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, 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 sweeping changes to combat speed, fulfilling a long-standing request from players and resulting in a much more dynamic and fast-paced experience.

The noticeable increase in combat speed was first highlighted in a Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video shared on X/Twitter. This update marks a significant departure from the criticized "floaty" gameplay experienced during the MultiVersus beta test in 2022 and even surpasses the speed seen at the game's relaunch in May of the previous year. According to the patch notes for Season 5, the enhanced speed is due to a reduction in hitpause across most attacks, allowing for quicker combo execution. Specific characters like Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, Bugs Bunny, Black Adam, and others have received additional speed adjustments, enhancing their fast fall capabilities during certain aerial attacks. Garnet's adjustments balance her ringout potential, making her more formidable on the ground but less so in the air.

Despite the positive reception to these changes, the reality remains that MultiVersus will cease operations on May 30. This closure will end seasonal content updates and remove the game from digital storefronts, with Warner Bros. Games discontinuing online play and leaving only offline modes available. The timing of these improvements has left fans feeling both elated and devastated, as the game finally achieves the quality they desired just as it approaches its end.

Social media and forums are buzzing with reactions. X user @PJiggles_ described MultiVersus as "the most interesting bad game in existence," reflecting on its journey from beta to relaunch and now to its final update. Professional player Jason Zimmerman (Mew2King) questioned the timing of the speed increase, suggesting it could have been a game-changer if implemented earlier. A Reddit user lamented that if the relaunch had started with these improvements, MultiVersus could have had a different fate, drawing comparisons to the successful launch of Apex Legends.

The sentiment among players is a mix of mourning and celebration. Reddit user Desperate_Method4032 praised the Season 5 update for addressing all their concerns, from improved shield animations to overall polish. Despite the impending shutdown, they expressed hope that Warner Bros. might reconsider, citing the game's newfound potential and their love for its characters.

However, there are no indications that Player First Games or Warner Bros. will reverse their decision. Game director Tony Huynh shared final thoughts on X, addressing player concerns, while Warner Bros. disabled real-money transactions on January 31, making the Season 5 premium battle pass free for all players as a parting gift.

As MultiVersus prepares to go offline permanently at 9 am PT on May 30, the community is finding solace in creating and sharing memes, celebrating the game's final moments. The bittersweet situation encapsulates the fighting game community's experience with MultiVersus—a game that finally met expectations just before its end.