MultiVersus is set to shut down at the end of Season 5 in May, but a recent update has transformed its gameplay, making it more enjoyable for fans than ever before. This update, which introduced sweeping changes to combat speed, has even sparked a #SaveMultiVersus trend across social media platforms. The community eagerly anticipated the launch of the fifth and final season on February 4 at 9am PT, following the developer Player First Games' announcement last week about the game's closure. The update not only brought in new characters like DC's Aquaman and Looney Toons' Lola Bunny but also significantly altered the game's movement dynamics, fulfilling long-standing player requests for faster-paced action.
The noticeable increase in combat speed was first highlighted in a Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video shared on X/Twitter by Player First. This update marks a significant departure from the criticized "floaty" gameplay during the MultiVersus beta test in 2022, and it surpasses the speed experienced at the game's relaunch in May of the previous year. According to the Season 5 update patch notes, the enhanced combat speed results from a reduction in hitpause across most attacks, enabling quicker combos for all characters. Specific adjustments have also been made to characters like Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, Bugs Bunny, and Black Adam, allowing them to fast fall during certain aerial attacks, while Garnet's ringout potential has been balanced between ground and air.
The Season 5 update has revitalized MultiVersus, offering a nearly unrecognizable experience from its one-year-old iteration. However, this rejuvenation comes just as the game is set to end, with its servers shutting down on May 30. Warner Bros. Games plans to remove MultiVersus from digital storefronts and disable online play, leaving only offline modes available. This development has left fans both astonished and disheartened, as they witness the game transform into their ideal version right before its closure.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with users like @PJiggles_ describing MultiVersus as "the most interesting bad game in existence" due to its tumultuous journey from beta to relaunch and now to its final update. Professional player Jason Zimmerman (Mew2King) questioned the timing of the speed increase, suggesting it could have been a game-changer if implemented earlier. A Reddit user lamented the potential MultiVersus had if the relaunch had started with these improvements, drawing comparisons to successful games like Apex Legends that thrived due to strong fundamentals from the outset.
Despite the positive changes, the community remains hopeful yet realistic about the game's future. Desperate_Method4032 on Reddit praised the Season 5 update for addressing all their concerns, from improved shield animations to overall polish, yet acknowledged the slim chances of a reversal in Warner Bros.' decision to shut down the game. As real-money transactions were disabled on January 31 and the Season 5 premium battle pass was made free, players are making the most of their final moments with MultiVersus.
As MultiVersus approaches its end date at 9 am PT on May 30, the community is coping with humor and nostalgia, sharing memes and celebrating the game's final moments. While Warner Bros. and Player First Games remain firm on their decision, the fighting game community is left to cherish a game that finally met their expectations, albeit too late.
