MultiVersus Revamps Gameplay in Latest Update Amid #SaveMultiVersus Trend

MultiVersus' impending shutdown in May, following the conclusion of Season 5, hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of its player base. A recent update dramatically increased combat speed, a long-requested change that has revitalized gameplay and sparked a fervent "#SaveMultiVersus" social media campaign.

The game's fifth and final season launched on February 4th, introducing Aquaman and Lola Bunny as the last playable characters, as previously announced by developer Player First Games. However, the update's significant gameplay overhaul, focusing on significantly faster combat, has completely shifted player sentiment. This fundamental adjustment, a long-standing community plea, has arrived just as the game is nearing its end.

A Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video showcased the enhanced speed. Characters now execute combos and traverse the screen with unprecedented fluidity, a stark contrast to the previously criticized "floaty" gameplay of the 2022 beta and even the 2024 relaunch. Patch notes attribute the speed increase to a reduction in hit pause across most attacks. Several characters, including Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, and Bugs Bunny, received additional speed buffs. Garnet's ringout capabilities have been adjusted for balance.

This Season 5 update transforms MultiVersus into a vastly different game, offering players far more than just two new characters. The irony is palpable: Player First Games has finally achieved a polished and enjoyable gameplay experience just as the game is slated for closure on May 30th. The shutdown will end seasonal content and remove the game from digital storefronts, leaving only offline modes accessible.

The community's reaction is a mixture of shock, disappointment, and celebration. One X user aptly described MultiVersus as "the most interesting bad game in existence," highlighting its tumultuous journey. Professional Smash player Mew2King questioned the timing of the speed increase. Reddit users expressed similar sentiments, lamenting the potential for a truly successful game, now lost due to poor initial execution and monetization strategies. Many cited the update as resolving long-standing issues, praising the improved polish and visual enhancements. Despite the impending shutdown, hope remains that Warner Bros. might reconsider.

Despite player pleas and the overwhelmingly positive response to the gameplay improvements, Player First Games and Warner Bros. remain committed to the shutdown. Real-money transactions were disabled on January 31st, but the Season 5 premium battle pass has been made free. MultiVersus will officially end service at 9 am PT on May 30th. While the community mourns the loss, they simultaneously celebrate the game finally reaching its full potential, a bittersweet ending marked by memes and shared disappointment.