Ultron Joins Marvel Rivals As The Team-Up System Is Overhauled

Season 2.5 of Marvel Rivals, the free-to-play third-person hero shooter, introduces Ultron as a new playable character alongside a new map and major updates to the Team-Up system. 

Ultron is a Strategist that's equipped with sustained healing drones, overhealth shields, energy-based attacks, and an ultimate ability that deploys bots to heal allies and damage enemies. He also has the ability to fly. The new map, Hellfire Gala: Arakko, is set on Krakoa’s sister island, now repurposed as Ultron’s mechanical base. 

This update brings significant balance changes too. Doctor Strange and Storm receive buffs, while characters like Groot and Psylocke are nerfed. Luna Snow and Jeff the Land Shark also receive adjustments to fine-tune their performance.

One of the most notable changes in Season 2.5 though is the overhaul of the Team-Up system. Six new pairings have been added, four removed, and one adjusted. New Team-Ups include Ultron and Iron Man’s “Stark Protocol,” Venom and Jeff’s “Symbiote Shenanigans,” Rocket Raccoon and Peni Parker’s “Rocket Network,” and Jeff and Storm’s “Jeff-Nado.” Removed combos include “Chilling Charisma” and “Ammo Reload,” though the latter remains available for Winter Soldier. Additionally, Iron Man has been removed from the “Gamma Charge” combo, making it exclusive to Hulk and Namor.

The update also introduces an experimental solo mode called Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol, launching June 6. This tactical mode allows players to customize their hero lineup and builds, offering a more strategic experience. Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 goes live on May 30, ushering in a new seasonal structure with each season lasting two months, starting after the conclusion of the Season 0 Battle Pass.