Smite 2

Smite 2 is the sequel to an extremely popular third-person action MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena). Like the first game, it was developed and published by the American Hi-Rez Studios (specifically Titan Forge Games, their subsidiary, who'd been developing Smite for over a decade. Like its predecessor, it's free-to-play.

Despite the title, Smite 2 isn't really a sequel. It's more of an improved version of Smite, like Overwatch 2 is to Overwatch. The developers aimed to improve all parts of the game, like graphics, interface and audio. Unreal Engine 3, on which the first game runs, isn't however directly compatible with Unreal Engine 5, Epic Games' newest engine. Wanting to utilize the latest technology, the developers have decided to create a sequel to Smite to reach its full potential.

Mechanics

Consequently, Smite 2 plays very similar to the first game. We'll spend most of our time battling - battles usually take about thirty minutes between two teams of five (with more rulesets in extra modes). There are many different maps, though all of them task us with killing the minotaur in the enemy base.

The playable roster consists of deities of various mythologies - Greek, Norse, Chinese, Egyptian, etc. As mentioned above, unlike most other MOBAs, Smite 2 makes use of the third-person perspective rather than isometric camera. This means the controls and gameplay are more reminiscent of action games than strategy games, like in League of Legends, requiring good reflexes and a good aim.

Unlocking characters and microtransactions

During battles players are supported by AI-controlled minions, in Smite and Smite 2 also known as "creeps". IThey also acquire gold and experience to buy new gear and special abilities, all of which differ depending on the playable character.

Completing battles earns players EXP used to level up and favor, used as currency to buy characters and some cosmetics (such as skins). Most skins cost gems, a premium currency purchased with real money, though small amounts can be earned by logging in frequently and during events. Playable deities can also be purchased with gems.

The game features a weekly character rotation, during which players can try out some deities for free. Optionally, players can also purchase the "Smite 2 Founders Pack" to permanently unlock all deities, both those currently available and available in the future. Unfortunately, progress can't be carried over between both games. According to the developer, implementing all skins, of which there are over 1,600, would take about two months.

Technical aspects

This is one of the reasons Smite's servers have remained online after the release of Smite 2. The sequel supports cross-play between PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and is compatible with the Steam Deck.