MultiVersus succeeds in so many areas, but the fighting game falls short in one of its key modes by not having online local multiplayer options.
MultiVersus is the latest platform fighter on the block and since its initial announcement, the game has been turning heads. The free-to-play title features playable characters under the WB umbrella like Bugs Bunny from Looney Tunes, Batman from DC Comics, Arya Stark from Game of Thrones, and even the likes of Shaggy Rogers from Scooby-Doo. With cross-platform and cross-progression available to players, MultiVersus is not only one of the most accessible platform fighters, but one of the most accessible video games out in general right now. Even with all the game’s bells and whistles, however, it still has its own fair share of issues. One of those issues lies within MultiVersus’ main mode, 2V2 battles.
Super Smash Bros., the series that created the platform fighter genre, tended to be more well known for its 1v1s and its party game-like free-for-all battles. This gave Player First Games an opportunity to hone in on 2v2s for its own platform fighter, MultiVersus. Even when someone boots up MultiVersus for the firs time, the game mode they’re recommended is 2v2 battles. All the perks players will acquire as they level their characters are designed to benefit their team, with perks receiving additional boosts when stacked with their ally. When matching with another player, a gold bonus and an XP bonus is given out for being in a party. No matter how the game is looked at, MultiVersus incentivizes playing the game with a friend. This is where one of the game’s biggest flaws arises. The lack of support for online matchmaking for those teaming up locally.
Currently, in MultiVersus the only option available for local play is in the custom games menu. This isn’t to be confused with the custom game tab that can be selected in between the lab and advanced tutorials on the home screen. The custom game option players need to look for to play locally can be found after hitting the play button and selecting the custom window using the trigger buttons (if using a controller). Here players will see three options: Local Play, Create Online Lobby, and Join Lobby (which isn’t available at this time). Local Play is where players can fight with up to three others all in the comfort of their own room. However, this mode still needs a little work.
Unfortunately, besides being able to play 2v2s, 1v1s, and free-for-all locally, there is no option for any sort of online matchmaking for those playing together locally. As of this writing, there has been no additional information on when MultiVersus will allow players to search for matches online through split-screen/local play or if it will ever come. For now, the modes being added are Classic and Ranked, so, unfortunately, for those hoping to hop online for some MultiVersus match-ups will a friend locally will seemingly be out of luck for the foreseeable future.
However, MultiVersus has only just become playable to those who didn’t have access to the closed beta on July 26. This means some players have only been able to play the game for a few weeks. With the game amassing over 10 million players, according to Tracker.gg, and Season 1 on the way, MultiVersus doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. So there may be some hope left for those looking to experience online matchmaking locally with a friend as the game progresses.
Source: Tracker.gg
Since 2020, James has been uploading content about gaming through a YouTube channel called 59 Gaming as a writer and content creator under the alias Ironcane. There he primarily covers mobile games such as Dragon Ball Legends, which he may or may not have an unhealthy addiction to. He also had the privilege of attending Pax East 2022 for the company as a content creator. During his time at the con, he had the opportunity to meet various developers and industry icons. James resides in New Jersey which isn’t as bad of a state contrary to what you might hear. James is a recent college graduate of William Paterson University for Broadcast Journalism and he is excited to utilize his skills as a features writer for Screen Rant. Some of his favorite video game franchises of all time include Sonic The Hedgehog, NieR, Uncharted, Super Mario, Mega Man, The Legend of Zelda, Dark Souls, and Super Smash Bros. James streams on his Twitch TheIroncane somewhat frequently and can be found @TheIroncane on Twitter as well for his terrible takes on gaming.