RIVALS has duels from 1v1 up to 5v5, with the first side to win five rounds taking the match. Fast reactions help, but better habits matter more than moving your mouse or thumb as quickly as possible.
Keep your crosshair ready
Aim where an opponent is likely to appear instead of at the floor. When you move around a corner, keep the crosshair near the height of another player. That leaves less distance to correct when somebody appears.
If your aim keeps flying past targets, lower your sensitivity a little. Change one setting at a time and play several rounds before changing it again.
Move with a reason
Jumping constantly can make your own shots harder. Mix strafing, short changes of direction and cover instead of repeating one pattern. Try not to cross a wide open area when another route is available.
Do not chase every low-health opponent around a corner. They may be waiting for you, and staying alive can be more useful than forcing one risky hit.
Learn one loadout first
Keys can unlock more weapons and skins, but a new weapon will not automatically fix aim. Learn the range, reload timing and movement of a simple loadout before changing everything.
Use the practice area to compare weapons when it is available. Pick something that fits how you play, not only what another player calls the best.
In team modes, count players
In 2v2 to 5v5 matches, look at where teammates are before pushing forward. Two players taking the same fight together are harder to beat than two separate players trying to be the hero.
Play fairly
The RIVALS game page warns that cheating, abusing glitches and suspicious farming methods can lead to permanent bans. Improvement takes longer than a shortcut, but it also means the wins are actually yours.