A new era is on the horizon for Smite, the third-person hero-themed MOBA from HiRez Studios, with the developers hard at work putting the finishing touches on their huge sequel release: Smite 2.
Smite 2 will unquestionably be a huge shakeup for the status quo, with heroes from the 2014 original leaping into gaming’s modern era with upgraded graphics and updated MOBA gameplay—including changes to every character, class, item, and the core Conquest mode.
The focus will stay on being the “console MOBA” (a moniker the HiRez devs believe is 100 percent required in the 2020s) but Smite 2 now shapes as a chance for the devs to overhaul things for the better.
The sequel, which will remain free to play once it hits digital shelves, is also closer than originally expected, with a major alpha release just around the corner.
Smite 2 closed alpha release date (and time)
Some fans will be able to get their hands on Smite 2 from August 27, 2024, when the 24/7 closed alpha goes live. Anyone who bought the Founder’s Edition can play from this date.
HiRez initially announced the closed alpha would go live on July 30, and this delay is, according to them, “for good reasons.” A closed 24/7 beta is still planned for sometime later in 2024, with an open beta planned for 2025.
Follow along with our Dot timer as we count down to the beta.
Official Smite 2 release window estimate
We cannot yet confirm an exact Smite 2 release date, but in the same press release that gives the release date for the 24/7 closed alpha, there is also a promise that a closed 24/7 beta is planned for later on in 2024 while an open beta is coming in 2025.
Considering we’re getting the 24/7 closed alpha at the end of August, there’s every possibility HiRez will let Smite 2 cook for twelve more months before throwing the doors open for a full release around the same time a year later.
Either way, however, no one has firmly established a proper release date yet. We will update this article if anything changes between now and then.
Once Smite 2 does arrive, fans should be able to get their hands on up to 50 of the original 130-strong character roster. More will likely join in future Smite updates, though they’ll be among the only things bracing for the big jump; everything else will be left behind in the first game, developers have warned.
There are three bundles Smite players can buy before release: The Founders bundle (for $29.99), the Deluxe bundle (for $59.99), and the Ultimate package ($99.99). These mostly include badges, exclusive skins, and gems.
Update May 15, 10:17pm CT, by Isaac McIntyre: Added an expected Smite 2 release window and further details on the upcoming “24/7” closed beta.
Update June 30, 3:45pm CT, by Nickolas Davis: Added the new release date for the 24/7 closed alpha.
Published: Jun 30, 2024 03:40 pm