The Warner Bros. platform fighting game, MultiVersus, is set to shut down at the end of Season 5 in May, yet a recent update has transformed its gameplay, sparking a #SaveMultiVersus movement on social media. The community eagerly embraced the fifth and final season, which launched on February 4 at 9am PT. Developer Player First Games had previously announced the game's closure, promising the addition of DC's Aquaman and Looney Toons' Lola Bunny as the last playable characters. However, the update brought more than just new characters; it introduced significant changes to combat speed, fulfilling long-standing player requests for a faster-paced experience. This shift marks a departure from the criticized "floaty" gameplay of the MultiVersus beta test in 2022 and even surpasses the speed seen at its relaunch in May of the previous year.
The Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video on X/Twitter highlighted the increased combat speed, achieved by reducing hitpause "across most attacks in the game." This adjustment allows for quicker combo execution, with specific characters like Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, Bugs Bunny, Black Adam, and others receiving additional speed enhancements. Garnet's adjustments balance her impact by strengthening her ground ringout potential while weakening it in the air. The patch notes for Season 5 detail these changes, showcasing a game that feels almost entirely new.
Despite the excitement, the reality remains that MultiVersus will cease operations on May 30, ending seasonal content and removing the game from digital storefronts. Warner Bros. Games will disable online play, leaving only offline modes available. This bittersweet situation has left fans feeling both shocked and powerless, as the game finally reaches the quality they desired just as it approaches its end. Social media and forums are filled with reactions, with users like @PJiggles_ describing MultiVersus as "the most interesting bad game in existence" due to its tumultuous journey. Professional player Jason Zimmerman (Mew2King) questioned the timing of the speed increase, while a Reddit user lamented that such changes could have made the game a lasting success if implemented at the relaunch.
The community's response has been a mix of mourning and celebration, with players like Desperate_Method4032 praising the Season 5 update for addressing all their concerns and enhancing the game's polish. Despite the impending shutdown, there's a glimmer of hope among fans that Warner Bros. might reconsider, given the game's newfound potential. However, Player First and Warner Bros. remain firm on their decision, with game director Tony Huynh sharing final thoughts and addressing player concerns. Real-money transactions were disabled on January 31, and the Season 5 premium battle pass was made free as a parting gift.
As MultiVersus prepares to go offline permanently at 9 am PT on May 30, the community continues to engage with the game, creating and sharing memes to cope with the bittersweet farewell. The fighting game community finds solace in the fact that MultiVersus finally met their expectations, even if only for a short time before its end.
