Black Panther is an C-Tier, Duelist class character in Marvel Rivals. Read on to learn how to play Black Panther, as well as a list of abilities, skins, and voice actors!
Table of Contents
Black Panther Overview
| Tier | |
|---|---|
| Role | Duelist |
| Difficulty | ★★★★・ |
| Real Name | T'Challa |
| VA | EN: James Mathis III |
Agile Hunter
Black Panther is one of, if not the most agile Hero in the entire game. His mobility allows him to weave in and out of the battlefield, leaving enemies devastated before disappearing up a wall or around the corner. While his skill ceiling is quite high, Black Panther's complexity rewards masterful players with multiple options to utilize during fights.
Season Rankings and Hero Tier ListBlack Panther Pros and Cons
| Pros | - Great flanker - Extremely mobile |
|---|---|
| Cons | - High skill ceiling - Cooldown reliant |
High Skill Ceiling
Compared to other Heroes, Black Panther is quite complex when it comes to his high risk, high reward playstyle. Because he is a character specializing in utilizing ability combinations, beginners may have a difficult time getting a grasp on playing the hero.
Extremely Mobile
Black Panther has 3 mobility-related skills: Spirit Rend, Spinning Kick, and Subtle Step. By employing 3 abilities during skirmishes, Black Panther can quickly enter the fray, eliminate key targets, and exit again before awaiting his next skill rotation.
Numerous Skill Combinations
| Black Panther Combo Templates |
|---|
| Right Click > LSHIFT > E > LSHIFT > Right Click > LSHIFT > LSHIFT E > LSHIFT > Right Click > LSHIFT > LSHIFT Right Click > LSHIFT > LSHIFT > Q > LSHIFT > E > LSHIFT |
Black Panther relies on adept ability usage to dish out a majority of his damage. During fights, he can decide the order in which he will employ his abilities. This requires quick decision-making skills and reaction times from the player controlling Black Panther.
Latest Hero UpdatesBlack Panther Abilities
Best Hero Companions
Magik
With Magik on the field, Black Panther gains access to a powerful Team-Up ability called Wakandan Master. This ability allows Black Panther to instantly reposition himself to a spot where he was 5s ago.
With the ability to return to a previous position, Black Panther can commit all of his abilities onto the enemy without worry and use the ability to retreat back to relative safety, so long as it was all done within the span of 5 seconds.
What Is a Team-Up?How to Play Black Panther
Prioritize Applying Vibranium Marks
When playing as Black Panther, you only want to fight when the opponent/s have Vibranium Marks. This is vital because Black Panther relies on Spirit Rend to deal most of his damage, and hitting enemies with Vibranium Marks resets the cooldown of Spirit Rend.
Retreat Until Spirit Rend is Ready
Whenever Spirit Rend goes on cooldown, you should strongly consider retreating until the ability is ready to use again. Remember that this ability is Black Panther's sword, as well as his shield. If Spirit Rend is not available, Black Panther deals much less damage and is also more vulnerable.
Retreat with Spinning Kick
If you did not initiate with Spinning Kick, consider saving it and using it as an escape tool for when Spirit Rend is unavailable.
Open Fights With Spear Toss
As often as you can, start every combat encounter with Spear Toss since it is a ranged ability that applies Vibranium Marks.
This opens up the chance to use Spirit Rend aggressively, while also keeping Spinning Kick ready to use for additional damage or to escape.
All Black Panther Skins (Costumes)
Orisha Blood
 | |
| Rarity | Rare |
|---|---|
| Price (Standard) | 600 Units |
| How To Get | Acquire in the Hero Profile Cosmetics section |
Bast's Chosen
 | |
| Rarity | Epic |
|---|---|
| Price (Standard) | 1400 Units |
| How To Get | Marvel Rivals Store |
Galactic Claw
 | |
| Rarity | Epic |
|---|---|
| Price (Standard) | - |
| How To Get | Season 0 Luxury Battlepass |
Thrice Cursed King
 | |
| Rarity | Epic |
|---|---|
| Price (Standard) | 1400 Units |
| How To Get | Marvel Rivals Store |
Damisa-Sarki
 | |
| Rarity | Epic |
|---|---|
| Price (Standard) | 2000 |
| How To Get | Marvel Rivals Store |
The rarest costume for Black Panther is the Bast's Chosen (Epic) costume which can be purchased individually at the store for 1400 Units or included in the Bast's Chosen bundle for 2200 Units.
