Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 Brings Major Buffs, Nerfs, Ultron & New Game Mode

The next big seasonal update for Marvel Rivals is just around the corner — and it’s bringing sweeping balance changes, a brand-new map, and the arrival of Ultron to the roster. Set to drop on May 30, Season 2.5 might be the most impactful update yet for the free-to-play shooter from NetEase.

🔧 Balance Changes: Buffs & Nerfs

As revealed in NetEase’s latest developer video posted on May 22, Season 2.5 will shake up the current meta with a series of nerfs, buffs, and team-up overhauls:

🚨 Nerfs

• Captain America and Groot: Reduced survivability.
• Emma Frost: “Diamond Form” toned down.
• Fantastic Four & Namor: Team-up abilities weakened.
• Human Torch, Iron Fist, and Psylocke: Base kits adjusted for balance.

💥 Buffs

• Punisher, Squirrel Girl, Storm: “Modest” buffs (finally, Punisher’s rifle might feel lethal).
• Doctor Strange and Magneto: Also receive moderate upgrades to improve viability.

🔗 Team-Up Changes: Retired & New Combos

NetEase is retiring several popular team-ups in Season 2.5, including:

• Iron Man & Hulk (Gamma Team-Up)
• Luna Snow & Jeff
• Hawkeye & Black Widow
• Punisher & Rocket
• Venom & Peni

Replacing them are fresh pairings like:

• Iron Man & Ultron
• Black Widow & Punisher
• Luna Snow & Hawkeye
• Storm & Jeff – Their combo creates sharknados. Yes, really.

🗺️ New Map + Ultron Joins the Fight

Season 2.5 also introduces a brand-new map and a powerful new Strategist: Ultron. He’s the first character of this role added since Invisible Woman and appears to be a hybrid healer-damage dealer, offering strong team utility.

Even more surprising, players will be able to control Ultron in a brand-new game mode that plays like autochess. You’ll command minions in a tactical battlefield — a wild shift for a team-based shooter.

📅 What’s Next: Shorter Seasons & Monthly Heroes

NetEase also confirmed some key changes to the game’s release cadence:

• Starting with Season 3, seasons will now last two months instead of three.
• There will be no more mid-season “.5” updates.
• A new hero will be introduced every month, streamlining content delivery for players.

With Ultron entering the battlefield and massive changes coming to team compositions, Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the game’s future. Get ready for big shifts, new chaos, and yes — sharknados.