Marvel Rivals Unveils Ultron in Season 2.5 Update

Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 arrives, bringing Ultron and a host of new features. Discover everything about the latest playable hero and what's new in the season update.

What’s New in Marvel Rivals Season 2.5

Ultron Joins the Battle

Marvel Rivals' Season 2.5 update introduces Ultron as a new playable hero. NetEase Games announced via Twitter (X) on May 23 that Ultron will be available starting May 30, following the scheduled maintenance.

According to Marvel Rivals’ Dev Vision Vol. 06, Ultron is a Strategist who offers consistent healing to teammates. He wields a unique primary weapon and is the only Strategist capable of flight, enabling new aerial team compositions. His basic attacks deliver three low-damage bursts with nearly unlimited range, finishing with a high-damage strike.

Ultron deploys a drone to heal allies, while his other abilities can provide overhealing to the attached hero and nearby teammates. His Ultimate ability damages enemies while healing allies within its area of effect.

Season 2.5 also introduces two new skins: Ultron’s X-Tron costume, inspired by his takeover of Cerebro, and Groot’s Norse Mythology-themed Yggroot skin. Both will be available after maintenance. Pricing and bundle details have not yet been announced.

Season 2.5 Arrives May 30

Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 launches on May 30 after a maintenance period expected to last 2–3 hours. The update begins at 2 AM PDT / 9 AM UTC. Check the schedule below for your local time:

The update also introduces balance changes for several heroes. Captain America’s health is reduced, Doctor Strange’s damage is slightly increased, and Emma Frost’s range is extended, among other adjustments. These changes aim to address the current "dive meta," where aggressive heroes like Iron Fist and Psylocke quickly target key opponents such as Strategists and Duelists.

Following the Hellfire Gala Krakoa map, Season 2.5 adds Arrako, formerly Krakoa’s sister-island. After Ultron’s attack during the Hellfire Gala, he retreated to his stronghold on Arrako. Heroes must now join forces with the living island Krakoa to liberate Arrako.

A new Cerebro Database event also begins on May 30, running until June 27. Players can complete missions to earn the free Hawkeye – Binary Arrow costume, similar to previous seasons.

New Team-Ups, Experimental Mode, and More

Season 2.5 introduces six new Team-Up abilities, removes four, and adjusts others. New additions include Rocket Network (Rocket Raccoon and Peni Parker), Stark Protocol (Iron Man and Ultron), and the returning fan favorite, Jeff-Nado (Jeff and Storm).

Creative Director Guangguang noted that over 50% of Team-Up abilities have changed since Season 0 and encouraged player feedback.

A limited-time experimental mode, "Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol," launches on June 6. Guangguang described it as a mode where "six players craft their own hero lineups, customize builds, and enhance hero traits before battling others for victory."

The mode draws inspiration from auto-chess games like Teamfight Tactics and Hearthstone Battlegrounds, offering streamlined, strategic solo tactical gameplay.

NetEase also confirmed that starting with Season 3, seasons will shorten from three months to two, as previously announced in Dev Vision Vol. 05. This change will bring new hero releases monthly instead of two per season.

With Ultron's arrival and numerous balance updates, Marvel Rivals continues to grow. The new experimental mode aims to attract more players with fresh gameplay experiences.

Marvel Rivals is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Keep up with the latest updates by checking out our articles below!