Early progression in Marvel Contest of Champions is less about chasing the newest “top tier” name and more about building a small core that solves many fights with minimal fuss. In 2026, the game’s roster is huge and modes like Story, Alliance Quest and Battlegrounds reward flexibility: damage is great, but utility wins accounts.
How to pick universal rank-up targets (what “universal” really means)
A universal starter champion is one you can take into a wide spread of quests without needing perfect synergies, a high signature level, or specialist knowledge of niche interactions. They should feel consistent when you are still learning spacing, parry timing, intercepts and special baiting.
In practice, that means: simple access to damage (without risky setups), at least one piece of “problem-solving” utility (power control, buff control, strong debuff application, or reliable immunities), and a kit that forgives small mistakes. If a champion only feels good when awakened at a specific signature level, they are usually not your first priority.
Finally, think about longevity. Catalysts, gold and ISO are the real bottlenecks. The best early investments are champions you will still happily use when you unlock higher rarity versions and tougher content later on.
Quick checklist before you spend catalysts
Ask one simple question: “What does this champion let me ignore?” Immunities (bleed, poison, incinerate, shock), shrug-off, cleanse, strong sustain, or safer control tools can remove entire categories of annoying nodes and matchups.
Then check ease of rotation. If the champion’s plan is “build, cash out, repeat” with clear cues, they are easier to pilot consistently across long quest chains. Complicated ramp that resets between fights is usually better later, not at the start.
Last, look at mode coverage. A champion who is solid for Story and AQ but also usable in Battlegrounds gives you more value from every rank-up. You do not need perfect defenders early, but you do want at least a few champs who can win fights quickly on offence.
Universal champions worth ranking early (by job, not by hype)
If you want a safe backbone for 2026 progression, start with a “carry” damage dealer, add at least one control specialist (power or buff control), and then fill gaps with immunity and matchup tools. That trio-style approach keeps your account moving even when your pulls are random.
For pure, straightforward quest clearing, several widely recommended choices remain reliable: Hercules is still one of the most forgiving carries because he turns mistakes into learning moments rather than instant deaths, and his damage stays relevant for a long time. Hulkling is another strong all-rounder because he blends damage with useful matchups and doesn’t demand complex set-play to feel good.
For control and safety, Doctor Doom continues to be a “make fights manageable” champion thanks to his power control and pace-setting gameplay. On the Science side, Human Torch remains a practical answer to many Mystic problems, which matters because Mystic defenders are common walls for newer rosters.
Starter-friendly picks by role (examples you can build around)
Carry damage (general questing): Hercules, Hulkling, Hyperion and Cosmic Ghost Rider are common “do the job” options when you need a fight to end cleanly. They help you push through Acts and side quests without needing perfect counter-picks every time.
Control and utility: Doctor Doom is the classic “slow the fight down” answer; Warlock is a dependable Tech utility pick because he covers several annoying debuff and sustain situations across general content; Kingpin is a sturdy Skill option because he can stay safe and useful even when the fight gets messy.
Matchup removers: Human Torch is a practical Mystic counter; Nimrod (if you have him) is famously effective into many Mutants; and Nick Fury (especially if awakened) can carry huge value for many accounts, but he is still playable before that if you like his style and can manage his risk-reward.
A practical 2026 levelling plan (so you do not waste resources)
Step one is to commit to a small core and stop spreading rank-ups across too many champions. As a beginner, ranking six champions “a bit” usually feels worse than ranking three champions properly, because the game’s difficulty spikes punish under-levelled rosters.
Step two is to rank for coverage, not class colour. Yes, class advantage matters, but your first goal is to have answers: one champion who can win fast, one who can control, and one who can handle common debuffs or annoying defensive mechanics. Then add a fourth and fifth champ to patch the gaps you feel most often.
Step three is to tie rank-ups to your next progression milestone. In 2026 the game still rewards climbing progression titles with meaningful account upgrades and better rewards, so it is smart to rank with a clear short-term target rather than chasing every new shiny pull.
Rank-up order you can follow (and when to break it)
Default order: (1) a universal carry, (2) a control champion, (3) a matchup remover for the content that blocks you, (4) a second damage option from a different class, (5) a utility Tech or Skill that brings immunities or sustain. This keeps your roster flexible when quest nodes force specific answers.
Break the order when the game gives you a clear shortcut. If you pull a champion that directly counters the boss or node that is stopping your story push, it can be correct to rank that counter immediately, even if they are not your “forever” pick.
Also be honest about comfort. A slightly “less fashionable” champion that you pilot well will outperform a top-name champ you do not understand yet. Early progression is about consistency; once your fundamentals are strong, you can start investing into higher-skill, higher-ceiling champions.