Sweat beaded on my forehead as the enemy team pushed our lane. My Vanguard Deadpool felt like a wet paper bag, and their damage was relentless. A teammate typed “upgrade your shield, noob” in chat—but was that really the answer? The path to Deadpool mastery in Marvel Rivals is a winding one, especially when you’re trying to soak up damage as the Vanguard.
If you’re planning to play Deadpool as a frontline protector, you’ll need to focus on the upgrades that amplify his ability to shield and absorb damage. It’s a tough job, so here’s a guide on the best upgrade order for Vanguard Deadpool in Marvel Rivals.
Dominate as Vanguard Deadpool in Marvel Rivals
Think of a seasoned chef meticulously choosing ingredients for a complex dish. Each upgrade for Vanguard Deadpool is like that ingredient, and the order matters. Here’s the sequence I recommend:

My suggested upgrade order for Vanguard Deadpool is 4>5>1>7>2>3>6, which translates to:
- 4 – Hazardous Hijinks – Vanguard
- 5 – Deadpool in Your Area – Vanguard
- 1 – Dual Desert Eagles – Vanguard
- 7 – The Big Test
- 2 – Kick@$$ Katanas
- 3 – Magical Unicorn Shield!
- 6 – The Ban Hammer
This sequence isn’t set in stone, though. Feel free to adapt it based on your playstyle, the enemy team composition, and the frequency with which you use certain abilities. However, sticking to this flow will help you maximize your upgrade efficiency.
What makes Hazardous Hijinks a must-have for Vanguard Deadpool?
Hazardous Hijinks is a cornerstone of Deadpool’s tanking arsenal. It allows you to slice through enemy lines if timed correctly. This ability lets you dash forward, cutting down any opponent in your path.
If your strike lands, you can repeat this move up to three times. Upgrading this move increases your agility and speed, allowing you to deal significant damage and evade counterattacks. I find it especially useful for disrupting enemy formations, even against other Vanguards.
Why should I prioritize Deadpool in Your Area early on?
The second upgrade to grab is Deadpool in Your Area. Once upgraded, this ability grants damage reduction to your team. Your main role as a tank is to protect your teammates, making this a vital early upgrade. With it, you significantly improve your team’s survivability.

When should I upgrade Dual Desert Eagles for maximum impact?
Next, upgrade the Dual Desert Eagles. Initially, these guns inflict standard damage, but the upgrade adds a bubble bomb explosion after a few shots. Your Dual Desert Eagles will be your primary source of consistent damage, so obtaining this additional effect early is key.
Is The Big Test ultimate worth the investment as Vanguard Deadpool?
The Big Test is the superior Vanguard ultimate option. It provides substantial healing and speed boosts to your team. Upgrading it enhances these benefits, granting additional health to you and your allies for a period after use. This can swing team fights in your favor.
How do Kick@$$ Katanas enhance Deadpool’s combat abilities?
Upgrading Deadpool’s Kick@$$ Katanas allows his stabs to crit and introduces the Bunny Bounce for more lethal strikes. While useful, it’s not an immediate priority.

When is the Magical Unicorn Shield! upgrade most effective?
Deadpool’s Magical Unicorn Shield! is excellent for protecting allies, especially Strategists who are often targeted. However, its effectiveness can be inconsistent, making it a lower priority upgrade. While it has potential, other upgrades offer more reliable benefits.
The upgrade increases the shield’s size. If your allies are struggling, consider prioritizing this upgrade sooner, possibly before Kick@$$ Katanas, to bolster their defense.
Why should The Ban Hammer be the last upgrade I focus on?
The least important upgrade is The Ban Hammer. While not inherently bad, it only benefits Deadpool, not the team, which is why other abilities take precedence. When using an ultimate, switch to Kick@$$ Katanas first to access The Big Test instead.
Prioritize these upgrades for Vanguard Deadpool in Marvel Rivals

In summary, the key upgrades for Vanguard Deadpool are Hazardous Hijinks, Deadpool in Your Area, and Dual Desert Eagles. These three significantly improve your ability to protect your team and deal damage.
Now that you’re armed with the best Vanguard Deadpool upgrade strategy, it’s time to dominate the battlefield. But is the “best” build always the right call, or is there hidden potential in experimenting with off-meta choices?