Grand Garden: Marvel Rivals 18 vs 18 Annihilation Map

The setup you need to know

This is 18 versus 18 Annihilation, completely different from any other game mode. The goal is to reach 120 eliminations before the enemy team does. Respawn times are minimal, meaning you're back in the fight almost immediately.

The map has three main sections. Passing through the second door of the spawn area takes you into the middle section, where most of the chaotic fighting happens. In the center is a large fountain that you can enter to reach the basement. On one side, there's the chessboard platform with tall pillars, and on the other, there's an open garden area. Health packs are placed on the highest platform, the middle section, and a room directly beneath it.

The chess pieces are interactive. They can be moved by attacking them in specific orders, which can unlock secret paths (this is part of the Checkmate achievement).

General gameplay tips

Don't play it like 6v6. Annihilation rewards constant pressure, not careful objective play. With 18 players per team, there's almost always a fight breaking out somewhere. Stay in the action.

Pick a zone and learn it. The map's three sections each favor different playstyles. Pick a zone that matches your hero and fight there consistently rather than wandering. Fast respawn times encourage experimentation. Something not working? Switch heroes and try a different approach. Use that flexibility to find what clicks for you in each zone.

Stack on chokes. The narrow pathways in the middle section funnel enemies into predictable lines. AoE damage heroes like Squirrel Girl, Moon Knight, and Punisher can rack up eliminations by spamming these chokes.

Use the verticality. The chessboard area has tall pillars and elevated platforms. Heroes who can climb or fly have a massive advantage here. If you can reach the highest platform, you also get access to a health pack that grounded heroes can't easily reach.

Watch your back. In 18v18, you can be flanked from any direction at any time. Don't tunnel vision on one target. Constantly check your surroundings.

Save big ults for clusters. With 18 players per team, enemies cluster constantly. Punisher, Iron Man, Storm, Scarlet Witch, and Magneto all have ults that can score 5-plus eliminations on a well-timed drop. These ults charge fast in 18v18, so don't hoard them.

Specific area tips

For the middle section, use the fountain as cover. You can also enter it to reach the basement, which gives you a way to escape pressure or rotate to a different area unseen.

For the chess board area, attack the chess pieces if you want to trigger the Checkmate achievement. The pieces need to be moved in a specific order to reveal a hidden room with a secret chess piece. The pieces also act as moving cover during fights, so use them strategically.

For the open garden, prioritize getting the health packs since there are three of them scattered here. The exposed sightlines mean snipers will be hunting you, so use the tree and any cover to break line of sight.

Achievement bonuses

Grand Garden has multiple achievements worth grabbing if you queue this mode.

Grand Garden Gator: Use 1 emote in front of Alligator Loki in Grand Garden for 5 Achievement Points. Alligator Loki can be found sleeping in the basement under the Gardener's portrait. Make sure you're playing in a public match, as completing this in a custom match may not grant you the achievement.

Checkmate (also called Lost in the Game): Trigger a checkmate by moving the giant chess pieces on towering platforms in a specific order. Pick a ranged hero with a quick fire rate like Human Torch or Gambit. Move the chess pieces in the correct order, and the platforms will begin moving, revealing a secret path on the lower level. Jump down and enter the hidden room with the secret chess piece to complete the achievement.

General things that matter

The mode is chaos. Stop trying to play it like a team-based objective mode. With 36 players on the map, coordinated team plays are almost impossible. Focus on your individual performance and pick fights you can win.

Don't engage 1-versus-many fights. Even tanks struggle when three or four enemies focus you. Disengage and find a smaller fight if you're outnumbered.

Track which zones your team is winning. If your side is dominating the middle but losing the garden, rotate to wherever the score is closer. Eliminations in any zone count toward the same total.

The minimal respawn times work both ways. You can afford to die and try a new approach, but so can the enemy. Don't celebrate eliminations too hard. Just keep scoring.

Last thing: Annihilation is designed to be casual fun, not a competitive grind. It rewards aggression and experimentation over careful play. If you queue Grand Garden expecting Domination-style coordination, you'll be frustrated. Embrace the chaos, swap heroes when something isn't working, and remember the achievements for some easy bonus points.

If you want me to do the breakdown for the other limited-event or arcade maps next (like the Clash of Dancing Lions arena or Ultron's Digital Duel Grounds), let me know.