MultiVersus' upcoming shutdown in May, following the conclusion of Season 5, hasn't dampened player enthusiasm. A recent update dramatically increased combat speed, a change long-requested by the community, leading to a surge in gameplay enjoyment and the #SaveMultiVersus social media movement.

The game's fifth and final season, launched February 4th, introduced Aquaman and Lola Bunny as the last playable characters. However, the significant gameplay overhaul overshadowed the somber occasion. The faster pace, a fundamental shift from the previously criticized "floaty" gameplay of the 2022 beta and the 2024 relaunch, has been widely praised.

A Season 5 Combat Changes Preview video highlighted the speed increase, attributed in the patch notes to a reduction in hitpause across most attacks. Numerous characters, including Morty, LeBron, Iron Giant, and Bugs Bunny, received further speed adjustments, particularly with fast fall capabilities on certain aerial attacks. Character balance adjustments were also implemented, such as Garnet's altered ringout potential.

This revitalized gameplay has players celebrating a game finally fulfilling its potential, even as its closure looms. The irony isn't lost on the community, with comments describing MultiVersus as "the most interesting bad game in existence," highlighting its tumultuous journey. Professional players like Mew2King have questioned the timing of the speed increase.

Despite the positive reception, Warner Bros. remains committed to the May 30th shutdown, disabling real-money transactions on January 31st and offering the Season 5 premium battle pass for free. While some harbor hope for a reversal, the game director's closing remarks and the removal of online play suggest otherwise.

The community's response is a mix of mourning and celebration, with memes reflecting the bittersweet situation of a game reaching its peak just before its demise. The finality of the situation is undeniable, but the improved gameplay has provided a final, unexpected flourish to MultiVersus' legacy.

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