MultiVersus's 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 February 4th, introduced Aquaman and Lola Bunny as the last playable characters. However, the update's significant gameplay overhaul, focusing on faster-paced combat, has overshadowed the game's impending closure. This fundamental shift, a response to years of player feedback, has transformed the game's feel, moving away from the sluggishness criticized during the 2022 beta and even the relaunch in May 2024.
A Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video highlighted the speed increase, attributed to reduced hit pause across most attacks. Numerous characters, including Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, and Bugs Bunny, now boast significantly faster movement due to adjustments allowing faster falls during aerial attacks. Character balance tweaks, such as Garnet's altered ringout potential, further enhance the improved gameplay.
This radical transformation has breathed new life into MultiVersus, offering players far more than just two new characters. The irony, however, is that this improved experience coincides with the game's scheduled shutdown on May 30th. This will end seasonal content and remove the game from digital storefronts, leaving only offline modes.
The community's reaction is a mix of shock, disappointment, and celebration. Players express frustration that the game finally reached its potential just as it's being discontinued. One Reddit user aptly described it as "the most interesting bad game in existence," highlighting its troubled launch, relaunch, and the late-stage gameplay improvements.
The speed increase, implemented so close to the shutdown, has led to questions about the game's development timeline. Professional Smash player Mew2King questioned why these changes weren't made sooner. Another Reddit user compared the situation to Apex Legends, suggesting that a strong initial foundation, even with flawed monetization, can lead to longevity – something MultiVersus lacked.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive response to the Season 5 update, which addressed many long-standing issues, Player First and Warner Bros. remain committed to the shutdown. Real-money transactions have been disabled, and the premium battle pass is now free. MultiVersus director Tony Huynh shared closing thoughts, addressing player concerns.
The game's final sunset is scheduled for May 30th at 9 am PT. While the community mourns the loss, the improved gameplay has fostered a wave of memes and bittersweet celebrations, highlighting the game's ultimate, albeit short-lived, triumph.
