Season 18 of My Hero Ultra Rumble launched on July 29, 2026, bringing Gentle Criminal to Byking's free-to-play battle royale. He is confirmed as a playable character, but Bandai Namco has not yet explained his abilities or the exact method for unlocking him. Follow the latest releases with our latest video game news.
Gentle Criminal joins the playable roster
The July 29, 2026 announcement confirms Gentle Criminal as the main addition to Season 18. Based on the My Hero Academia universe, he gives players a new character to master in a game where each hero can influence the pace of a team. The available communication does not describe his abilities, so his role and potential effect on team compositions remain unknown.
The official Steam page confirms PC availability. Matches feature 24 players, divided into teams of three. The core formula is unchanged: collect resources, coordinate with teammates and survive until the final squad remains.
A new fighter may alter character choices, possible pairings and the way squads assess their opponents. Those effects cannot be judged yet, particularly while Gentle Criminal's kit and access method remain undisclosed.
Season 18 still lacks several details
The confirmed milestone is the launch of Season 18 on July 29, 2026. Crunchyroll states that Gentle Criminal became playable on that date, but does not provide a season end date.
Bandai Namco's official page reflects the game's established content model. Season 17 placed Mirko at the centre of its launch and combined character content with costumes, events and licences. That comparison shows how the game refreshes its live content, but it does not confirm which additions Season 18 will include.
At this stage, no confirmed information identifies costumes, events or illustrations accompanying Gentle Criminal. The character is announced; the scope of the wider season depends on future messages from Bandai Namco.
A new character, but no balance verdict yet
Season 18 follows the visible renewal strategy of Season 17, which was led by Mirko: the roster remains the clearest driver of fresh interest. The parallel stops there because Gentle Criminal's abilities have not been detailed publicly. This is not an announcement of a new map or rule, but a character-led update built around a recognisable My Hero Academia figure. That is an editorial reading of the release strategy, not an assessment of his performance in matches.
The update gives players a straightforward reason to return, since the base game is free. Existing teams should nevertheless test Gentle Criminal's actual role before changing their established habits. Our assessment is measured: the announcement renews interest in the title, but it is too early to judge his balance, effectiveness or the value of any additional Season 18 content.
Where to play My Hero Ultra Rumble
My Hero Ultra Rumble is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. Bandai Namco presents it as a free online experience. Each match brings together eight teams of three, for 24 participants.
The game's readable powers turn every rescue, area defence or team elimination into a coordination challenge. Multiplayer updates are also available through our competitive coverage and the news section.
The game remains playable on Steam with a French interface. Players should check in-game information or future official announcements for progression conditions, Gentle Criminal's exact access method and any paid Season 18 elements.
What Bandai Namco has yet to announce
Gentle Criminal anchors Season 18, while four practical details remain open for the community.
- What is the exact way to obtain Gentle Criminal? This will determine how players can access him before spending resources.
- When will Bandai Namco detail his abilities? That information is needed to assess his role and possible impact on teams.
- Will Season 18 include dedicated events or costumes? These additions would show whether the season extends beyond one new character.
- Will Bandai Namco announce an end date? It would clarify the progression pace and duration of the season.
Frequently asked questions
When did My Hero Ultra Rumble Season 18 launch?
Season 18 launched on July 29, 2026.
Which character joins the game in Season 18?
Gentle Criminal joins MY HERO ULTRA RUMBLE as a playable character.
Is the Season 18 end date known?
No. The July 29, 2026 communication confirms the launch, but not the season end date.
Which platforms support the game?
MY HERO ULTRA RUMBLE is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
For further coverage, also see our article on Kohei Horikoshi turns to horror with a new and our article on Phoenix Cyclops joins MARVEL Tōkon: what the pass.
Verified sources
These references support the key information in this article.
- crunchyroll.com : Crunchyroll News, official publication dated July 29, 2026, confirming the launch of MY HERO ULTRA RUMBLE Season 18 and Gentle Criminal's arrival as a playable character.
- en.bandainamcoent.eu : Bandai Namco Entertainment, official page consulted on July 29, 2026, confirming the free 24-player battle royale format, teams of three, and the PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC platforms.
- store.steampowered.com : Steam, official page consulted on July 29, 2026, confirming PC availability, free-to-play status, developer Byking Inc. and publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment.
