Marvel Strike Force Crossbones Guide - Theria Games

Introduction

In this Marvel Strike Force Crossbones Guide, we explore Crossbones as a character whose evolution has made him a unique and sometimes unpredictable presence. Originally seen as a powerful force, his utility has fluctuated, transitioning from a major threat to a more niche pick. Despite this, he remains a solid off-tank who can still shine when used strategically in certain game modes.

Crossbones’ abilities are centered around his ability to dish out significant damage and take hits in return, though his effectiveness is heavily influenced by how well he’s supported by his teammates. In this guide, we’ll dive into his abilities, ideal team compositions, and how to use him to his fullest potential.

We’ll also cover his weaknesses, which are mainly related to his reliance on synergies and the challenge of getting the most out of his kit. Understanding where Crossbones fits into your roster, how to complement his strengths, and mitigate his shortcomings will allow you to use him effectively whether you’re just starting out or have already honed your strategies.

Character Overview

Crossbones is a Villain, Global, Tech, and Protector character in Marvel Strike Force. Some players suggest that his tags might better fit Skill and Brawler, rather than Tech and Protector.

How to Unlock:
Crossbones can be unlocked through the Blitz Store, special events, and the Villain’s 4-9 campaign node.

Role:
Crossbones has undergone a significant shift in role since his introduction. Initially, he was considered a primary damage dealer and tank, but now he is typically used as an off-tank who works best when paired with a main tank for protection. Although he holds the “Protector” tag, his squishiness makes him less reliable as a primary tank. In the past, players often used him as the main damage dealer, especially in the early stages of a match when he would taunt and absorb hits.

Stats:
Offensive Stats:
Crossbones’ offensive stats are generally considered underwhelming. He has low damage output, slow speed, and low focus, with his damage, speed, and focus all receiving a “D” rating.

Defensive Stats:
His defensive stats also reflect his weaker status as a tank. Crossbones has a “D” rating for health and armor, and a “C” rating for resistance. Despite these low stats, Crossbones’ abilities help mitigate his weaknesses. For example, he has the ability to gain max health and heal, offering some sustainability. His special ability provides a 15% heal, and his passive ability allows him to gain up to 20% max health, helping him survive longer in battle.

In summary, Crossbones is a character with a nuanced history in Marvel Strike Force. As a Villain, Global, Tech, and Protector, he can be unlocked through multiple in-game methods. While his role has shifted from being a primary damage dealer to an off-tank, his abilities provide some utility that helps make up for his lower base stats.

Abilities

Crossbones’ abilities in Marvel Strike Force combine both offensive and defensive elements, making him a versatile character in battle.

Piston Punch

Level: 1

Damage: 90

Wrath

Level: 1

Heal Self: 0

Detonate

Level: 1

Damage: 200

Vengeance

Level: 1

Gain Armor: 5

Basic: “Piston Punch”
At max level, Crossbones’ basic attack deals 160% damage to the primary target. There’s also a 75% chance to perform a bonus attack that deals 150% damage. This ability has the added benefit of applying Offense Down to the target, reducing their effectiveness. While some players suggest renaming this ability to “Street Punch” and transforming it into a two-punch attack with a 25% chance to stun, the current version offers solid utility for consistent damage.

Special: “Wrath”
Crossbones’ special has a one-turn cooldown and starts fully charged, allowing for quick use. This ability grants Counter to Crossbones, which can activate his basic attack and apply Offense Down to the target. It also heals him for 15% of his max health, improving his survivability. Some players suggest changing the ability to “Arrows and Blades,” making it a two-pronged attack that deals 300% piercing damage to a target with a hand crossbow, followed by a chain attack that applies bleed, but the current version provides useful utility with counter and healing.

Ultimate: “Detonate”
Crossbones’ ultimate ability requires six turns to charge initially but can be reduced to two turns with upgrades. Upon activation, Crossbones gains two Deathproof buffs and then explodes, dealing 510% damage to all enemies. The self-damage from the explosion is reduced when Crossbones has Defense Up, which can be granted by other characters, such as Luke Cage. This ability is considered his most valuable offensive tool, as it provides substantial area damage while allowing Crossbones to survive the blast with the Deathproof buffs.

Passive: “Vengeance”
At max level, this passive grants Crossbones 20% Max Health, enhancing his durability. It also provides +5 Armor to all Hydra allies, although some players feel this should be a 5% armor boost instead of a flat 5. There are suggestions to expand this passive, such as providing a bonus for mercenaries, a damage boost when Red Skull is on the team, and extra damage against Captain America, but as it stands, it offers solid support for both Crossbones and his Hydra allies.

