Alright, let’s be real for a second. We’ve seen a lot of heroes in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) over the years. We’ve had heroes that can fly, heroes that can transform into dragons, and heroes that can snipe you from across the map. But never—and I mean never—have we seen a hero that can literally press "Pause" on the game.

Well, get your diamonds ready, because that’s about to change.

The leaks for the new hero Marcel are officially out, and he is currently wreaking havoc on the Advanced Server (Patch 2.1.42). If you thought the current meta was chaotic, wait until you see what this guy does to the Lord dance. As a support main who loves nothing more than ruining an assassin’s day, I am absolutely hyped.

Here is everything you need to know about Marcel, the "Time-Stopping" Support, his connection to the Paxley family, and why you should start saving up for his release in March 2026.

And hey, if you need to stock up on diamonds to grab him (or that shiny new skin) the moment he drops, don't forget to look for discounted top ups to save some cash. But more on that later. Let’s dive into the leaks!

Who is Marcel? The "Dark Magic Photographer"

First off, let’s talk lore. Marcel isn't just some random guy with a camera. The leaks strongly suggest he is the latest addition to the Paxley Family. Yes, that Paxley family—the same noble house that gave us Gusion and Aamon.

While Gusion throws daggers and Aamon uses shards, Marcel uses a… camera?

Meet Clemar, Marcel’s sentient camera and weapon of choice. According to the lore text found in the game files, Marcel is a "Dark Magic Photographer" who travels the Moniyan Empire snapping photos of souls. But here's the kicker: Clemar isn't just a tool; it's a split-off part of his soul.

Rumors in the community (and some pretty convincing lore crumbs) suggest Marcel might be the "missing" Paxley sibling—potentially the second oldest, slotting in right between Aamon and Gusion. If true, this family reunion is going to be awkward.

The "Time Stop" Mechanic: A Game Changer

Okay, lore is cool, but let’s talk gameplay. Marcel is designed as a Support/Roamer, and his kit is built around a mechanic completely new to MLBB: Stasis.

Here is the breakdown of his skills currently on the Advanced Server:

Passive: Platinum Snap

Marcel doesn’t do normal crits. Instead, his basic attacks deal Physical Damage, and his "extra HP" converts into Hybrid Defense. This means you can build him tanky, and he’ll naturally get tougher.

1. The Kicker: His camera, Clemar, automatically "snaps" photos of nearby enemy heroes. This deals True Damage and gives Marcel (and a nearby ally) a shield. It’s like having a built-in Harith shield that activates just by standing near people.

Skill 1: Framed Moment

Marcel commands Clemar to target an area. After a delay, it deals damage and immobilizes enemies. It’s a solid zoning tool, perfect for checking bushes or stopping a Fanny mid-cable.

Skill 2: Tracking Haste

This is his mobility skill. Marcel gets a massive movement speed boost (especially when moving towards enemies—scary, right?). He can also recast it to dash and leave a "phantom" behind. It feels very similar to a mix of Mathilda’s mobility and Gusion’s dash, keeping that Paxley DNA alive.

Ultimate: Golden Hour (The "Time Stop")

This is the skill that will break the internet. Marcel channels for a moment and then captures a huge wide-angle shot of an area.

1. The Effect: Everything inside the zone enters Stasis.
2. What is Stasis? Enemies, allies, minions, Turrets, and even the Lord or Turtle are frozen. They cannot move, cannot attack, and cannot take damage from anyone except Marcel.
3. Projectile Freeze: Even ranged attacks (like a Granger ult or Layla basic attack) that fly into the zone get frozen in mid-air. When the Stasis ends, the damage hits all at once.

Imagine this: The enemy Retribution is on cooldown, and they are trying to rush the Lord. You blink in, pop Golden Hour, and freeze the Lord at 1,000 HP. Your Jungler arrives, the stasis ends, and bam—easy steal.

When is Marcel Releasing?

Based on Moonton’s typical release schedule, a hero stays on the Advanced Server for about 3 months for testing and balancing. Since Marcel dropped on the Advanced Server in mid-December 2025, we are looking at a projected Global Release window of March 2026.

