MultiVersus Closed Alpha Announced, Game Joins Evo Lineup

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s Smash Bros.-esque mashup fighter MultiVersus will be in the hands of a large group of players via a closed alpha that’s set to begin later this month. This invite-only test (which is still accepting applications via the official website) will run from 9 a.m. PT on May 19 to 5 p.m. PT on May 27, letting players try out cross-platform two-on-two matches across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC through Steam.

RELATED: Leaked MultiVersus Gameplay Shows Harley Quinn Taking on Jake the Dog

In addition to giving users a chance to sample the game ahead of its full release, this alpha will test the dedicated server-based rollback netcode that WB and developer Player First Games have set up for the new fighting game. In anticipation of the test, WB has released a batch of new gameplay footage featuring developers fighting esports pros in the same way that players in the test will duke it out online.

WB also shared what fighters would make it into the alpha:

• Batman
• Superman
• Wonder Woman
• Harley Quinn
• Shaggy
• Bugs Bunny
• Arya Stark
• Jake the Dog
• Finn the Human
• Steven Universe
• Garnet
• Tom & Jerry
• Reindog (the game’s one original character)

Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Arya Stark, Steven Universe, and Garnet will be initially unavailable to players, but they can all be unlocked through gameplay. However, Player First didn’t specify how those unlocks work. However, the other characters will be immediately available when the alpha starts. The full game is rumored to have everyone from Rick Sanchez to LeBron James thanks to consistent leaks of voice lines and gameplay footage from prior tests. There will also be seven maps in the alpha:

• The Batcave (DC)
• Tree Fort (Adventure Time)
• Scooby’s Haunted Mansion (Scooby-Doo)
• Trophy’s E.D.G.E., Trophy’s E.D.G.E. 2, Classic 3 Platform, and Training Room.

The alpha will also contain three competitive modes (two-on-two, one-on-one, and four-player free-for-all) and a training arena. It requires a persistent internet connection, but not PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live subscriptions.

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In other MultiVersus news, the game will be part of this year’s Evolution Championship Series. Know as Evo, the annual tournament is the most notable fighting game competition on the esports calendar, and players will be able to sign up for MultiVersus glory in the same two-on-two format that the test supports.