In summary, Crossbones’ abilities combine a balance of damage, healing, and support. His Piston Punch and Wrath offer consistent offense and utility, while his Detonate is a potent AoE ability that can turn the tide of battle. His Vengeance passive boosts his health and grants armor to Hydra allies, enhancing his role as a durable off-tank. His ultimate ability, Detonate, is often considered the key reason Crossbones remains a strong and valuable character in Marvel Strike Force.

Synergies and Team Compositions

Crossbones’ effectiveness in Marvel Strike Force is heavily influenced by the team composition he’s a part of. His synergies with specific factions and characters can significantly enhance his strengths, while certain teammates can help mitigate his weaknesses.

Crossbones has strong synergies within the Hydra faction. His passive ability, “Vengeance,” grants +5 armor to all Hydra allies, boosting the durability of the entire team. An ideal Hydra team includes Red Skull, Hydra Scientist, Hydra Rifle Trooper, Baron Zemo, and Crossbones. Red Skull provides a variety of bonuses, including +8 Charged at the start of battle, Revive for any minion killed before him, and +2 Deathproof, in addition to boosting speed and damage for Hydra minions.

Hydra Scientist offers healing and can remove Stun from Red Skull on War Defense. Hydra Rifle Trooper boosts Hydra allies’ damage output, while Baron Zemo provides heavy damage and the ability to apply Ability Block to enemies. Zemo also grants Crossbones an additional +20% max health when paired together.

Crossbones also has potential synergy with the Mercenaries faction. Some players suggest he should gain 30% health from a passive ability similar to Graviton’s synergy with the A.I.M. team. Crossbones can fit well into a Mercenary team, especially under Taskmaster’s leadership, which boosts the team’s overall effectiveness.

There is a strong synergy between Kingpin and Crossbones. Kingpin’s “Boss’s Orders” ability provides Defense Up to all allies, which helps mitigate the self-damage Crossbones takes from his “Detonate” ability. Kingpin’s Offense Up also boosts the team’s damage output, and his assist ability is more likely to target villains or mercenaries, increasing Crossbones’ chances of receiving valuable assists.

For an offense-focused team, pairing Crossbones with characters like War Machine, Rocket Raccoon, and Iron Man can help boost his critical hit chance and overall damage output. Hand Sentry can provide stealth, allowing Crossbones to safely charge his ultimate ability.

Crossbones can benefit from teammates who provide protection, such as Captain America or Luke Cage. Luke Cage is especially valuable, as his Defense Up helps mitigate the self-damage from Crossbones’ “Detonate.” Additionally, Luke’s Taunt ability can protect Crossbones while he sets up for his ultimate. Captain America and Hulk also excel in tanking and generating energy, providing a solid defensive backbone for Crossbones.

Crossbones performs well on an all-villain team, which can be particularly effective in Blitz mode. A good villain team might include Yondu, Elektra, and Thanos, offering a mix of damage, control, and survivability.

The ideal Hydra team includes Red Skull, Hydra Scientist, Hydra Rifle Trooper, Baron Zemo, and Crossbones. This team is effective in all game modes, but it’s especially strong in War Defense, where Hydra’s synergies can make a significant impact.

Crossbones should avoid characters that deal high piercing damage or rely heavily on counter-attacks, such as Gamora, Elektra, Wolverine, Yondu, and Punisher. These characters can quickly overcome Crossbones due to their high damage potential, especially before Crossbones can apply stealth or build up defenses.

In summary, Crossbones thrives in team compositions that enhance his durability and damage output. He works well with Hydra and Mercenary characters, benefiting from synergies that boost his survivability, health, and offense. He also benefits from characters that can provide Defense Up, energy, and stealth. Conversely, he should avoid characters with strong piercing damage or counter-attacks, as they can quickly take him out of the fight.

How to Use Crossbones

Crossbones is a complex character whose effectiveness depends heavily on how he is utilized within a team. To maximize his potential in Marvel Strike Force, here are some key strategies for using him effectively.

As an off-tank, Crossbones needs to be paired with a dedicated tank, such as Luke Cage, Captain America, or Hulk, to protect him from enemy attacks. Luke Cage is particularly effective due to his ability to apply Defense Up to the team, including Crossbones. This helps mitigate the self-damage Crossbones takes from his “Detonate” ability.

