Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 unveils Ultron as a new playable hero alongside a host of thrilling updates. Dive in to discover what’s in store for this action-packed season.

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 Twitter (X) on May 23 that Ultron will be available starting May 30, post-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 ability to fly—making him the only Strategist with this capability—Ultron enables new aerial strategies. His basic attacks feature three low-damage bursts followed by a high-damage strike with near-infinite range.

Ultron’s healing mechanic involves attaching a drone to allies, with additional abilities that provide overhealing to the targeted hero and nearby teammates. His Ultimate ability damages enemies while healing allies within a designated area.

The update also brings Ultron’s X-Tron skin, inspired by his takeover of Cerebro for enhanced power, and Groot’s Norse mythology-themed Yggroot skin. Both skins will be available after the Season 2.5 maintenance. NetEase has not yet disclosed pricing or bundle details for these costumes.

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 update start time:

The update includes balance tweaks for several heroes, such as reduced health for Captain America, a slight damage boost for Doctor Strange, and an 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 targeting key enemies like Strategists and Duelists.

Following the Hellfire Gala Krakoa map, Season 2.5 introduces Arrako, the former sister-island of Krakoa. After Ultron’s assault during the Hellfire Gala, he retreats to his Arrako stronghold. Heroes will now unite with the living island Krakoa to liberate Arrako.

Additionally, the Cerebro Database II event runs from May 30 at 9:00 AM UTC to June 27, offering players the 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 introduces six new team-ups, removes four, and includes other tweaks. New additions feature 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, solo tactical mode where six players select hero lineups, craft unique builds, and enhance hero traits to compete for victory. This mode draws inspiration from auto-chess formats like Teamfight Tactics and Hearthstone Battlegrounds.

NetEase also confirmed that starting with Season 3, Marvel Rivals will shorten seasons 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 expand its roster with Ultron and refine 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 by checking out our article below!