Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is set to expand its roster with Marcel, a sophisticated tank-support hybrid designed to control the flow of battle. Revealed on the Advanced Server by Moonton Games, Marcel—known as the Soul Photographer—brings a unique vision-based kit that disrupts enemy positioning through “snapshots” and stasis mechanics.

As players prepare for the 2026 ranked season, analysts are already flagging Marcel as a potential meta-defining pick. With the M7 World Championship smashing viewership records, developers are under pressure to introduce heroes capable of shaking up established strategies. That’s where Marcel steps in.

Marcel’s Role and Playstyle

Marcel enters the Land of Dawn as the 132nd hero, occupying a distinct niche as a tanky roamer who thrives in close-range engagements. Lore enthusiasts will note his connection to the Paxley family—potentially as an ally to heroes like Melissa. He wields a camera named Lux, using it to uncover “red shards” of truth hidden by the Moniyan Empire.

Unlike traditional tanks who rely on raw crowd control (CC) chains, Marcel acts as a tempo disruptor. His high base HP regeneration and hybrid defense stats allow him to sponge initial aggression, but his primary value is vision and stoppage. He doesn’t just peel for his carries; he stalls the enemy’s momentum entirely, forcing them to fight on his terms.

Marcel’s Abilities Explained

Marcel brings a fresh mechanic to MLBB: the ability to freeze projectiles and units in a state of suspended animation. His kit revolves around his camera, turning “moments” into tactical advantages.

• Passive – Platinum Snap: Marcel’s companion, Clemar, automatically snaps photos of enemies within range. This applies an immobilization effect and deals True Damage scaling with Max HP. Successfully snapping a target grants Marcel and one ally a shield, with basic attacks reducing the internal cooldown.
• Skill 1 – Framed Moment: Marcel charges a shutter shot that delivers heavy Physical Damage after a short delay. The damage scales with his Total Physical Attack and Defense stats. Enemies caught in the frame are briefly immobilized, punishing predictable pathing.
• Ultimate: The centerpiece of his kit. Marcel creates a stasis field that suspends all units and projectiles—except himself. According to Esports.gg, this stops damage and movement instantly, storing it up for a delayed burst once the effect ends.

How Marcel Could Impact the MLBB Meta

The introduction of true stasis mechanics is a massive variable for professional play. With major international tournaments on the horizon, including the Esports Nations Cup 2026, teams will likely scramble to integrate or counter Marcel immediately.

Drafting-wise, Marcel looks to be a hard counter to projectile-heavy compositions and dive assassins. By freezing projectiles, he renders long-range artillery mages like Novaria or Xavier useless during critical siege moments. Furthermore, his passive True Damage ensures he remains a threat to the tanky junglers currently dominating the meta. Expect him to be a high-priority ban in organized play during the first weeks of the season as teams figure out reliable counterplay.

Marcel Release Date and Availability

Marcel is currently live for testing on the Advanced Server. According to leaks from Ace Esports Insiders, he is scheduled to arrive on the Original Server in early to mid-March 2026. This timing aligns perfectly with the start of the next ranked season.

• Release Window: Early March 2026
• Class: Support / Tank
• Cost: 32,000 BP or 599 Diamonds