Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 introduces Ultron as a new playable hero alongside fresh game features. Continue reading for details on the upcoming character and what Season 2.5 has in store.
What's New in Marvel Rivals Season 2.5
The Arrival of Ultron
The Season 2.5 update for Marvel Rivals welcomes Ultron as a new playable Strategist. NetEase Games confirmed via Twitter (X) on May 23rd that Ultron will join the roster on May 30th following scheduled maintenance.
According to Marvel Rivals' Dev Vision Vol. 06, Ultron is a Strategist designed for sustained ally healing. His unique primary weapon and exclusive flight capability among Strategists create new opportunities for aerial team compositions. His basic attacks feature three low-damage bursts with near-unlimited range, culminating in a high-damage strike.
His healing is delivered through drones attached to allies, with additional skills providing overhealing to the attached hero and nearby teammates. His Ultimate ability simultaneously damages enemies and heals allies within a targeted area.
This update also launches Ultron’s X-Tron skin, inspired by his Cerebro takeover, and Groot's Norse Mythology-themed Yggroot skin. Both cosmetics will be available after the Season 2.5 maintenance. Pricing and potential bundle details have not been announced at this time.
Season 2.5 Launching May 30th
Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 goes live on May 30th after a maintenance period expected to last 2-3 hours. The update begins on May 30th at 2 AM PDT / 9 AM UTC. Refer to the timetable below for your local start time:
The update includes numerous hero balance adjustments, such as reduced health for Captain America, a slight damage increase for Doctor Strange, extended range for Emma Frost, and more. These changes aim to address the prevalent "dive meta," where aggressive heroes like Iron Fist and Psylocke rapidly engage and eliminate key enemy supports and duelists.
Following the Hellfire Gala Krakoa map, Season 2.5 introduces the new Arrako map, once the sister-island to Krakoa. After Ultron's assault during the Hellfire Gala, he fortified himself within Arrako. Heroes must now unite with the living island Krakoa to liberate Arrako.
Additionally, a new Cerebro Database seasonal event offers the free Hawkeye – Binary Arrow costume. Running from May 30th, 9:00 AM UTC, to June 27th, Cerebro Database II challenges players to complete various missions for rewards, similar to previous events.
Team-Up Updates, New Experimental Mode, and More
Season 2.5 adds 6 new Team-Up abilities, removes 4, and implements other tweaks. New additions include Rocket Network (Rocket Raccoon & Peni Parker), Stark Protocol (Iron Man & Ultron), and the fan-requested return of Jeff-Nado (Jeff & Storm).
Creative Director Guangguang noted that over 50% of Team-Up abilities have been altered since Season 0 and encouraged continued community feedback.
A new limited-time experimental mode, "Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol," launches on June 6th. Guangguang describes it as a mode where "six players draft their own hero lineups, craft unique builds, and enhance hero traits before battling others for victory."
Based on previews, this mode shares strategic, numerical-based solo tactical elements with auto-chess formats like Teamfight Tactics or Hearthstone Battlegrounds, offering a streamlined strategic experience.
Furthermore, NetEase reaffirmed that starting with Season 3, Marvel Rivals seasons will shorten from 3 months to 2, as initially announced in Dev Vision Vol. 05 on April 4th. This change also shifts new hero releases to a monthly schedule instead of two per season.
Marvel Rivals continues to grow its roster with Ultron and refine gameplay through extensive balance changes. The new experimental mode represents NetEase's effort to broaden the game's appeal.
Marvel Rivals is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the latest news and updates, explore our related article below.
