Ultron and New Features Unveiled in Marvel Rivals Season 2.5

Dive into the thrilling world of Marvel Rivals as Season 2.5 introduces the formidable Ultron and a host of exciting new features. This update promises to elevate your gaming experience with a new hero, stunning skins, and strategic gameplay enhancements.

Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 Updates

The Rise of Ultron

Marvel Rivals is set to unveil Ultron as a new playable hero in its Season 2.5 update. NetEase Games announced on Twitter (X) on May 23 that Ultron will be available following the maintenance on May 30. As a Strategist, Ultron offers consistent healing to allies, making him a valuable asset on the battlefield. His unique primary weapon and ability to fly introduce new dynamics to aerial lineups. Ultron's basic attacks deliver three low-damage bursts, culminating in a powerful high-damage strike.

Ultron's healing mechanism involves attaching a drone to allies, which can also overheal the attached hero and nearby teammates. His Ultimate ability not only deals damage but also heals allies within the targeted area. Alongside Ultron, Season 2.5 will debut his X-Tron skin, inspired by his takeover of Cerebro, and Groot’s Norse Mythology-themed Yggroot skin. These skins will be available post-maintenance, though pricing and bundle details are yet to be revealed by NetEase.

Season 2.5 Coming on May 30

Mark your calendars for May 30, when Marvel Rivals will roll out Season 2.5 after a 2-3 hour maintenance starting at 2 AM PDT / 9 AM UTC. Check the timetable below to see when the update begins in your region:

The update includes significant balancing adjustments for various heroes. For instance, Captain America will have reduced health, while Doctor Strange will see a slight damage increase, and Emma Frost's range will be extended. These changes aim to counter the current "dive meta," where aggressive heroes like Iron Fist and Psylocke dominate by quickly closing gaps and targeting key enemy roles such as Strategists and Duelists.

Following the Hellfire Gala Krakoa map, Season 2.5 introduces Arrako, the sister-island to Krakoa, as a new battleground. After Ultron's attack on Hellfire Gala, he has retreated to his stronghold in Arrako, prompting the heroes to rally with Krakoa to reclaim it. Additionally, the Cerebro Database season event returns, offering players a chance to earn the free Hawkeye – Binary Arrow costume from May 30 to June 27. Participants can complete various missions to unlock different rewards.

Team-Up Adjustments, New Experimental Mode, and More!

Season 2.5 will enhance team dynamics with six new team-ups, including 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. Four team-ups will be removed, and other adjustments will be made. Creative Director Guangguang noted that over 50% of Team-Up abilities have been updated since Season 0, and he welcomes community feedback.

A new limited-time experimental mode, "Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol," will launch on June 6. In this mode, six players can select their hero lineups, customize unique builds, and enhance their heroes' traits before battling others for victory. Guangguang described it as a "streamlined, strategic, numerical-based solo tactical play," drawing comparisons to auto-chess game modes like Teamfight Tactics and Hearthstone Battlegrounds.

Looking ahead, NetEase plans to shorten the duration of seasons from three months to two starting with Season 3, as announced in their Dev. Vision Vol. 05 on April 4. This change will also see new hero releases monthly rather than the original two per season.

Marvel Rivals continues to grow its roster with Ultron and refine its gameplay with numerous balance adjustments. The addition of the new experimental mode aims to broaden the game's appeal. Marvel Rivals is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned to our articles for the latest updates on Marvel Rivals!