marvel Rivals' Newest Superduo

Marvel Rivals including Cloak and Dagger makes perfect sense considering its current roster of characters across Marvel Comics canon. The super duo was revealed in Marvel Rivals' official launch trailer on December 1. This trailer marked their debut alongside Iron Fist, Black Widow, Squirrel Girl, and Wolverine.

Dagger can be shown shooting light knives from her hands as Cloak envelops himself in shadow behind her. Despite these visuals, no official information about Cloak and Dagger’s kit has been announced by Marvel Rivals. However, based on the characters’ skill set, it seems most likely that Cloak and Dagger will be made into either Duelists or Strategists. Dagger’s teleportation and shadow abilities seem like core Strategist skills, whereas Cloak’s light knives position her as a Duelist. Since these two types of abilities are combined, it’s a coin flip as to which Marvel Rivals role Cloak and Dagger will fulfill.

Cloak and Dagger May Have Heavy Lore in Marvel Rivals

Though combining Cloak and Dagger into one playable character may seem like an odd move, it makes perfect sense when taking into account their lore. Marvel Rivals does redesign its roster’s characters as the game’s lore heavily involves the multiverse. Keeping this in mind, Cloak and Dagger’s kit may play directly into the strength they garner from working alongside each other.

The backstory of this version of Cloak and Dagger will also likely explain why they are depicted as adults rather than the teenage designs of their origin story and the live-action television series. It should be noted that Cloak and Dagger have been depicted as adults multiple times over the course of their history, but considering how important their age is to their initial backstory, Marvel Rivals may use its multiverse to its advantage when introducing this new version of Cloak and Dagger.

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Third-Person Shooter

Action

Multiplayer

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OpenCritic Reviews: Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 84%

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Released: December 6, 2024
ESRB: T For Teen // Violence
Developer(s): NetEase Games
Publisher(s): NetEase Games

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Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!
Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!

A Deep and Varied Marvel Roster
Choose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.

Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game Dynamics
With intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there's never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.

Dynamic Hero Synergy
Coordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot's back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man's armor for massive damage, and so much more!

Creative Environment Destruction
Tear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!

Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch Updates
The Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!