Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 unveils Ultron as a new playable hero alongside a host of fresh updates. Discover what’s in store for players in this thrilling season update.

Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 Highlights

Ultron Takes Center Stage

The Season 2.5 update for Marvel Rivals introduces Ultron as a new playable hero. NetEase Games shared via X on May 23 that Ultron will be available starting May 30, following the season’s maintenance.

According to Marvel Rivals’ Dev Vision Vol. 06, Ultron is a Strategist who delivers consistent healing to teammates. Equipped with a unique primary weapon and the only Strategist with flight capabilities, he enables dynamic aerial strategies. His basic attacks feature three low-damage bursts followed by a high-damage strike, with near-infinite range.

Ultron’s healing ability involves attaching a drone to allies, while his other skills provide overhealing to the attached hero and nearby teammates. His Ultimate ability damages enemies and heals allies within a targeted area.

The update also brings Ultron’s X-Tron skin, inspired by his takeover of Cerebro for enhanced power, and Groot’s Norse mythology-inspired Yggroot skin. Both will be available post-maintenance, though NetEase has not yet disclosed pricing or bundle details.

Season 2.5 Launches May 30

Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 kicks off on May 30 after a 2-3 hour maintenance window starting at 2 AM PDT / 9 AM UTC. Check the timetable below for your region’s start time:

The update includes balance tweaks for several heroes, such as reduced health for Captain America, a damage boost for Doctor Strange, and extended range for Emma Frost. These changes aim to counter the current “dive meta,” where aggressive heroes like Iron Fist and Psylocke dominate by swiftly closing gaps to eliminate key targets like Strategists and Duelists.

Following the Hellfire Gala Krakoa map, Season 2.5 introduces Arrako, a new map and former sister-island of Krakoa. After Ultron’s assault in Hellfire Gala, he retreats to his Arrako stronghold, prompting heroes to team up with Krakoa to liberate it.

Additionally, the Cerebro Database II event, running from May 30 at 9:00 AM UTC to June 27, offers players a chance to earn the free Hawkeye – Binary Arrow costume by completing various missions for rewards.

New Team-Ups, Experimental Mode, and More

Season 2.5 adds six new team-ups, removes four, and adjusts others. New team-ups include Rocket Network (Rocket Raccoon and Peni Parker), Stark Protocol (Iron Man and Ultron), and the fan-favorite Jeff-Nado (Jeff and Storm), making a comeback.

Creative Director Guangguang noted that over 50% of Team-Up abilities have been revamped since Season 0 and encouraged community feedback for further improvements.

A new limited-time experimental mode, “Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol,” launches on June 6. Guangguang described it as a strategic, numerical-based solo tactical mode where six players select hero lineups, craft unique builds, and enhance hero traits to compete for victory, akin to auto-chess modes like Teamfight Tactics or Hearthstone Battlegrounds.

NetEase also confirmed that, starting with Season 3, seasons will shorten from three months to two, with new heroes released monthly instead of two per season, as announced in Dev Vision Vol. 05 on April 4.

Marvel Rivals continues to grow its roster with Ultron and refines gameplay through extensive balance updates. The addition of a new experimental mode aims to broaden the game’s appeal.

Marvel Rivals is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest Marvel Rivals news in our article below!