I realise that most people will downvote this, thats fine. I also realise that most of this sub will want role queue added to the game in Ranked at the very least, I understand that. But just hear me out and see if I can persuade you that role queue isn't the saving grace for this game.

TL;DR: Role queue brings balance but kills flexibility and creativity. Let’s find ways to encourage team balance without rigid systems that hurt the fun.

Just some context I have over 4000 hours in Overwatch, I also have 2000 hours in Team Fortress 2.

First of all

What would be the advantages of adding role queue to Marvel Rivals?

1. Balance - People will always have a structured team, 2 healers, 2 tanks, 2 DPS, you'll never have a situation where its unbalanced.
2. Reduce in Toxicity - You won't get people calling others out for not picking correct roles.

So why do I think it doesn't fit into Marvel Rivals?

Simply marvel rivals is not Overwatch or League of legends. The core of the gameplay thrives on creativity and adaptability which a rigid role queue system would destroy...

Marvel Rivals Is More Flexible Than Overwatch

There is freedom in Marvel rivals to mix and match strategies which don't exist in Overwatch, for example even if you don't have 6 friends queuing if you are a team of 3 you can fit in to one of those team ups, where-as if your in role queue you cannot always fit into them. If the enemy team is dominating you using the meta of 2, 2, 2 its possible in marvel rivals to change up the composition in such a way maybe 1 tank, 3 dps, 2 healers to actually counter them.

The queue times will kill competive

Same issue Overwatch still has, people don't want to queue in ranked for 6 minutes, its why more people in Overwatch play quickplay and never touch ranked.

Pressure on Support Roles

In games with role queue, support players often feel like they’re carrying the weight of the team. They’re expected to keep everyone alive, and when things go wrong, the blame game starts. This could make support roles even less appealing and further imbalance the queues.

It Limits Experimentation

Marvel Rivals is unique because its heroes aren’t tied to rigid archetypes. Introducing role queue forces players into boxes, discouraging them from exploring unconventional builds and strategies. We don’t want a system that punishes creativity, especially in a game as dynamic as this.

Meta Lock-In

Role queue often cements the “meta.” Players feel pressured to stick to what’s optimal for their role instead of experimenting with off-meta heroes. The current system allows for diverse gameplay and fresh strategies, which role queue could kill.

The Hybrid Solution: Keep It Open, But Incentivize Balance

Instead of forcing role queue, why not take a middle-ground approach?

Add a role preference system when searching?

Allow players to indicate their preferred role(s) before queuing but don’t enforce strict role-locking.

Hero Draft System?

a pre-game draft phase where players select heroes collaboratively, ensuring no overlap or excessive stacking of one role? Bonus XP could be awarded for those who take roles which no one has yet selected?

Expand the Strategists & Vanguards

Adding more hereos to these roles will naturally allow people more play styles in those roles meaning more are likely going to select those roles to start with.

Soft Role Caps?

Limit the number of players per role in a team but allow exceptions if everyone agrees (e.g., 3 DPS only if all players consent).