MultiVersus Fans Applaud Season 5 Updates Before Shutdown, #SaveMultiVersus Trends

The Warner Bros. platform fighting game, MultiVersus, is set to shut down at the end of Season 5 in May, but a recent update has dramatically transformed its gameplay, making it more engaging than ever. The launch of Season 5 on February 4 at 9 am PT brought not just the final characters, DC's Aquaman and Looney Tunes' Lola Bunny, but also a significant overhaul in combat speed. This change, which fans have been advocating for years, has revitalized the game, leading to a surge in player engagement and sparking the #SaveMultiVersus movement across social media platforms.

The excitement began when Player First Games released a Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video on X/Twitter, showcasing the increased speed of combat. This update marks a departure from the criticized "floaty" gameplay experienced during the MultiVersus beta test in 2022 and even surpasses the pace set at its relaunch last May. According to the Season 5 update patch notes, the enhanced combat speed results from a reduction in hitpause across most attacks, enabling players to execute combos more fluidly. Specific characters like Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, Bugs Bunny, Black Adam, and others now feel quicker, with adjustments allowing for fast falls during certain aerial attacks. Garnet, on the other hand, has seen changes to balance her ringout potential on the ground and in the air.

The Season 5 update has transformed MultiVersus into an almost entirely new game, with players enjoying far more than just the new characters. However, this resurgence comes at a bittersweet time as the game is scheduled to shut down completely on May 30. Warner Bros. Games plans to remove MultiVersus from digital storefronts and disable online play, leaving only offline modes available. This has left fans feeling both amazed at the game's potential and frustrated by its impending closure.

Social media and gaming forums are abuzz with reactions. X user @PJiggles_ described MultiVersus as "the most interesting bad game in existence," highlighting its tumultuous journey from beta to relaunch and now to its final season. Professional Super Smash Bros. player Jason Zimmerman (Mew2King) questioned the timing of the movement speed increase, suggesting it could have been a game-changer if implemented earlier. On Reddit, users like Desperate_Method4032 expressed that the Season 5 update addressed all their previous concerns, improving the game's feel and polish. Despite the confirmed shutdown, there's a glimmer of hope among some fans that Warner Bros. might reconsider, given the game's newfound potential.

In response to the shutdown announcement, Player First Games and Warner Bros. have taken steps to wind down operations. Real-money transactions were disabled on January 31, and the Season 5 premium battle pass was made free for all players. Game director Tony Huynh shared closing thoughts on X, addressing long-standing player questions and concerns. As MultiVersus approaches its final days, the community is coming together, not only to mourn its loss but also to celebrate the improvements and share memes, finding some joy in the game's final moments.

MultiVersus will cease operations permanently at 9 am PT on May 30. While the end is near, players are making the most of the time left, relishing the game that finally met their expectations just before its conclusion.