Guide to Starting in MultiVersus: Characters, Gameplay, and More

MultiVersus is a unique combination of a platform fighter, corporate IP crossover, and character customization, creating an appealing mix for both fighting game enthusiasts and newcomers. Bringing together characters from a variety of Warner Bros. properties like DC Comics, Game of Thrones, Looney Tunes, and more, along with original characters, MultiVersus offers a diverse roster.

After a quiet period following the open beta, MultiVersus officially launched on May 28. The game introduced new gameplay features such as the parry mechanic and a PvE mode called Rifts, adding depth to the gaming experience.

This cross-platform game is free to play and accessible on major platforms like PS4 and PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X, and PC through Steam or the Epic Games Store.

Let’s delve into everything you need to know to kick off your MultiVersus experience.

Gameplay: Action-Packed Fights with Special Abilities

The core gameplay of MultiVersus involves two teams of two players battling it out. The rounds are fast-paced, requiring quick reflexes as opponents can chain combos to knock you off the map swiftly. Characters are classified into five categories based on their fighting style: assassins, bruisers, mages, supports, and tanks. You can mix and match classes strategically or stick to mastering your favorite character for a personalized playstyle.

MultiVersus offers various modes like online matchmaking for 2v2 or 1v1 matches, solo or co-op matches against AI to hone your skills, and the PvE Rifts mode for a story-driven experience. Rifts incorporate AI battles and mini-games like target breaking and gem collection to amp up the excitement.

One unique aspect of MultiVersus is the perk system, allowing you to tailor your character’s abilities. Perks are divided into offense, defense, and utility categories, enhancing your character’s gameplay mechanics. Each character has three signature perks that can be unlocked through gameplay. These perks can alter a character’s moves, such as giving Wonder Woman’s lasso a knockback effect. Standard perks offer benefits like reducing cooldown times, providing a shield on respawn, or granting an additional jump.

MultiVersus Characters: A Growing Collection

At launch, MultiVersus boasts a roster of 25 playable characters, with more additions on the horizon. Here are the characters available in the current lineup:

• Arya Stark (Game of Thrones) — Assassin

• Banana Guard (Adventure Time) — Brawler

• Batman (DC Comics) — Bruiser

• Black Adam (DC Comics) — Bruiser

• Bugs Bunny (Looney Tunes) — Mage/Ranged

• Finn the Human (Adventure Time) — Assassin

• Garnet (Steven Universe) — Bruiser

• Gizmo (Gremlins) — Support

• Harley Quinn (DC Comics) — Assassin

• Jake the Dog (Adventure Time) — Bruiser

• Jason (Friday the 13th)  — Tank

• Lebron (Space Jam) — Bruiser

• Marvin the Martian (Looney Tunes) — Assassin

• Morty (Rick and Morty) — Bruiser

• Reindog (original character) — Support

• Rick (Rick and Morty) — Mage/Ranged

• Shaggy (Scooby-Doo) — Bruiser

• Steven Universe (Steven Universe) — Support

• Stripe (Gremlins) — Assassin

• Superman (DC Comics) — Tank

• Taz (Looney Tunes) — Bruiser

• The Iron Giant (The Iron Giant) — Tank

• Tom and Jerry (Looney Tunes) — Mage/Range

• Velma (Scooby-Doo) — Support

• Wonder Woman (DC Comics) — Tank

Additionally, the following characters have been confirmed as upcoming releases:

While there’s speculation about the potential introduction of more characters from Warner Bros. properties, including superheroes and wizards, the listed characters are the officially announced playable roster.

A rotating selection of fighters is available for free each week. You can permanently unlock characters by earning in-game currency through playtime, making in-game purchases (Gleamium), or utilizing character unlock tokens from a Founder’s Pack if previously available.

Getting Started

To begin your MultiVersus journey, download the game for free and embark on the tutorial Rift to familiarize yourself with the gameplay mechanics. As you progress with a specific character, you’ll unlock standard and signature perks, as well as cosmetics tied to that character.

If you’re a fan of Smash Bros., you’ll find MultiVersus gameplay somewhat familiar, with some distinct features. Players can chain jumps, dodges, and moves together for enhanced map traversal compared to traditional Smash fighters. The stage boundaries are clearly defined, indicating the proximity of being knocked out.

For those deeply engaged with the game, you can invest in a battle pass using Gleamium to access additional cosmetics like unique character skins, knockout effects, and player banners. Character unlocks are the only non-cosmetic items available for purchase with cash (via Gleamium). However, characters can also be unlocked for free by earning in-game currency through matches played. The battle pass system operates similar to popular games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and various other contemporary games.

Ultimately, the MultiVersus experience is distinctive and inclusive. With its free-to-play model, there’s no reason not to give it a try.