Black Panther Hero Lore
T'Challa
King T'Challa of Wakanda is more than just the ruler of the most advanced civilization known to man. He also wears the mantle of the Black Panther, the sacred protector of his people. It is his sworn duty to ensure Wakanda's continued survival against any threat imaginable.
T'Challa recently expanded his reign into the cosmos, creating the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda. As he awaits a sign from Bast to tell him if either Doom can be trusted, he protects the Empire's Chronovium supply and shares its tech with trusted allies -- including Reed Richards.
Hero Story
Silence Among The Stars| While he gazed out over the landscape of the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda’s throneworld, King T’Challa paused for a moment to marvel at what his people had built. His mother had always dreamed of reaching the stars, but T’Challa and his sister Shuri -- along with countless brilliant Wakandan scientists and engineers -- had finally made that dream a reality. As Wakanda’s influence spread across the galaxy, bringing more people and planets under their banner and their protection, the Wakandan ideal -- progress and tradition intertwined, science and magic woven together -- remained the pillar of the empire. T’Challa did his best to embody both sides of the nation’s complex heritage. But on occasion, he found the two at odds. Today, T’Challa stood in the Hall of Djalia, listening for ancient voices that would not speak to him. The Orisha -- the pantheon of gods worshipped by the people of Wakanda -- had fallen unusually silent, causing great concern. Even Bast -- the goddess who had chosen T’Challa as her avatar, the Black Panther -- seemed to be absent from this sacred place. Perhaps, T’Challa thought, they simply had nothing to say. But the King of Wakanda found that hard to believe. After all, Wakanda was at war. Another king, Victor von Doom of Latveria, had tampered with the fabric of space and time, unleashing a chronal cascade across countless dimensions. Even T’Challa’s empire, which had been a safe haven for so many for so long, wasn’t immune to its effects. And now he had learned that there were two Dooms from two different timelines vying for control. Both had tried to enlist T’Challa in their battles, suggesting that Wakanda and Latveria were more alike than different. T’Challa respectfully disagreed. The King of Wakanda knew better than to trust either Doom. But he also knew the time would come where he would have to choose a side, not only to protect his empire, but all of existence as well. Wakanda could not remain neutral for much longer when so much was at stake. T’Challa had so many questions, all of which the gods and goddesses of the Orisha refused to answer. All of them… save for one… Not long ago, while praying to Bast for guidance and wisdom, T’Challa’s humble pleas were instead answered by a goddess long-banished from Wakanda: Bast’s sister, K'Liluna, the Betrayer. Her quest for vengeance against her sister had led to K’Liluna’s ruin centuries ago and her name had rarely been uttered by the people of Wakanda since. But now, she had chosen to come forth and speak T’Challa in Bast’s absence, warning him of a darkness to come… a darkness that she claimed had already tainted the Orisha. T’Challa didn’t know what to believe. Certainly not the words of one as treacherous as K'Liluna. He dared not risk allying himself with Bast’s deceitful sister, in fear that the Orisha might rain their judgement down upon the entire empire for his disloyalty. But yet, something in the Betrayer’s words rang true. The Orisha’s silence had given T’Challa cause for concern… and now K’Liluna had sowed the seeds of doubt. It was taking all of T’Challa’s willpower not to let those seeds grow wild… But the reason for the Orisha’s absence would have to remain a mystery for a while longer. The King of Wakanda had other more urgent matters to attend to. He had been summoned by his sister, Shuri, to discuss some recent developments regarding the restoration of the timestream. One crisis at a time, thought T’Challa, as he took a deep breath and entered the lab… “Welcome, brother,” Shuri said as T’Challa stepped into the room. All of the scientists inside, Shuri included, crossed their arms in an X across their chests as a salute to their monarch. “Sister,” T’Challa responded with a smile and a salute of his own. The two had not agreed on much these past weeks since the timestream began to disintegrate, but he still had a deep love for his sister and an even deeper respect for her work. “Were you off brooding in the Hall of Djalia again?” Shuri asked. “Not brooding,” T’Challa said. “Waiting for guidance.” “Your people are waiting for you to guide them,” Shuri responded. “And I think I can help. I’ve been gathering data about the Timestream Entanglement…” “Data