Crossbones’ ultimate ability, “Detonate,” is his most powerful offensive tool. The primary strategy with Crossbones is to keep him alive long enough to unleash this ability. It deals high AOE damage but also damages Crossbones himself. When upgraded, “Detonate” can be activated every two turns, making it a valuable asset in battle.

The special ability “Wrath” grants counter and heals Crossbones for 15% of his max health. It also comes fully charged, allowing it to be used at the start of a battle. This ability can trigger his basic attack and help him stay resilient during fights.

Crossbones performs best in teams where his synergies are utilized. His passive ability grants armor to Hydra allies, so pairing him with Hydra characters significantly enhances his performance. Additionally, Kingpin’s “Boss’s Orders” can apply Defense Up to all allies, mitigating Crossbones’ self-damage from “Detonate.” There’s also potential synergy with Mercenaries, though this is less common.

To ensure Crossbones’ longevity in battle, it’s crucial to maximize his health and armor. Since he gains max health from his passive and armor from Hydra allies, focusing on these stats allows him to survive longer. The Fortifier Iso-8 class is a good choice for Crossbones, as it boosts his defense and survivability.

Crossbones works exceptionally well on Hydra teams, with an ideal composition of Red Skull, Hydra Scientist, Hydra Rifle Trooper, Baron Zemo, and Crossbones. This team maximizes Hydra synergies, especially with Red Skull, who can provide additional benefits like +8 Charged at the start of a match. On an all-villain team, which is effective in Blitz mode, characters like Yondu, Elektra, and Thanos can provide a mix of damage, control, and survivability. For a defensive team, pairing Crossbones with Luke Cage or Captain America can help him survive longer, while offensive teams can include damage boosters like War Machine, Rocket Raccoon, and Iron Man, with Hand Sentry offering stealth to protect Crossbones.

When using Crossbones, be mindful of certain tactics. Targeting Yondu first is key, as his summons can be a significant nuisance. Additionally, being aware of buffs and debuffs like defense up or offense down can help you strategize more effectively. Characters that can grant stealth, such as Hand Sentry, are also valuable, as they can protect Crossbones while he charges up his ultimate.

Finally, avoid characters with high-piercing attacks or counter-attacks, such as Gamora, Elektra, Wolverine, Yondu, and Punisher, as they can quickly overwhelm Crossbones before he has a chance to unleash his abilities.

In summary, to use Crossbones effectively, pair him with a tank, focus on getting his ultimate ability off, leverage his synergies, and avoid characters that pose a significant threat to his survivability. With these strategies, you can maximize Crossbones’ potential in Marvel Strike Force.

Enemies to Avoid

Crossbones, while powerful, is vulnerable to certain types of characters and abilities. Understanding which enemies to avoid can significantly improve his survivability and overall effectiveness in battle. Crossbones is particularly susceptible to high-piercing damage dealers like Gamora and Elektra, who can bypass his armor and deal significant damage. These characters can quickly deplete his health before he has a chance to use his ultimate ability, “Detonate”, which is central to his damage potential.

Another group of enemies to watch out for are counter-attackers, such as Wolverine and Punisher, who can retaliate when Crossbones attacks. While Crossbones’ special ability, “Wrath”, grants him counter, this can backfire if he is targeted by enemies with strong counter-attacks, as it may lead to him taking significant damage in return.

Yondu is another character that poses a particular threat to Crossbones, as his piercing attacks can bypass Crossbones’ armor. Yondu’s Ravager summons can also cause additional issues if left unchecked, adding pressure to the battlefield. Crossbones should also be cautious around characters that can apply Offense Down, as this reduces his damage output and weakens his overall effectiveness in battle.

The main reason these characters are dangerous to Crossbones is due to his low survivability and reliance on his armor and health to stay alive. While his armor can offer protection, certain attacks, particularly piercing damage, ignore this defense. Crossbones is also heavily reliant on his ultimate ability to deal significant damage, so being defeated before he can unleash “Detonate” severely diminishes his impact in battle.

To mitigate these threats, strategic team composition and tactics are key. Using stealth from a character like Hand Sentry can protect Crossbones, allowing him to safely charge up his ultimate ability. Defense Up, provided by characters like Luke Cage, can further reduce incoming damage, while taunt abilities can draw enemy attacks away from Crossbones, giving him a better chance to survive and unleash his devastating attacks.

In summary, when using Crossbones, be wary of enemies that deal piercing damage, have strong counter-attacks, or can quickly deplete his health. Characters like Gamora, Elektra, Wolverine, Punisher, and Yondu are particularly dangerous. Proper team composition and tactical awareness are crucial to keeping Crossbones alive and maximizing his effectiveness in battle.

