MultiVersus' impending shutdown in May, following the conclusion of Season 5, hasn't dampened player enthusiasm. A recent update dramatically increased combat speed, a long-requested change that has revitalized gameplay and ignited a #SaveMultiVersus social media campaign.
The game's community eagerly launched into Season 5 on February 4th, anticipating the arrival of Aquaman and Lola Bunny as the final playable characters, as announced by developer Player First Games last week. Instead of a somber farewell, the update introduced sweeping movement changes, resulting in a significantly faster-paced experience. This fundamental shift, a feature players had championed for years, arrived just as the game's lifespan neared its end.
A Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video highlighted the speed increase. The difference is stark; characters execute combos and traverse the screen with unprecedented velocity. This marks a departure from the sluggish gameplay criticized during the 2022 beta and even surpasses the speed of last year's relaunch.
Patch notes attribute the enhanced speed to a reduction in hit pause across most attacks. Consequently, combos flow more smoothly, regardless of the chosen character. Several characters, including Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, Bugs Bunny, and Black Adam, received additional speed buffs, particularly concerning fast falls during aerial attacks. Garnet's adjustments balance her already-high speed by modifying her ringout potential.
MultiVersus Season 5 essentially transforms the game, offering more than just two new characters. However, this improved experience is short-lived. The game will shut down on May 30th, ending seasonal content and removing it from digital stores. Online play will cease entirely, leaving only offline modes.
The timing is jarring. Players express shock and frustration at the game's peak performance coinciding with its closure. One X user aptly described it as "the most interesting bad game in existence," referencing its troubled beta, 2024 relaunch, and the sudden speed boost. Professional player Mew2King questioned the timing of the speed increase. A Reddit user lamented the missed opportunity, stating that a similar launch could have led to sustained success, contrasting it with the monetization of Apex Legends, which, despite its flaws, enjoyed longevity due to strong foundational gameplay.
Another Reddit user declared the Season 5 update resolved all their previous issues, praising the improved shield animations and overall polish. Despite the shutdown, the game's potential fuels hope for a reversal.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive response to the update, Player First and Warner Bros. remain committed to the shutdown. Game director Tony Huynh offered closing remarks and addressed player concerns. Real-money transactions were disabled on January 31st, although the Season 5 premium battle pass is free.
MultiVersus will officially end on May 30th at 9 am PT. While the shutdown proceeds, players find solace in shared memes, celebrating a game that finally met expectations before its untimely demise. The situation is bittersweet, highlighting a community's joy and grief simultaneously.
