Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 Reveals Ultron

Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 introduces Ultron and exciting new content. Here's a detailed preview of this upcoming playable character and what players can anticipate in the new season.

Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 Updates

The Rise of Ultron

NetEase Games has officially announced that Ultron will join Marvel Rivals as a new playable hero in the Season 2.5 update. According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) on May 23, the villainous AI becomes available after maintenance on May 30.

Details from the developers' Dev Vision Vol. 06 reveal Ultron as a Strategist class hero capable of providing sustained healing to teammates. His unique primary weapon and status as the only Strategist with flight capabilities enable new aerial team compositions. His basic attacks feature three low-damage bursts at nearly unlimited range, culminating in a high-damage final strike.

Ultron's healing functions by attaching a drone to allies, with secondary abilities that can provide overhealing to the main target and nearby teammates. His ultimate ability combines area-of-effect damage with healing for allies within the designated zone.

Season 2.5 also debuts two new character skins. Ultron's X-Tron cosmetic reflects his power increase after seizing control of Cerebro, while Groot receives the Norse mythology-inspired Yggroot skin. Both will be available post-maintenance, though their pricing and potential bundle inclusion remain undisclosed.

Season 2.5 Launching May 30

The Season 2.5 update for Marvel Rivals launches worldwide on May 30 following a scheduled 2-3 hour maintenance period. The update begins May 30 at 2 AM PDT / 9 AM UTC. Players can reference the timetable below for their regional launch times:

This update delivers extensive hero balance changes, including reduced health for Captain America, increased damage for Doctor Strange, extended range for Emma Frost, and many other adjustments. These modifications specifically address the current dive meta strategy, where aggressive heroes like Iron Fist and Psylocke rapidly eliminate key enemy backline targets.

Following the Hellfire Gala Krakoa map, Season 2.5 introduces the new Arrako battleground, once Krakoa's sister island. After Ultron's assault during the Hellfire Gala, he has fortified his position within Arrako's stronghold. Heroes must now rally alongside the living island Krakoa to liberate Arrako from his control.

Additionally, players can participate in a new Cerebro Database seasonal event to earn a free Hawkeye – Binary Arrow costume. Running from May 30 at 9:00 AM UTC through June 27, this event mirrors previous iterations where completing missions unlocks various rewards.

Team-Up Changes, New Experimental Mode & Additional Features

Season 2.5 introduces significant changes to Team-Up abilities, adding six new combinations while removing four others. New additions feature Rocket Network (Rocket Raccoon & Peni Parker), Stark Protocol (Iron Man & Ultron), and the fan-requested return of Jeff-Nado (Jeff & Storm).

Creative Director Guangguang notes that over 50% of Team-Up abilities have been altered since Season 0, with continued feedback from the community encouraged for future adjustments.

A new limited-time experimental mode called "Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol" launches June 6. Guangguang describes it as featuring six players who customize their hero lineups, craft unique builds, and enhance their heroes' traits before battling other players for victory.

Based on the provided description and video footage, this mode shares similarities with auto-chess style gameplay like Teamfight Tactics (League of Legends) or Hearthstone Battlegrounds, characterized by Guangguang as a "streamlined, strategic, numerical-based solo tactical play."

NetEase has also confirmed that starting with Season 3, Marvel Rivals will shift to a 2-month season structure instead of 3 months, as initially announced in Dev Vision Vol. 05 on April 4. This change also accelerates new hero releases to a monthly schedule rather than two per season.

With Ultron's arrival and numerous gameplay refinements, Marvel Rivals continues expanding its hero roster and improving combat balance. The introduction of innovative experimental modes demonstrates NetEase's commitment to broadening the game's appeal and player engagement.

Marvel Rivals is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more news and updates on Marvel Rivals, explore our latest articles below.