Marvel Rivals is getting a new game mode! This time, though, players will have to focus less on shooting heads and more on tactical play as the new Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol mode seems to be heavily inspired by Auto Chess.
Auto Chess, which was originally a mod for Dota 2, sent shockwaves within the online gaming community with its unique, simplistic design and strategic depth. Featuring a blend of turn-based tactics and randomized unit placement, Auto Chess quickly managed to captivate players globally, paving the way for a brand-new game genre—auto battlers.
It didn’t take long for other video game developers to come up with their iterations of Dota Auto Chess, with some prominent ones being Riot Games’ Teamfight Tactics and Moonton’s Magic Chess. Now, Marvel Rivals appears to be introducing its take on the Auto Chess genre with the upcoming game mode, Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol.
Marvel Rivals Auto Chess Game Mode
Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol, which is set to be added to Marvel Rivals in Season 2.5, will feature gameplay elements that are seemingly inspired by Auto Chess, but with a bunch of unique twists.
While NetEase has yet to reveal full details about the new Marvel Rivals limited-time game mode, there’s already a wealth of information available about Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol for us to take a look at.
Marvel Rivals Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol Explained
Marvel Rivals introduces a unique twist to its Auto Battler right from the Hero Selection phase. Unlike most other Auto Chess games, players start with six heroes in Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol instead of the usual one. However, not every hero from Marvel Rivals will be available to play in this game mode.
Once you have your roster set, the gameplay kicks off in a style similar to Dota Auto Chess. You’ll have to face off against five other players, with each player starting with 50 points. Each defeat takes away a few points from your total, and the last player standing wins.
Positioning & Synergies
Having good positioning with your characters is extremely crucial in Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol. Generally speaking, you’ll want your tanks at the front, while squishy damage dealers and healers should take the back line.
Taking a glance at the initial reveal, we can see that hero synergies are displayed at the left side of the screen. Players can also buy certain upgrades for their lineups, which are sold as cards in the ‘Card Shop.’ These cards can give your team various buffs to help you in combat. These buffs include additional health for your heroes, bonus damage, damage reduction, and more.
Marvel Rivals Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol Release Date
NetEase has confirmed that the new Marvel Rivals Auto Chess mode will hit the live servers on June 6, 2025.