What is SMITE 2’s closed alpha test release date?

After weeks of speculation and rumors, Hi-Rez Studios finally unveiled at the 2024 SMITE World Championship that SMITE 2 is in development and that an alpha test will be held soon for players to try around the world.

SMITE 2 is heralded as “the next generation of cross-platform third-person MOBA,” boasting improved gameplay and incredible graphics built with Unreal Engine 5. The game is still in a pre-alpha development state, but the developers hope they’ll be able to begin alpha testing to fine-tune the game into a masterpiece.

Thankfully, we now have precise details about the first SMITE 2 closed alpha, and when you can expect to test the game for yourself for the first time.

When is SMITE 2‘s alpha test period?

According to the Hi-Rez Studios developers, they hope eager players will soon have access to monthly alpha weekend testing, with the first closed alpha test for SMITE 2 taking place from May 2 at 8pm ET to May 4 10pm ET.

These details were confirmed by CEO Stewart Chisam on his official social media page. Chisam also provided a follow-up post to share why the team decided to start the closed alpha on a weekday, rather than a full weekend. Chisam said the reason for this was because “It’s mainly about helping the team members and mitigating risk.” The development team knows they’re going to run into problems with the first closed alpha, and want to set their team up for success. They can’t do that if a majority of the time players can try SMITE 2 on the weekend, when they don’t have as many staff ready to help.

This early alpha will also run a limited roster of gods to choose from, and outside of the core gameplay elements, many full-release features will not be accessible until a later date—or until the full launch. But any member of the general public can apply to take part in these tests when they begin later this year.

How to access SMITE 2‘s alpha tests

If you wish to join SMITE 2‘s alpha test period, you can head to Hi-Rez’s official website and register for a spot in the testing. There will be a large signup button at the top of the front page, where you will be prompted to put in your preferred email address. You will be contacted when and if you are chosen to participate in the alpha tests in a few months.

However, the best way to confirm that you get into SMITE 2‘s closed alpha and all future closed alpha weekends is to purchase the Founder’s edition of the game. There are three editions: Founder’s Edition, Deluxe Founder’s Edition, and the Ultimate Founder’s Edition. The standard Founder’s Edition guarantees you for all closed alpha test weekends and includes all SMITE 2 gods the developers release forever.