Hi-Rez Games has unveiled Smite 2, a complete sequel to its third-person MOBA, and showcased the game’s footage running on Unreal Engine 5.
The announcement of Smite 2 by Hi-Rez Studios comes almost a decade after the initial release of Smite. The upcoming title, built using Unreal Engine 5, addresses player inquiries about the continuity of their progress and unlocks from the original Smite into Smite 2.
In Smite, participants embody various gods and mythological entities, engaging in team-based battles. Grounded in real-world pantheons like Greek mythology, each deity in Smite is assigned distinct combat roles, such as ranged or melee damage. As of the latest update, Smite boasts a roster of 129 playable gods, with the most recent addition being the Japanese yokai Bake Kujira, featured as a Guardian. Despite being a free-to-play game, unlocking heroes in Smite requires in-game currencies like “Favor” or “Gems,” attainable through regular gameplay or microtransactions on platforms like Steam and the PlayStation Store, depending on the player’s preferred mode of access to Smite.
Smite 2 Official Trailer
Players of Smite can soon anticipate a new way to enjoy the beloved third-person MOBA experience. The forthcoming Smite 2, built on Unreal Engine 5, is set to undergo closed alpha testing in the spring of 2024. Prospective players are encouraged to register in advance, as Hi-Rez has outlined that access to the alpha testing of Smite 2 will be granted through email, containing an access code tailored for the player’s preferred platform. Hi-Rez Studios clarified that the accumulated technical challenges from developing Smite on Unreal Engine 3 were a primary factor necessitating a rebuild. Currently in a pre-alpha stage, Smite 2 will offer a limited selection of gods during the alpha testing phase, while ongoing support for the original Smite is assured.
The game is designed to feature cross-play functionality across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and the Steam Deck, though the implementation of cross-progression depends on partner approval. Nevertheless, transitioning to Smite 2 comes with certain nuances, as the majority of skins from Smite will not be accessible in the game. Hi-Rez has introduced Legacy Gems and Divine Legacy as ways to recognize and appreciate the efforts of Smite players. Legacy Gems will cover 50% of most in-game purchases in Smite 2, while Divine Legacy will track progress made in Smite to offer rewards in both games.
Given Smite’s distinct approach to the genre and its fast-paced gameplay, it remains highly regarded as one of the top MOBAs available. The comparative standing of Smite 2 to its predecessor will become clearer over time.
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