Dive into the thrilling world of Marvel Rivals as Season 2.5 introduces Ultron and a host of exciting new features. Read on to discover what awaits fans with the arrival of this new playable hero and the latest updates.
Get ready to command the formidable Ultron in Marvel Rivals' Season 2.5 update, set to launch on May 30 following the scheduled maintenance. Announced via a Twitter (X) post by NetEase Games on May 23, Ultron steps into the arena as a Strategist who not only heals his allies consistently but also brings unique aerial dynamics to the game.
Ultron's primary weapon and ability to fly set him apart, enabling new strategies with aerial lineups. His basic attacks deliver three low-damage bursts before culminating in a high-damage strike, thanks to his near-infinite range. Healing is facilitated through drones that attach to allies, offering not just regular healing but also the potential to overheal nearby heroes. His Ultimate ability is a dual-force, dealing damage while simultaneously healing allies within the targeted area.
Season 2.5 will also unveil Ultron's X-Tron skin, inspired by his takeover of Cerebro and subsequent power boost, along with Groot's Norse Mythology-themed Yggroot skin. These skins will be accessible post-maintenance, though details on pricing and potential bundles are yet to be disclosed by NetEase.
Mark your calendars for May 30, when Marvel Rivals kicks off Season 2.5 after a 2-3 hour maintenance period starting at 2 AM PDT / 9 AM UTC. Below is a handy timetable to help you track the update's start time in your region:
This update includes significant balance adjustments to various heroes, such as reduced health for Captain America, a slight damage boost for Doctor Strange, and increased range for Emma Frost. These changes aim to counter the prevalent "dive meta," where aggressive heroes like Iron Fist and Psylocke dominate by swiftly closing in on and eliminating key targets.
Following the Hellfire Gala Krakoa map, Season 2.5 introduces the Arrako map, the sister-island of Krakoa. After Ultron's attack at the Hellfire Gala, he has retreated to his stronghold in Arrako. Players will now rally with Krakoa to liberate Arrako from Ultron's grasp.
Starting May 30 and running until June 27, the Cerebro Database season event will return, offering players the chance to earn the free Hawkeye – Binary Arrow costume by completing various missions.
Season 2.5 brings exciting changes to team-ups, introducing six new combinations, retiring four, and making other tweaks. 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 highlighted that over 50% of Team-Up abilities have been revamped since Season 0, and he's eager for community feedback.
A new experimental mode, "Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol," launches on June 6, allowing six players to select their heroes, craft unique builds, and enhance traits in battles against other players. Described by Guangguang as a "streamlined, strategic, numerical-based solo tactical play," this mode echoes auto-chess games like Teamfight Tactics and Hearthstone Battlegrounds.
NetEase also announced that starting with Season 3, the season duration will be reduced from three to two months, with new heroes being released monthly instead of the previous two per season, as shared during their Dev. Vision Vol. 05 on April 4.
With Ultron's addition and a series of balance adjustments, Marvel Rivals continues to evolve. The new experimental mode promises to expand the game's appeal even further.
Marvel Rivals is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our latest article below!