does not always tell the whole story, sister…” T’Challa said. As he spoke, he was fully aware of the irony of his statement. He was currently withholding critical data about K’Liluna and her claims that the Orisha had fallen into some dark corruption. Yet he decided to keep that information under wraps for the time being, at least until he knew for sure. He did not wish to distract his sister from her efforts, nor to bring the fury of Bast down upon him. “This data tells us enough,” Shuri continued, fully aware that her older brother was holding something back. But she didn’t have time to coax secrets out of him. There was science to be done! “I have been consulting with Reed Richards and Tony Stark from the other Chronoverse on their plans for a Timestream Reintegration Device,” Shuri continued, “and I think we are close to a breakthrough.” “With your brilliant mind at their disposal, I would expect no less,” T’Challa responded proudly, placing a hand gently upon his sister’s shoulder. But he could sense an unusual tension in her body. He knew she was about to ask him for something… and that it was something she already knew her brother would not like… “Reed and Tony have a theory…” Shuri began slowly, each word carefully calculated, “…a theory that I believe has some merit…” “Say what you need, sister,” T’Challa urged. “Chronovium,” Shuri said quietly, knowing her brother might disapprove. “More specifically, Vibrano-Chronovium.” Chronovium was a crystal that had begun to manifest after the Timestream Entanglement rippled across realities. According to the research of Wakanda’s scientists, unique variations of Chronovium seemed to be forming in locations of great power. In Wakanda, the crystals were infused with more than just chronal energy. They also contained power drawn directly from the Vibranium Star at the heart of the empire. “Richards and Stark have their own supplies,” T’Challa said dismissively. “Those will have to suffice.” “I am telling you now, brother, they will not,” Shuri responded pointedly, beginning to lose her patience. The fate of multiple universes hinged on her collaboration with Earth’s heroes. This was no time for her big brother to be his usual stubborn self. “This is not just an excuse for Stark to get his hands on Wakanda’s toys,” Shuri continued. “I have run the numbers independently. The TRD can restore our dimension to its proper state, but it needs a power source greater than what standard Chronovium can supply.” “The answer is no,” T’Challa said firmly “Then the question is why?” Shuri said, pushing back. Whatever T’Challa was hiding from her, she wasn’t about to let it bring about the end of all that is. If there was a way to get through to her brother, as there always had been in the past, she had to find it. “I… cannot say…” T’Challa replied, “Not for certain, at least. But I have reason to believe that there is a greater darkness awaiting us, Shuri… Something even the gods themselves may not be able to protect our people from…” “Then let us protect them together,” Shuri said. “For now, this is a matter I must face alone,” T’Challa replied. “How many times must I remind you, brother?” Shuri asked. “You are never alone. And neither are we. Wakanda is no longer an isolationist nation. We are a galactic force! If we wish for this empire to stand, we must begin to act as such and lead by example. That starts by sharing our resources with those in need.” “We still know too little about the power of Vibrano-Chronovium,” T’Challa said, softening slightly. “We cannot risk it falling into other hands, even trusted ones, until we do.” “But…” Shuri interjected. “But…” T’Challa continued, “…you have my permission to further your research on these crystals in hopes that we can safely unlock their secrets in order to pass them along.” “And until then…?” Shuri asked. “Until then, I offer our allies unlimited access to Wakanda’s greatest resource,” T’Challa said. “You.” Shuri wanted to scream in frustration at her brother, but instead she bit her tongue and took the compliment. After all, coming from T’Challa, those were almost as rare as heart-shaped herbs. As T’Challa left the lab, Shuri let out a sigh of frustration, knowing how much work she had ahead of her. But the king himself breathed a sigh of relief, knowing the fate of the empire was in good hands. At least for the moment. With Shuri busy researching chronal crystals and engineering universal solutions, T’Challa could turn his full attention to the larger threat looming on the horizon. Even the pair of dueling Dooms would have to wait until he could identify and locate the great source of darkness of which he had been warned. But how? T’Challa dared not reach out to K’Liluna for answers. Totems of Bast were everywhere in the empire. Even if she was not eager to answer his prayers, the panther goddess was surely listening to his