Starting a journey in MOBA gaming can be daunting, especially with established titles like League of Legends. In contrast, SMITE 2 offers a more accessible experience, featuring cross-platform play and automated mechanics to ease newcomers into the gameplay. Launched in early access, it will transition to free-to-play soon, allowing players to engage in various modes from a third-person perspective. With 45 characters at launch and exciting new game modes, SMITE 2 aims to attract a broader audience in the competitive gaming landscape.
Starting Your Journey in MOBA Gaming
Diving into a well-established MOBA like League of Legends, which has been captivating gamers for over a decade, can feel overwhelming. Developed by Riot Games, this game demands a significant investment of time and knowledge. If you’re jumping into the fray in 2025, you’ll encounter more than 160 champions, a multitude of spells, countless items, and the intricacies of the map, including its lanes and monsters. This steep learning curve can be quite intimidating for newcomers.
Discover SMITE 2: A Newcomer’s Haven
Luckily, if you’re seeking a more welcoming MOBA experience, you might want to check out SMITE 2. This title, developed by Titan Forge Games and published by Hi-Rez Studios, aims to carve its niche in the competitive MOBA landscape. SMITE 2, the direct sequel to the original SMITE released in 2014, entered early access in August 2024 and was initially available for purchase through various founder editions, priced between €29.99 and €99.99. However, this will soon change as SMITE 2 transitions to a free-to-play model on January 14.
One of the standout features of SMITE 2 is its cross-platform capability. Players can enjoy the game on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, along with the added benefits of cross-play and cross-progression, allowing you to maintain your progress across all platforms seamlessly.
What sets SMITE 2 apart for new players is its accessibility. The game allows for automated item purchases and skill point allocations, enabling gamers to immerse themselves in combat without being bogged down by complex mechanics. According to its Steam page, “SMITE 2 is the most accessible MOBA from the start,” which encourages players to learn and adapt at their own pace while having fun.
In terms of gameplay, SMITE 2 departs from the traditional top-down perspective and opts for a thrilling third-person view. Players will take on the role of a god, with 45 characters available at the free-to-play launch. Similar to League of Legends, the map features three lanes protected by towers, ensuring familiar yet refreshed gameplay.
Additionally, players can explore various game modes, including the 3v3 Joust mode and 1v1 Duel mode, alongside the existing 5v5 Conquest and Arena modes. An alpha version for a new Assault mode is also in the pipeline, promising even more excitement for players.
In a landscape where the balance between violence and commercial success is often debated, industry veterans are weighing in on what truly makes a game thrive. As the gaming community evolves, the choices developers make will undoubtedly shape the future of gaming.