The Warner Bros. platform fighting game, MultiVersus, is set to shut down at the end of its fifth and final season in May. However, a recent update has dramatically altered the game's combat speed, sparking renewed interest and even a #SaveMultiVersus movement on social media. The community eagerly anticipated the launch of Season 5 on February 4 at 9 am PT, especially after developer Player First Games announced plans to end the project. The update introduced DC's Aquaman and Looney Toons' Lola Bunny as the last playable characters, but the real excitement came from the sweeping changes to the game's mechanics, resulting in a much faster-paced experience. These changes, long requested by the player base, have arrived just as the game is winding down.
The noticeable increase in combat speed was first highlighted in a Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video shared on X/Twitter. Players familiar with MultiVersus quickly recognized the difference, with characters now able to execute combos and move across the screen at an unprecedented pace. This shift addresses the criticisms of the game's floaty feel during the MultiVersus beta test in 2022 and surpasses the speed seen at the game's relaunch last May. According to the patch notes for Season 5, the acceleration stems from a reduction in hitpause for most attacks, allowing for quicker combo execution. Specific characters like Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, Bugs Bunny, and Black Adam have received tailored speed adjustments, while Garnet's ringout potential has been balanced to maintain fairness.
Season 5 has transformed MultiVersus into an almost entirely new game, offering more than just the addition of two new characters. Yet, this revitalization comes at a bittersweet time, as the game is scheduled to shut down completely on May 30. Warner Bros. Games will cease online play and remove the game from digital storefronts, leaving only offline modes available. The community's reaction has been a mix of shock and powerlessness, with many feeling that the game has finally reached its potential just as it's about to end. Social media and forums are buzzing with discussions and memes, as players celebrate the game's improvements while mourning its impending demise.
Fans have taken to social platforms to express their feelings, with X user @PJiggles_ calling MultiVersus "the most interesting bad game in existence" due to its rollercoaster journey from beta to relaunch and now to its final season. Professional player Jason Zimmerman (Mew2King) questioned the timing of the speed increase, lamenting that such changes could have saved the game had they been implemented earlier. On Reddit, users like Desperate_Method4032 praised the Season 5 update for addressing their concerns, enhancing the game's polish with improved shield animations and overall feel. Despite the shutdown announcement, this user expressed hope that Warner Bros. might reconsider, citing the game's newfound potential.
As the shutdown date approaches, Player First Games and Warner Bros. remain firm on their decision. Game director Tony Huynh shared final thoughts on X, addressing player questions, while Warner Bros. disabled real-money transactions on January 31, making the Season 5 premium battle pass free for all as a parting gift. The fighting game community is left to enjoy the game's final moments, sharing memes and celebrating a game that finally met their expectations, even if it's too late to change its fate.