every word. And she would not take kindly to his betrayal. Wakanda needed the Black Panther now more than ever, so T’Challa could not risk being stripped of his mantle or the power that came with it. The king walked with purpose across the center of his city, Birnin T’Challa, back toward the Hall of Djalia. As he passed by, he paused at a panther statue, placing his hand gently upon its head. “Where are you, Bast?” T’Challa said out loud as he gazed into the eyes of the Vibranium sculpture. “I am here…” a voice replied. The statue began to glow with the purple energy of Djalia, the Wakandan spirit plane. T’Challa instantly knew that it was Bast speaking to him, but there was a tone in her voice he had never heard before. Something sinister. “I have been waiting for you, my champion… in the shadows…” “I am at your service,” T’Challa said, knowing deep within that his words were not fully true. Yet he knew that he must continue to feign devotion to the tainted goddess until he discovered the truth about her current state. “And you have served me well,” Bast replied, her words dripping with darkness, “but you are not the only King in Black that I have come to favor…” As Bast spoke, the sky began to grow dim. Instinctively, T’Challa looked up toward the Hall of Djalia to see tendrils of ebony energy ensnaring its sacred spire. He didn’t know if this was yet another side effect of the Timestream Entanglement or if it was the first signs of the dark presence that of which K’Liluna alluded. But T’Challa knew he had no time to waste either way. The fate of the empire depended upon his immediate action. The Black Panther sprung forward, racing into the Hall of Djalia. T’Challa did not know what awaited him within, but he did not fear it. Not even the gods themselves could prevent him from protecting his people in their time of need. Even in the face of the greatest threats the universe had ever known, there was only one thing to which T’Challa would pledge his loyalty. Not Doom. Not even Bast. Just Wakanda. Forever. |
| It started out as just another night in the Empire of Eternal Night known as New York City. The Blood Moon hung in the sky, casting an eerie glow on the silent streets. Most of Manhattan’s citizens had long since locked themselves away in their houses to protect themselves from the creatures of the night that stalked the urban island. Those who dared to venture out into the darkness rarely returned to tell the tale. Suddenly, a circle of energy appeared in the center of Times Square. Though the neon signs and electronic billboards had long since gone dark, the strange portal’s crackling energy illuminated the once-bustling crossroads for the first time in what seemed like ages. A figure, clad in black from head-to-toe, stepped through the doorway between dimensions. ”I have arrived, Sister,” King T’Challa said, kneeling down and placing a hand on the pavement. “It has been far too long since I paid a visit home.” ”Earth may have been our home once, Brother,” his sister replied over the comm-link in the king’s Kimoyo bead bracelet, “but even so, you are a long way from Wakanda.” ”I am,” T’Challa said, looking down 42nd Street to see the top of Baxter Building peeking over the other skyscrapers, “but fortunately, family is never far away.” “The portal is closing now,” Shuri warned. “Since our Kimoyo beads are not yet capable of broadcasting an interdimensional signal, we will not be able to communicate again until you reach the laboratory of Doctor Richards.” “Do not fear for me,” T’Challa said reassuringly. “I am the Black Panther. Bast is on my side.” ”That is exactly why I fear for you,” Shuri responded, her solemn voice beginning to fade as the circle of energy vanished from sight. “Now more than ever...” The King of Wakanda understood his sister’s concerns. Bast, the Panther Goddess who had chosen T’Challa as her avatar, had recently fallen under the sway of a dark force that was spreading its influence across their dimension. As both the Black Panther and the ruler of the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, T’Challa had devoted his life to serving both his Goddess and his people. Now, those things were at odds. If he could not purge Bast of this corruption in time, he feared that all of Wakanda might be swallowed by the growing void. But Wakanda was not the only place in danger of being consumed. While Shuri was busy finding a way to rebuild the collapsing Multiverse, she had learned that many of her closest interdimensional allies were facing a grave threat of a vampiric plague. Though T’Challa had at first been reluctant to offer Wakanda’s secrets to these other-worldly heroes, his sister eventually convinced him that the Reed Richards of this alternate reality was completely worthy of their trust and aid. Thus, T’Challa decided it was time to pay a diplomatic visit to this