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    SMITE 2 Goes Free-to-Play: Wage War as a God—For Free

    SMITE 2, has officially launched as a free-to-play title. After a closed alpha phase, Titan Forge Games has opened the gates for players worldwide to experience their mythology-inspired MOBA on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), and even the Steam Deck. Today’s update not only introduces SMITE 2 to the world but also comes packed with new content, including additional Gods, game modes, and improvements.


    New Gods Join the Pantheon

    Deities standing and posing in SMITE 2 art.

    With its free-to-play launch, SMITE 2 welcomes five new Gods to its roster, bringing the total to 45 playable deities. Among these is the much-anticipated Aladdin, a completely original addition created for the Tales of Arabia Pantheon. Designed with Unreal Engine 5’s advanced capabilities, Aladdin boasts dynamic, high-mobility mechanics: He can run along walls, summon the Genie for game-changing abilities (including revival upon death), and challenge enemies with his Lamp in a unique one-on-one ultimate ability.

    Joining Aladdin are:

    • Geb – The Egyptian God of Earth
    • Mulan – The legendary Chinese Ascendant Warrior
    • Agni – Representing the Hindu Pantheon with fiery precision
    • Ullr – The Norse God of Glory

    Fan-Favorite Modes and Maps Return

    A dragon in the background of a medieval city in SMITE 2.

    Today’s patch also brings back Joust, the fan-favorite 3v3 mode known for its fast-paced, small-scale battles. Joust now features a stunning Arthurian-themed map, reimagined with SMITE 2’s advanced visuals. Players can also explore updates to Conquest mode and an early version of Assault, offering more ways to test their strategic and combat skills.

    A new feature, Aspects, has also been introduced, giving players the option to enhance certain Gods with specific abilities that emphasize one or two components of their kit. This innovation allows for more customized and creative playstyles.


    Community-Driven Development

    A purple thunder shock attack behind a group of deities in SMITE 2

    The transition to SMITE 2 was shaped by player feedback throughout its Alpha phase. Titan Forge Games states that they listened to the community, using surveys, forums, and in-game data to refine the experience.

    “It’s amazing to look back on how far SMITE 2 has come since the early prototypes a little over two years ago,” said Travis Brown, General Manager and Creative Director at Titan Forge Games. “We couldn’t have gotten here without the invaluable feedback from the SMITE fanbase throughout Alpha, and the game is now objectively better than its predecessor in so many different areas.”

    With plans for monthly major updates, Titan Forge Games has emphasized a commitment to keeping the experience fresh with updates that will include additional Gods, new content, balance adjustments, and gameplay innovations.


    Unreal Engine 5: A Godly Upgrade

    The move to Unreal Engine 5 is one of the standout features of SMITE 2. The enhanced graphics, fluid animations, and improved performance have been praised by players. Tools like Nanite and Lumen elevate the visual fidelity, while backend improvements like the Gameplay Ability System allow for smoother mechanics and faster content creation.

    This shift was necessary, according to players and developers, as the original SMITE engine had reached its limits after a decade of updates. The new engine opens the door for more ambitious designs and technical innovations.


    What’s Next for SMITE 2?

    An ice attack in SMITE 2

    SMITE 2 is still evolving. The current roster doesn’t include every God from the original SMITE, but Titan Forge claims it is working to bring fan favorites into the sequel.

    Some players have raised concerns about monetization, particularly regarding legacy skins. While the game allows players to use Legacy Gems to purchase skins they owned in SMITE, the pricing has sparked debates. Titan Forge Games has acknowledged this feedback.


    What Platforms is SMITE 2 on?

    SMITE 2 is now available to download for free on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Steam Deck.

    AJ Churchill
    AJ Churchill
    AJ has been Editor-In-Chief of Outsider Gaming since 2024. He first began gaming on a Nintendo 64 in the 90s, eventually moving on to Gameboys and Xboxes, before landing on his platform of choice, the PC. His all-time favorite games include Rimworld, The Sims, Football Manager, Rocket League, Factorio, Crusader Kings, Europa Universalis, Rust, Cities Skylines, and Project Zomboid. Reach out at aj [at] pixelpeninsula [dot] com.
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