MultiVersus May Have a Meta Problem

MultiVersus May Have a Meta Problem

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that I’ve seen more than a few metas come and go. The current state of MultiVersus, however, is a bit concerning, especially with the rise of Banana Guard post-Season 3’s mid-season update.


No matter how hard developers strive for a balanced game, a meta will always emerge, especially in live-service games like MultiVersus. Whether that meta is healthy for the game or not is dependent on a variety of factors. Unfortunately, the Warner Brothers-themed platform fighter is having a bit of a crisis when it comes to the meta established by the latest round of MultiVersus balance changes.

At Player First Games, developers typically handle major balancing adjustments for the game MultiVersus in two significant patches per season: the initial launch and a midseason update. These updates align seamlessly with the introduction of each new character. Notably, the latest balance patch during Season 3 has boosted one character to an exceptional level, granting them the ability to execute unavoidable combo sequences that instantly defeat opponents when their health reaches zero.

Banana Guard is Dominating Since Season 3’s Mid-Season Update

The Banana Guard Problem in MultiVersus

Ever since Banana Guard’s inclusion in the team was revealed, there’s been quite a stir. However, the mid-season update significantly boosted his abilities, making him incredibly effective and one of the deadliest fighters now, capable of dealing massive damage. The latest game adjustments have positioned him among the most dangerous characters on the roster.

In simpler terms, not every character may face this issue with the meta. It’s common for some characters in video games to outperform others. However, when a character like Banana Guard becomes the best choice in the game, it’s not ideal for a fighting game’s balance. Even if people find his inclusion as a joke, this imbalance isn’t healthy for the game.

Why A Banana Guard Meta is Unhealthy for MultiVersus

In essence, it’s impossible to escape the concept of a ‘meta’ in games in general; there will always be one, no matter how diligently developers strive for balance. Ideally, the meta in a flawless gaming world would see the strongest characters, weapons, and resources locked behind a steep learning curve – meaning the most potent items would require significant skill to master. This approach acknowledges and rewards players who invest time and effort into the game, thereby inspiring others to improve their skills as well.

In the game of MultiVersus, Arya is an excellent demonstration of this principle. She’s been strong since the game was relaunched, but she won’t excel unless the player has a firm understanding of both her abilities, her combo sequences, and the game mechanics overall. When played correctly, Arya can deal significant damage, but she is very vulnerable if the player isn’t skilled. Arya has immense potential in MultiVersus, but that potential can only be realized with practice and learning, so don’t expect a multitude of Aryas dominating the game all the time.

In contrast, Banana Guard is crafted as an extremely approachable character for beginners. He boasts basic moves with high damage, simple combo sequences, and generous hitboxes on all his attacks – a fact that those who’ve faced him can vouch for. His role is to serve as a gateway into the game, making it easy for new players to pick up and perform reasonably well right away. This character could be handed to a novice player, such as a younger sibling, and they would likely grasp the mechanics swiftly and enjoy themselves. However, the challenge arises when such an easy-to-handle character becomes overly effective. In this scenario, even casual players can quickly become formidable adversaries with minimal effort or demonstration of skill.

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit, the Banana Guard’s domination in MultiVersus is quite impressive… for now. But remember when The Powerpuff Girls entered the arena? They swiftly dished out some lethal combos at the start of season 3! Guess what? Those devs were quick on their toes and fixed that issue in just two days.

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2024-10-28 15:33