other New York, not only to formalize the bond between his Empire and this alternate Earth, but to deliver a potential cure to the sickness infecting so many New Yorkers - a cure that, until now, had only been consumed by a small handful of Wakandans throughout the corse of charted history: The Heart-Shaped Herb. Traditionally, this rare Wakandan plant was only to be consumed by Bast’s chosen protector during a sacred ritual that would bestow upon them the powers of the Black Panther. For a normal human – one not from a royal bloodline or chosen to be the physical manifestation of an ancient deity - the herb still had profound effects when consumed, purging toxins and restoring vigor to those in even the most dire of health. On Earth, the Heart-Shaped Herb could only be grown in Vibranium-rich soil of Wakanda. However, royal priest had since learned to cultivate it in Birnin T’Challa, the capital city of their new interstellar society. Even so, the crop of this sacred herb was still extremely limited, and T’Challa feared that it could do more harm than good in the wrong hands. As such, he chose to deliver the herb to Reed Richards himself. T’Challa’s bodyguards, the Dora Milaje, worried that their king’s decision was far too reckless. Shuri feared that perhaps Bast, in her compromised state, had clouded her brother’s judgment. But as T’Challa’s looked down the empty New York street with nary a soul in sight, he felt confident in his decision. It was not a feeling that would last long. As he traveled east towards his destination - the headquarters of the Fantastic Four, located at the corner of 42nd Street and Madison Avenue - it wasn’t long before he found himself passing a small group of vampires feeding on the blood of an unfortunate civilian. Ever since he was a boy, T’Challa had been trained to stalk the jungles in silence. He felt he would have no trouble slipping past the monsters unnoticed, as they all seemed deeply distracted by their prey. T’Challa kept to the shadows, making not even the slightest sound. As he passed by the horde of vampires, they suddenly turned their heads to glare in his direction with their dead eyes. ”You are not as clever as you thought,” Bast whispered in T’Challa’s mind. The Black Panther ignored the taunts of his dark Goddess. He had more urgent matters to deal with. The vampires had left their meal behind and were rushing toward T’Challa in hopes of royal feast! T’Challa leapt up, extending Vibranium claws from his fingertips of his gloves. The razor-sharp claws sunk into the old stonework on a nearby building, allowing T’Challa to climb up its side with ease. When he reached the rooftop, he paused for a moment, glad to have found safety. But the light of the Blood Moon quickly revealed that he was not alone. Nor was he anywhere close to safe. Another group of vampires converged and began to chase T’Challa, staying close on his heels as he leapt from rooftop to rooftop. The King of Wakanda soon realized that he was being herded away from the Baxter Building and toward Central Park. But why? "You have the blood of kings,” Bast whispered. “They can smell it.” Perhaps the Godess was right, T’Challa thought. But he had more than the blood of kings. He had their years of knowledge and training. He had their proud legacy. And he would not let it die here in the darkness. T’Challa stopped running and faced his pursuers with a frenzy of furious kicks and powerful slashes, he began to thin out the horde, one vampire at a time. Before long, there were no foes left standing. ”Well done, my Chosen One,” Bast whispered. “But you have forgotten one thing...” Black Panther turned to see another figure standing on the rooftop behind him. He was baffled that his heightened senses had not detected the new arrival. ”...here, you are not the king” T’Challa gazed at the strange man approaching him. He was tall and slender, with pale skin and long white hair. He wore a finely tailored black suit and a long crimson cape. His shoulders were adorned with ornate armor that met in the middle where a glowing crimson gem was mounted on his chest. ”I really should slay you where you stand for striking down so many of my devoted soldiers...” the man said “...but I have a feeling you would be much more use to me undead.” ”I would prefer to remain fully alive,” T’Challa said, lunging forward with his claws at the ready. With an effortless strike from the back of his hand, the man sent T’Challa reeling backward. T’Challa instinctively dug his claws into the rooftop to prevent himself from plummeting over the edge. Pulling himself back to his feet slowly, he took a moment to size up his new opponent. ”Who are you?” T’Challa asked. ”I have gone by many names over the centuries,” the man replied. “I am known best as Dracula...” Dracula walked over to T’Challa and stared him in the eyes. As badly as T’Challa wanted