Season 2.5, baby! That means Ultron, new skins, a “combat chest” , and more are dropping. Marvel Rivals fans have been waiting b b the second half of the season to bring a dose fo new life into the game like a shot in the arm. A fresh map, controversial balance changes, a new game mode, and a free skin that’s already got players scrambling to rank up: Golden Ultron.
The robotic menace joins the hero shooter’s growing roster as a Strategist, armed with lasers and his signature swarm of droids. His arrival coincides with the debut of the Arakko convoy map and a hefty patch that tweaks the meta—buffing and nerfing heroes like Iron Fist and Emma Frost while introducing six new Team-Up abilities to rewire how players approach fights.
Ultron also brings with him the new Battle Matrix Protocol, an autochess-inspired mode that’s poised to add a new layer of strategy to Marvel Rivals’ fast-paced gameplay.
Golden Ultron Joins the Gala – for Free
While plenty of skins are hitting the in-game store, free-to-play fans haven’t been left out in the cold. Season 2.5 introduces two new unlockable cosmetics at no cost: a new Hawkeye skin and the standout Golden Ultron costume.
The Hawkeye skin is part of a big event: Cerebro’s Database II, so it’s hard to miss. Golden Ultron on the other hand? It’s quietly hidden away in a place new players or quick players might never see: the competitive rewards.
To unlock Golden Ultron, players will need to hit Gold III rank in Competitive play—mirroring the same challenge used to earn Emma Frost’s Golden Diamond skin earlier this season. The gleaming golden design is tailored to match the Hellfire Gala aesthetic.
As the skin’s in-game flavor text puts it: “Perhaps I should make my presence known at the Hellfire Gala in this golden form of mine.”
Ongoing Free Rewards and Cosmetics
For players just catching up, there’s still time to earn several other free cosmetics. Scarlet Witch’s Chaos Gown unlocks after nine matches in Season 2, while Mantis’ Flora Maiden skin is available by completing Cerebro Database event challenges. Twitch viewers can also grab a Will of Galacta skin for Namor by watching four hours of an eligible stream.
And for anyone chasing more looks for Emma Frost, her X-Revolution outfit—a black-and-gold stunner—is now available in the shop for 1,600 Units, which can be earned in-game or purchased with premium currency.
Looking Ahead
With Ultron shaking up the Strategist role, a new map, evolving skins, and a strategic game mode that challenges how players think, NetEase is doubling down on what’s worked—and giving fans more reasons to keep playing.
Whether you’re chasing Gold III for that free Ultron drip or experimenting with the revamped meta, the Hellfire Gala rages on, and next season? Jean Grey, her Phoenix Force, and even Gambit have been teased.