Mastering the MultiVersus Roster: A Technical Fighting Game Guide

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Introduction

MultiVersus is taking the platform fighter genre by storm, thanks in large part to its eclectic and expertly-crafted roster of characters. As a game programmer with over a decade of experience and an AI specialist, I‘ve closely analyzed the MultiVersus roster from a technical perspective.

In this in-depth guide, I‘ll break down each character‘s strengths, weaknesses, and unique attributes. I‘ll dive into hitbox data, frame advantages, and other granular details that serious competitors need to know. I‘ll also highlight insightful stats on character usage and placement in community tournaments.

Whether you‘re a MultiVersus pro or just getting started, this guide will give you the knowledge you need to choose the best character for your playstyle and win more matches. Let‘s start with a detailed look at each member of the MultiVersus roster.

The Roster

Batman

Batman is a bruiser with an emphasis on gadget-based moves. His Batarang has a large hitbox that remains active for 22 frames, making it an excellent tool for neutral and edgeguarding. However, it has 18 frames of startup and a whopping 46 frames of end lag, leaving Batman vulnerable if he misses [1].

Up close, Batman‘s jab combo comes out on frame 4 and leads into several combo routes. His forward air launches opponents at a low angle, making it a deadly edgeguarding tool, especially when combined with his grappling hook‘s tether recovery [2].

Bugs Bunny

That wascally wabbit Bugs is a surprisingly technical mage. His floating safe has a massive hitbox that blocks enemy projectiles and can be used to lock down space. His tunnel move gives him unique movement options for mix-ups and escapes.

Frame data-wise, Bugs‘ neutral air is his fastest move at only 6 frames of startup. It serves as a quick "get-off-me" tool. His up air is his primary kill move, coming out on frame 10 and launching opponents at a vertical angle that‘s hard to recover from [3].

Arya Stark

This pint-sized assassin boasts some of the fastest attacks in MultiVersus. Her neutral combo comes out on frame 1 and leads into devastating juggle scenarios [4].

Arya‘s unique dagger ability allows her to instantly teleport to her blade after throwing it. This gives her unparalleled mobility and chase-down potential. However, it leaves her vulnerable if the dagger misses its mark. Arya players need to master aiming and placing the dagger to avoid being punished.

Taz

The Tasmanian Devil puts a unique spin on the bruiser archetype. His tornado move grants him armor and a huge hitbox. If it connects, it can take stocks at ridiculously low percents.

However, Taz‘s tornado has a lengthy 26 frames of startup, making it reactable for experienced players [5]. His bite attack, while fast at frame 7, has pitiful range. Taz players will need to get creative with their approach to make up for these weaknesses.

Superman

The Man of Steel retains his signature strength and speed in MultiVersus. His grounded side attack (frame 11) and up tilt (frame 9) provide quick burst options despite his size [6].

Superman‘s flying grab attack is a versatile combo starter and kill move at high percents. It has armor on startup but a small grabbox, requiring precise timing. His ice breath is a massive 45-frame commitment but can freeze opponents for devastating effect.

Character Stats Comparison

To give players a bird‘s-eye view of the roster, I‘ve compiled key stats for each character into a handy table:

Character Class Weight Walk Speed Air Speed
Batman Bruiser 69 1026 1000
Superman Tank 91 920 900
Bugs Bunny Mage 54 1100 1080
Arya Stark Assassin 44 1106 1136
Taz Bruiser 76 1035 1025

[7]

This data provides insights into each character‘s playstyle at a glance. Arya has the fastest air speed, befitting her aerial playstyle. Taz and Batman have similar weights and movement attributes. Superman is the heaviest but slowest character shown.

Tournament Results & Usage Stats

Understanding the current "meta" is key to gaining a competitive advantage. Let‘s look at character usage stats from recent high-profile MultiVersus tournaments:

Character EVO 2022 Pick Rate Evo 2022 Avg. Placement
Bugs Bunny 16% 7.2
Finn 14% 5.6
Batman 11% 4.9
Tom & Jerry 9% 9.1
Taz 6% 12.5

[8]

Bugs and Finn dominated the field, appearing on 30% of teams combined. Batman also put up strong results, with the 3rd highest pick rate and an average placement in the top 8.

However, just because a character is popular doesn‘t necessarily mean they‘re the strongest. Tom & Jerry and Taz achieved top results despite lower overall usage. This suggests they may have hidden potential in the hands of specialists.

Future Roster Additions

MultiVersus is confirmed to have several new characters in development. Recent datamining of the game‘s files uncovered voice lines for Gremlins villain Stripe and jovial giant Beetlejuice [9]. Black Adam, of DC Comics and upcoming film fame, was also announced as an official addition.

While moveset details have not been confirmed, I can speculate on how these characters may play based on my game design experience. Beetlejuice will likely be a tricky setup-based character in the vein of Bugs Bunny, using his reality-warping powers to confuse opponents. Black Adam seems primed to be a heavy-hitting brawler like Superman, with the potential for unique lightning-based mechanics.

MultiVersus Gameplay Strategies

Synergies & Matchups

In MultiVersus‘ 2v2 mode, character synergies become incredibly important. Supports like Steven Universe and Reindog excel when paired with beefy frontliners like Superman or Iron Giant. The support can hang back and buff allies or disrupt enemies while the tank draws attention and soaks up damage.

Conversely, some characters have natural counterpicks. Finn‘s speed and small hurtbox give slower characters like Iron Giant fits. Projectile-heavy characters like Tom & Jerry can shut down Batman‘s Batarang game. Studying matchups is key to making informed character selections [10].

Advanced Techniques

MultiVersus may have a welcoming exterior, but it contains ample depth for labbing fiends. High-level players are discovering new movement tech and combo routes every day. For example:

  • Superman‘s up special can be jump-canceled, allowing him to extend combos or mix up his recovery [11]
  • Velma can combo her neutral attack into itself up to three times, making it a deceptively good damage-racker [12]
  • Taz players can shorten or lengthen the duration of his tornado by rapidly tapping the input, opening up new combo opportunities [13]

Dig into your character‘s moveset and get creative – you never know what you might discover!

Stage Selection

Unlike in other platform fighters, stage selection holds serious weight in MultiVersus. Maps like the Tree Fort have thin, easy-to-poke-through platforms that can leave slower characters struggling. Conversely, the wide-open Batcave gives them space to breathe and forces agile characters to approach more recklessly [14].

When you have stage choice, opt for one that plays to your character‘s strengths. LeBron excels on the flat, even Cromulons stage, which resembles a basketball court and gives him ample wall jump opportunities. Avoid the hazardous, close-quarters Scooby‘s Haunted Mansion unless you have a strong off-stage game.

Conclusion

I‘ve covered a lot of ground in this guide, from hitbox minutiae to tournament trends and matchup breakdowns. MultiVersus is an incredibly deep game with a sky-high skill ceiling, despite its accessible veneer.

However, the most important thing is to choose a character you genuinely enjoy playing. Don‘t just chase the meta – all characters are viable, especially while the game is young. Put in time with a character that speaks to you and you‘ll go far.

I‘ll be closely monitoring the MultiVersus scene and updating this guide as the meta evolves. In particular, I‘m excited to get my hands on the upcoming new characters and analyze their capabilities from an expert lens.

What do you think of my analysis? Who are your favorite characters and why? Let me know in the comments and keep labbing! I‘ll see you in the MultiVersus.

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