The MultiVersus community is experiencing a bittersweet moment as the game, set to shut down at the end of Season 5 in May, has just received a major update that significantly enhances its gameplay. The sweeping changes to combat speed, introduced in the latest update, have revitalized the game, making it more enjoyable than ever before. This unexpected improvement has sparked a #SaveMultiVersus trend across social media, as fans rally to keep the Warner Bros. platform fighting game alive.
The fifth and final season of MultiVersus kicked off on February 4 at 9am PT, following the developer Player First Games' announcement last week of plans to close the project. The update not only introduces DC’s Aquaman and Looney Toons’ Lola Bunny as the last playable characters but also implements extensive movement changes that result in a much faster-paced experience. These changes, long requested by the community, have transformed the game just as it approaches its end.
The noticeable increase in combat speed was first highlighted in a Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video shared by Player First on X/Twitter. The game, which has been free-to-play since its launch, now features characters chaining combos and moving across the screen at an unprecedented pace. This shift addresses the criticism of the game's floaty feel during the MultiVersus beta test in 2022 and even surpasses the speed seen when it relaunched 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 in the game." This change allows for quicker combo strings, with specific adjustments made to certain characters' speeds. Notable mentions include Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, Bugs Bunny, and Black Adam, who can now fast fall during certain aerial attacks, making them feel exceptionally quick. Garnet's ringout potential has also been balanced, with stronger ground-based and weaker aerial ringout potential.
The improvements in Season 5 have turned MultiVersus into an almost entirely different game, much to the delight of its players. However, the joy is overshadowed by the impending shutdown on May 30, which will end seasonal content updates and remove the game from digital storefronts, leaving only offline modes available.
Fans are left feeling both shocked and powerless as MultiVersus finally becomes the game they've always wanted, just as it's about to close. Social media users like @PJiggles_ have described it as "the most interesting bad game in existence," reflecting on its journey from beta to relaunch and now to its sudden improvement. Professional player Jason Zimmerman (Mew2King) questioned the timing of the movement speed increase, lamenting that such changes could have made a significant difference if implemented earlier.
On Reddit, users like Desperate_Method4032 have praised the Season 5 update for addressing all their previous issues with the game, including improved shield animations that enhance the overall polish. Despite the confirmed shutdown, the potential shown in the update has led some to hope for a reversal of Warner Bros.' decision.
Unfortunately, Player First and Warner Bros. remain committed to their shutdown plan. Game director Tony Huynh shared closing thoughts on X, addressing long-unanswered player concerns, while Warner Bros. disabled real-money transactions as of January 31. The Season 5 premium battle pass has been made free for all players as a final gesture.
As MultiVersus prepares to go offline permanently at 9 am PT on May 30, the community is finding solace in creating and sharing memes, celebrating the game's final moments of glory. The fighting game community is left to cherish a game that finally met their expectations, just before its end.