to attack his foe again, he felt as though he had somehow lost complete control over his own actions. Compelled by the Lord of the Vampires, the King of Wakanda fell to his knees. ”...but you may call me your majesty,” Dracula finished with a grin, his sharp fangs flashing in the moonlight. Dracula leaned in, ready to sink his teeth into T’Challa’s neck. But when he tried to bite his victim, Dracula reeled in pain. The Black Panther’s Vibranium mesh armor was not only impenetrable, it had a number of self-defense mechanisms built into its nano-fibers. T’Challa prayed to the Orisha that his suit would be enough to keep him safe. But, as he learned all too well of late, his gods were not listening. ”If I will not have your blood,” Dracula snarled, “I will still have your devotion!” The Vampire king reached for the red gem on his chest and removed it from his armor. As T’Challa gazed at it, he realized that he had seen crystals like it before. It was a shard of Chronovium, the temporal constructs that his sister had been studying since the onset of the Timestream Entanglement - the event that had ripped countless realities asunder. More specifically, it was a rare mystical form of Chronovium native to this alternate dimension, nearly as crimson as blood. ”This crystal is infused with forbidden magic,” Dracula said. “Soon it will be my key to ruling the world. But for now, let it be my key to conquering yours.” Still unable to move, T’Challa found himself completely enveloped in the glowing red energy emanating from Dracula’s shard of the blood-red Chronovium. ”He is remaking you in his image,” Bast said in T’Challa’s mind, her whisper turning into a growl. “How dare he?! You belong to me!” ”Not... any longer...” T’Challa grunted, feeling the transformation taking place within him. Bast’s growl grew into a roar, but was suddenly silenced as the energy surrounding T’Challa began to fade. T’Challa slumped to the ground, exhausted... and hungry... ”How strange...” Dracula said as he stepped closer to the collapsed T’Challa. “Your blood smelled so sweet before. Like a rare flower on the African plains. But now, it has lost its bouquet. You are no different than any of my other minions.” ”That is where you are wrong,” T’Challa said quietly. Mustering every ounce of strength left in his body, T’Challa fought against Dracula’s control, rising to his feet and staring Dracula straight in the eyes. ”I am no mere minion,” he said. “I am T’Challa. I am the Black Panther. I am the King of Wakanda...” With that T’Challa slashed at Dracula, knocking the shard of Blood Chronovium from the unsuspecting vampire’s hands. The crystal skidded across the rooftop, balancing precariously on its edge. Dracula broke eye contact with T’Challa and raced to grab the crystal before it plunged down to the street below. ”...and I shall be your end.” T’Challa finished. When Dracula turned once more to fax his defiant foe, the Black Panther was already gone. Not even the slightest scent of his blood was left on the wind. Furious, the Lord of the Vampires let out a piercing howl that could be heard echoing all across manhattan. Elsewhere, in the shadows of a dark alley, T’Challa took a moment to recover from the confrontation and assess his new situation. Until now, the power of the Heart-Shaped Herb flowing through his veins had always protected him and provided him with his enhanced abilities. But T’Challa surmised that the magic of the Blood Chronovium was somehow negating the herb’s effects. That was why Dracula could no longer smell his blood. It was why T’Challa could no longer hear Bast whispering inside his head. And it was why T’Challa‘s newfound taste for blood grew stronger by the moment. Before he journeyed to New York, T’Challa had been worried about his connection to Bast’s tainted spirit might affect him. Now, he found himself afflicted by another curse, uncertain which of the two would be his ultimate undoing. T’Challa pulled the sample of the Heart-Shaped Herb from a hidden pouch on his bodysuit, momentarily considering wether he should consume it to cure himself now or save it to potentially cure thousands of innocents later. He didn’t have a clear answer. New York City might have been as black as the darkest night... but all the King of Wakanda could see was red... |
| Coming Soon, Stay Tuned! |
What is a Team-Up?
Best Heroes for Beginners
Is There Crossplay?
Getting Started on Marvel Rivals
Currency Guide
All Hitscan Heroes
All Game Modes
Chrono Shield Guide
Practice Range Guide
Hero Profile Guide
Store Guide
Hero Roles Explained
Achievement Guide
How to Change and Select Servers
How to Save Highlights
How to Change Your Name
How to Use Redeem Codes
How to Play Ranked
How to Surrender
How to Disable Easy Swing
How to Use Emotes and Sprays
How to Get MVP
How to Play With Friends
How to Change Crosshair
How to Customize Heroes
