The eagerly anticipated Smite 2 is gearing up to open its doors to players with a free-to-play open beta starting on January 14. This marks a fresh chapter for the third-person action MOBA. Smite 2 is moving into its Alpha stage in early 2024, offering new modes, a diverse lineup of Gods, Aspects, and several surprises to engage a broader audience in this next-generation game.
As a sequel to the 2014 hit MOBA, Smite, this new installment comes nearly a decade later, boasting a complete overhaul powered by Unreal Engine 5. Much like its predecessor, Smite 2 allows players to embody legendary deities and figures from renowned mythologies across the globe, including Greek and Japanese pantheons. By late August 2024, the game will feature 23 divine characters, with expectations to expand to 50 by January 2025. Recent updates have revealed even more additions awaiting players in the months ahead.
The developers have confirmed that Smite 2’s open beta will officially begin on January 14, a perfect opportunity to experience all the new features that distinguish it from the original. Excitingly, this date will also see the debut of Aladdin, the first God from the Tales of Arabia pantheon, joining the roster with the abilities of a Magical Assassin and Jungler. He’s known for his unique skills like running on walls and imprisoning foes within his lamp. Fans of the original Smite can also look forward to the return of familiar characters like Mulan, Geb, Ullr, and Agni, each with revamped abilities.
A highlighted feature of the F2P open beta is the introduction of a 3v3 Joust mode set in an Arthurian world, complete with map Teleporters and Stealth Grass for ambushing opponents. This map also hosts Duel, a new 1v1 mode. An intriguing addition is the Aspects feature, allowing players to trade certain God abilities for enhanced powers. For instance, Athena can switch from ally protection to enemy debilitation via teleportation. Initially, 20 of Smite 2’s 45 Gods will showcase these Aspects, with more to come over time.
Smite 2 also promises several quality-of-life enhancements such as Role Guides, helpful tips for newcomers, improved PC chat options, item store updates, and death recaps. Adding to the excitement, the grand finale of the first Smite 2 esports tournament is set for January 17-19 at the HyperX Arena in Las Vegas, amplifying the game’s presence. Available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, this title aims to set a new standard for MOBAs.
For those new to the franchise or seeking a refresher, Smite 2 brings Gods from all walks of mythology, each wielding their signature divine powers. Whether you’re channeling Zeus’s lightning, delving into the dark arts as Anubis, or sneaking around as Loki, the game promises a unique experience. With combat that feels like a cross between hero shooter dynamism and MOBA strategy, players will feel every hit as they execute combos and conquer the enemy Titan.
Designed for seamless play across all platforms—with support for keyboard, mouse, controller, and SteamDeck—Smite 2 ensures you can join friends no matter their preferred gaming device, with your progress effortlessly crossing over. Featuring easy-to-grasp controls for beginners and inviting deeper mastery for seasoned players, Smite 2 offers a range of gameplay and competitive modes, including Ranked, where players can rise through the ranks to prove their skills in this vibrant community. Whether you’re a casual player or a strategic mastermind, Smite 2 beckons you to its arena.
