Get ready for an exciting update in Marvel Rivals as Season 2.5 introduces the formidable Ultron and a host of new features. Dive into the details to discover what's in store for fans with the new playable hero and other exciting updates.
Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 Updates
The Rise of Ultron
Marvel Rivals is set to unveil Ultron as a new playable hero in the upcoming Season 2.5 update. Announced via a Twitter (X) post on May 23 by NetEase Games, Ultron will be available to players starting May 30, post-maintenance.
According to the Dev Vision Vol. 06, Ultron is classified as a Strategist, capable of providing consistent healing to his allies. His unique primary weapon and ability to fly set him apart as the only Strategist with such versatility, opening up new strategies for aerial lineups. His basic attacks offer three low-damage bursts followed by a high-damage attack with near-infinite range.
Ultron's healing is facilitated by attaching a drone to allies, which can also overheal the attached hero and nearby allies. His Ultimate ability not only deals damage but also heals allies within the targeted area.
The update will also introduce Ultron’s X-Tron skin, inspired by his takeover of Cerebro, and Groot’s Norse Mythology-themed Yggroot skin. These skins will be available after the Season 2.5 maintenance update, though pricing and bundling details are yet to be announced.
Season 2.5 Coming on May 30
Marvel Rivals will launch Season 2.5 on May 30, following a maintenance update lasting approximately 2-3 hours, starting at 2 AM PDT / 9 AM UTC. Check the timetable below for your local update time:
This update includes balance adjustments for various heroes, such as reduced health for Captain America, a slight damage boost for Doctor Strange, and an increased range for Emma Frost. These changes aim to address the prevalent "dive meta," where players leverage aggressive heroes like Iron Fist and Psylocke to swiftly take down key targets.
Following the Hellfire Gala Krakoa map, Season 2.5 introduces the new Arrako map, the sister-island of Krakoa. After Ultron's attack on Hellfire Gala, he retreats to his stronghold in Arrako, prompting the heroes to ally with the living island Krakoa to save it.
Additionally, the Cerebro Database season event returns, allowing players to earn the free Hawkeye – Binary Arrow costume from May 30 at 9:00 AM UTC to June 27. Participants will complete various missions to unlock different rewards.
Team-Up Adjustments, New Experimental Mode, and More!
Season 2.5 will introduce six new team-ups, remove four, and make other adjustments. New team-ups include Rocket Network by Rocket Raccoon and Peni Parker, Stark Protocol by Iron Man and Ultron, and the fan-favorite Jeff-Nado by Jeff and Storm. Creative Director Guangguang notes that over 50% of Team-Up abilities have changed since Season 0, and he encourages community feedback.
A new limited-time experimental mode, "Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol," will launch on June 6. In this mode, six players can customize their hero lineups, craft unique builds, and enhance their heroes' traits before engaging in battle. This mode mirrors auto-chess game styles like Teamfight Tactics from League of Legends and Hearthstone Battlegrounds, offering a "streamlined, strategic, numerical-based solo tactical play."
NetEase also announced that starting from Season 3, the duration of seasons will be shortened from three months to two, with new hero releases occurring monthly instead of the previous two per season, as outlined in Dev. Vision Vol. 05 on April 4.
Marvel Rivals continues to expand its roster and refine gameplay with Ultron's addition and various balance adjustments. The new experimental mode aims to enhance player engagement and strategic depth.
Marvel Rivals is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news by checking out our article below!