Game Modes

Crossbones is a versatile character in Marvel Strike Force who can be utilized effectively across a variety of game modes. His performance can vary depending on the specific mode and the team composition around him.

In Arena, Crossbones was once a feared presence on every shard, especially when paired with characters like Kingpin. However, he has been outclassed by newer characters, and while he can still be effective, he may not perform as well as in previous metas. In Blitz, Crossbones can be a strong character, particularly when placed on a villain team. He excels in teams that are powerful enough to “sim win” blitz matches, meaning the team is capable of automatically winning battles without manual intervention. A solid Blitz team featuring Yondu, Elektra, and Thanos can be very effective.

In Alliance War, Crossbones shines, especially on War Defense when paired with a Hydra team. Hydra teams are a formidable choice in War Defense, and Crossbones’ synergy with them makes him a strong option. In Raids, Crossbones can be useful when paired with the Hydra team due to his passive ability, which boosts his max health based on Hydra allies. This synergy helps him survive longer and contribute more effectively during raid battles.

Crossbones is also viable in the Dark Dimension, though his performance can depend on the specific node and the opposing characters. He can be used in Cosmic Crucible as well, though his effectiveness there will also depend on team composition and the enemies faced.

Across all game modes, it’s crucial to consider team synergy when using Crossbones. He works particularly well with Hydra and Kingpin, and benefits from teammates who can provide Defense Up and Stealth. Since he is an off-tank, it is essential to pair him with a primary tank like Luke Cage or Captain America to protect him during battle. The primary goal when using Crossbones is to ensure that he can use his ultimate ability, “Detonate”, so team composition should focus on supporting this strategy. The Raider Iso-8 class is a recommended choice to maximize the damage output of his ultimate ability.

However, Crossbones can struggle in game modes that feature enemies with piercing attacks or counter-attacks, such as Gamora, Elektra, Wolverine, Yondu, and Punisher. These types of enemies can bypass his defenses and quickly eliminate him, making it crucial to avoid or mitigate these threats.

In summary, Crossbones is a viable character across several game modes, including Arena, Blitz, Alliance War, Raids, Dark Dimension, and Cosmic Crucible. His effectiveness depends on proper team composition, synergy, and strategic use of his abilities. By focusing on these elements, Crossbones can be a strong contributor to your team in each of these modes.

Conclusion

Crossbones is a powerful yet complex character in Marvel Strike Force, with a history that has seen him go from being one of the weakest characters to a strong contender, only to settle into a more niche role. While he may not always be a top-tier character, Crossbones still holds value when used correctly with the right team and strategy.

Crossbones excels as an off-tank, not as a primary tank. He requires a dedicated tank like Luke Cage or Captain America to draw enemy fire and protect him from taking too much damage. His ultimate ability, “Detonate”, is his primary source of damage, dealing massive AOE damage, but also damaging himself in the process. Because of this, the main goal when using Crossbones is to keep him alive long enough to activate his ultimate ability and unleash his full damage potential.

Team synergies are essential for Crossbones to reach his full potential. He has strong synergy with Hydra characters, especially due to his passive ability that grants health and armor to Hydra allies. Pairing him with Kingpin is also beneficial, as his “Boss’s Orders” ability can provide a defense buff, mitigating the self-damage from “Detonate.” Additionally, some players find synergy with mercenaries as well. Crossbones is viable across various game modes, including Arena, Blitz, Alliance War, Raids, Dark Dimension, and Cosmic Crucible, though his performance can vary depending on team composition and the challenges of each mode.

To maximize his potential, Raider Iso-8 is recommended to enhance his ultimate ability’s damage. However, Crossbones has notable vulnerabilities, particularly to characters with piercing attacks or strong counter-attacks, such as Gamora, Elektra, Wolverine, Yondu, and Punisher, who can bypass his armor and quickly deplete his health. To counter these threats, he benefits from teammates who can provide him with defense up or stealth, which can help him charge up his ultimate attack safely.

The evolution of the meta has shifted Crossbones from being a top-tier character to a more niche option. While he is still a very good character, he relies on other heroes to reach his full potential and does not quite fit into the “mega tier.” In conclusion, Crossbones is a powerful, but complex character whose effectiveness hinges on team composition, tactical awareness, and knowing when and how to utilize his strengths and mitigate his weaknesses. Players who master these elements will find him to be a valuable asset in various game modes.