As MultiVersus approaches its closure at the end of Season 5 in May, the game has undergone significant updates that have revitalized its community. The latest patch, which introduced sweeping changes to combat speed, has transformed the gameplay experience, making it more engaging and dynamic than ever before. This unexpected enhancement has sparked a #SaveMultiVersus movement on social media, as fans rally to preserve the game they've grown to love anew.
The Warner Bros. platform fighting game kicked off its fifth and final season on February 4 at 9am PT, following Player First Games' announcement of the game's impending shutdown. Despite the somber news, the update brought not only DC's Aquaman and Looney Toons' Lola Bunny as new playable characters but also a much-requested increase in combat speed. This change has shifted the game away from the criticized "floaty" feel of the 2022 beta test and even surpassed the speed seen at its relaunch last May.
The Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video showcased on X/Twitter highlighted these alterations, with characters now able to execute faster combos and navigate the screen at an accelerated pace. According to the patch notes, the boost in combat speed results from reduced hitpause across most attacks, enabling quicker combo strings for all characters. Specific adjustments to characters like Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, Bugs Bunny, Black Adam, and others enhance their speed, with features like fast falling during aerial attacks. Garnet's adjustments balance her speed with changes to her ringout potential on the ground and in the air.
Despite these positive changes, the reality remains that MultiVersus will shut down on May 30, marking the end of new seasonal content and its removal from digital storefronts. This closure will leave only offline modes available, prompting a mix of celebration and mourning within the community. Social media posts and Reddit discussions reflect fans' bittersweet sentiments, with some like @PJiggles_ calling it "the most interesting bad game in existence" due to its tumultuous journey from beta to relaunch and now to its enhanced final season.
Professional players and content creators, including Jason Zimmerman (Mew2King), have questioned the timing of these improvements, wondering why such pivotal changes weren't implemented sooner. Reddit user Desperate_Method4032 praised the Season 5 update for addressing all their previous concerns, particularly noting the polished shield animations and overall gameplay feel. Despite the looming shutdown, the user expressed hope for a potential revival, citing the game's newfound potential.
As the shutdown date approaches, Player First and Warner Bros. have taken steps to wind down operations, including disabling real-money transactions since January 31 and offering the Season 5 premium battle pass for free. Game director Tony Huynh shared closing thoughts on X, addressing player concerns and signaling the end of the road for MultiVersus.
While the future looks bleak, the community's joy in the game's final moments is evident through memes and shared experiences. The bittersweet sentiment encapsulates the hope and nostalgia as players enjoy a game that finally meets their expectations, just as it prepares to go dark for good on May 30 at 9 am PT.
