Hi-Rez tossed out a fresh batch of confusion when it announced that its new MOBA SMITE 2 is going free-to-play today. However, this is not a launch as some people might assume from such a declaration; rather, this decision opens up the beta to all players, not merely the ones who paid for the founder’s packs, as was the case until now.
That means that anyone — including you, yes, you — can jump into SMITE 2 and check out the sequel to Hi-Rez’ flagship MOBA. The business model adjustment comes alongside a patch that adds a new deity to the pantheon: Aladdin, the first god from the Tales of Arabia realm. This will bring up the total number of playable characters to 45.
SMITE 2 adds a new 3v3 game mode today called Joust, which is set in a Camelot-ish map with pads to teleport and cover to conceal your presence. The open beta patch also includes role guides, text chat for PC players, and death recaps.
“Aladdin joins SMITE 2 as a part of the ‘Tales of Arabia’ Pantheon. Developed completely on Unreal Engine 5, the new God brings unique mechanics to the game. Aladdin is a highly mobile God thanks to his ability to run along walls and structures. His companion, the Genie, grants him three powerful wishes throughout the game including a chance for revival upon death. Aladdin’s ultimate ability allows him to use his Lamp to capture enemies in a one-on-one challenge. Four further Gods have been added to SMITE 2 with the free-to-play patch including Geb, the Egyptian God of Earth, and Mulan the Chinese Ascendant Warrior. Agni comes to SMITE 2 representing the Hindu Pantheon, while Ullr from the Norse Pantheon rounds out the long list of new playable Gods.
“Today’s patch also adds ‘Joust’, the fan favorite 3v3 game mode that focuses on fast paced, small-scale combat, along with a brand new Arthurian-themed map. It also includes significant updates to the Conquest map and features, along with an alpha version of the Assault game mode. Additionally a new optional enhancement has been added to some gods in the form of Aspects. These are intended to bring fun new ways of playing the same gods by focusing on one or two clear components of a god kit rather than hitting every ability in small ways.”
The new playable gods now number 45 – a number still growing as “the team aims to bring every player’s favorite to the sequel as quickly as possible.”