This gives you plenty of time to practice your Roam rotation and, more importantly, save up your Battle Points (32,000 BP) or Diamonds (599 Dias).

Why You Need to Prepare Now

Heroes with complex mechanics like Marcel often come with a "Release Bundle" or a launch skin that looks incredible. If you want to be a Day 1 Marcel main, you don’t want to be scrambling for diamonds at the last minute.

Speaking of diamonds, let me put you on to a little secret that veteran players use to save money.

How to Get Ready for Marcel (and Save Money)

We all know the struggle. You want the new hero, you want the launch skin, and maybe you’re eyeing that Starlight membership too. Buying directly in-game can sometimes hurt the wallet, especially when you’re trying to budget for other things.

This is where finding cheap top ups becomes a legit strategy.

I’ve been using GPDS Game Shop for my gaming needs, and honestly, it’s a game-changer for Filipino gamers. If you are looking for where to top up diamonds in the Philippines without worrying about getting scammed or waiting hours for your credits, this is the spot.

Why I Recommend GPDS Game Shop:

1. Legitimacy: GPDS Game Shop legit reviews are everywhere. They have a solid reputation in the community for delivering orders instantly.
2. Savings: They offer discounted game credits that are significantly cheaper than the standard in-game rates. Over time, those small savings add up to a free skin or two.
3. Convenience: They support the payment methods we actually use—GCash, Maya, and local banks. No need for a credit card.

If you are tired of overpaying, do yourself a favor and check them out. You can get cheap game credits for MLBB, Genshin Impact, and even Honor of Kings. It’s the smart way to play.

[Visit GPDS Game Shop Philippines Here to Check Rates]

Strategy Guide: How to Counter Marcel (Early Predictions)

Since Marcel is still in testing, his counters are still being figured out. However, based on his "Stasis" mechanic, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Diggie Won’t Save You

Here is the scary part: Leaks suggest that Diggie’s Ultimate (Time Journey) does not cleanse Stasis. Since Stasis isn't just a stun—it’s a removal from time—Purify effects might be useless inside the zone.

2. Positioning is Key

Marcel’s Ultimate is a double-edged sword. If a bad Marcel player freezes his own Jungler right when they are about to kill the enemy, he’s basically a 6th enemy player. The best counter might just be... waiting for the enemy Marcel to mess up.

3. Helcurt and Silvanna

Heroes who can jump in and silence or lock Marcel down before he casts his Ultimate will be essential. You need to burst him down before he pulls out the camera.

FAQ: Everything We Know About Marcel

Q: Is Marcel really a Paxley? A: While not explicitly confirmed in a bio yet, the clues (magic damage, noble attire, connection to "souls") and the file names strongly point to him being the rumored 2nd Paxley brother.

Q: Can Marcel freeze his own teammates? A: Yes. His Ultimate freezes all units in the area (except himself). This makes him a very high-skill, high-risk hero. Trolls are going to love him, but pros are going to abuse this mechanic.

Q: Will he be banned in Ranked? A: Absolutely. Any hero with a mechanic as game-breaking as "stopping time" usually sees a 100% ban rate in the first month.

Q: Is GPDS Game Shop safe to use? A: Yes, GPDS Game Shop legit status is backed by years of service and positive user feedback. It is one of the safest places to get discounted top ups in the PH.

Summary: The Clock is Ticking

Marcel is shaping up to be one of the most unique supports Mobile Legends has ever seen. His ability to control the flow of time—literally—will force every team to change how they approach objectives like the Lord and Turtle.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hero: Marcel, the Time-Stopping Support.
2. Release: Projected for March 2026.
3. Mechanic: Freezes units, turrets, and objectives in time.
4. Prep: Start saving BP and Diamonds now using GPDS Game Shop.

Don't forget to keep an eye on the official channels for the final confirmation on his release date!

1. Official Website: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Official
2. YouTube: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
3. Facebook: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Read This Next!

Just getting started or need a refresher before Marcel arrives? Check out our latest guide on Guide for New Players: 10 Beginner Tips + Fast Top Up Philippines. Get a head start on the competition!