The wait’s over—Update 18 for Volleyball Legends just went live, and it’s a banger. Packed with big features, balance changes, and some spicy surprises, this update brings both hardcore competition and quality-of-life upgrades that players have been begging for. Whether you’re a ranked grinder or just here for the vibes, there’s something in this patch for you.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the gym: Hirakumi, the brand-new godly character and the first-ever max blocker in the game. If you remember the chaos when blocking was accidentally OP (yeah, that), Hirakumi’s bringing that energy—but on purpose this time. He’s slow, yeah, but when he plants himself at the net? Forget about scoring. It’s like setting your spikes into a brick wall. People are already calling him the best godly in the roster, and from the early matches we’ve seen, they might be right.
Next up—Hardcore Gamemode. And no, it’s not just harder AI or faster serves. We’re talking full-on pro court, legit volleyball rules, and no goofy powers. You can’t hit around antennas. Backrow players are grounded, literally. And abilities? Leave them at the door. It’s pure skill, all action. Only players level 15 and up can join for now, so it’s aimed at those who want that authentic tournament feel. Honestly, it kinda reminds me of playing varsity in high school—bright lights, high stakes, no room for error.
UI got a facelift too—team select is finally matching the rest of the game’s design, and mobile players, you’ve been heard: Shiftlock is now live on mobile, so trick serves just got way more fun. Plus, a much-requested quality-of-life feature is here—you can now switch characters before Ranked matches. No more awkward comps with three Kimiro mains. You can see what your teammates and even opponents have picked, which opens up a whole new level of strategy.
And yes, the meta is shifting. Kimiro’s been buffed to make him more viable as a setter/libero hybrid (his set is seriously cracked now), while Timeskip Kagayomo and Sanu got nerfed—finally. Sanu’s been a menace for a while with those unpredictable spikes. This patch might just bring some underused characters back into the spotlight. Keep your eye on the tier lists next week, because things are bound to get shaken up again.
Oh, and did we mention? 2x Secret Luck Weekend is back—but only for 48 hours. From 11:30am ET May 3 to 11:30am ET May 5, secret pity drops from 200 to 100, and your style chances double. If you’ve been hunting for rare styles or that one elusive unlock, now’s the time.
Also, don’t forget to redeem those new codes—they’re scattered around, so keep your eyes peeled.
This update hits hard and adds a ton of depth, both in gameplay and customization. Whether you’re here for the comp scene or just want to block your friends into rage-quitting, Update 18 has something for you.
Let’s break it all down together—drop your thoughts or questions below. Want a full Hardcore Mode guide? Let’s talk in the comments.