Smite 2 Early Access Review: A Shiny Update That Lacks Fire

The launch of Smite 2 has sparked plenty of buzz, and the new engine undeniably delivers a fresh, satisfying feel to the game. However, while the gameplay is smoother and the visuals are crisper, there’s something missing in the mix—something that leaves long-time fans and newcomers alike wondering if this sequel truly hits the mark.

Let’s dive in.

A Tangible Upgrade, But Not Game-Changing

The first thing you'll notice about Smite 2 is how much better everything looks and feels. The revamped engine has made every action snappier, and those auto-attacks? They now pack a punch. However, as much as the technical improvements are appreciated, they aren’t enough to mask the overly cautious approach to new active items. These items, meant to add spice and strategy, feel more like a sprinkle of salt when compared to the dynamic game-changers in Dota 2.

And then there’s the competition. With Deadlock on the scene, Smite 2 finds itself in a tough spot, especially when the former’s fast-paced innovation leaves Smite 2 feeling a bit dated.

A New Take on the Old MOBA Dance

There’s something almost poetic about Smite 2’s combat system. It reminds me of the methodical swordplay from the Dune universe, where each move is slow, deliberate, and strategic. In Smite 2, every attack feels measured, every decision crucial. But unlike Dune’s intense duels, my early matches in Smite 2 felt like I was constantly on the losing end, watching as opponents effortlessly dismantled my strategy. After 30 hours, I’m finally finding my groove—sort of.

This game is not for the faint-hearted. Like most MOBAs, Smite 2 is punishing and demands time to master. The matchmaking? Let’s just say it’s less than perfect, throwing together players with thousands of hours of experience alongside those with barely any.

A Journey of Learning and Struggling

With only 5 hours of Smite experience under my belt (most of it from the distant past), my perspective is one of a newcomer to this universe. Smite 2 is prettier, and the active items add a new layer of strategy, even if they don’t feel as impactful as they could be. Veterans might find this game a little too familiar, with changes that are more incremental than revolutionary.

Understanding the basics is easy enough: two sides, three lanes, neutral monsters, and a big entity to protect. But the game’s depth goes far beyond that. There’s a mountain of knowledge to acquire, from hero roles and item builds to mastering the timing and order of your skills. The learning curve is steep, and your opponents? They’re already halfway up, ready to punish every mistake.

The absence of tutorials is a major drawback. The game throws you into the deep end with only the most basic tooltips to guide you. Hi-Rez Studios has removed traditional role labels, making it even harder to figure out where and how each god fits into the team dynamic. This forces you to seek help outside the game, which isn’t the best approach for a sequel hoping to attract new players.

Small Victories in a Challenging Landscape

Despite these hurdles, Smite 2 has its moments of triumph. Every god feels unique, with innate abilities that add depth and flavor to the gameplay. The smaller roster of 23 gods is actually a blessing in disguise for newcomers, reducing the overwhelming amount of content that Smite 1 veterans are used to.

The third-person perspective in Smite 2 adds a layer of immersion that makes successful plays even more satisfying. There’s something undeniably thrilling about pulling off a perfectly timed ultimate or dodging an enemy’s attack by the skin of your teeth. It’s in these moments that Smite 2 shines.

But then, there’s Deadlock—the third-person MOBA shooter that feels like the future. Where Smite 2 sticks to tradition, Deadlock embraces innovation with mechanics that are not only fun but also redefine what a MOBA can be. While Smite 2 offers a solid experience, it doesn’t have the same wow factor, and that’s where it falls short.

Final Thoughts: A Solid Entry, But Not a Must-Play

Smite 2 is fine. It’s an upgrade, no doubt, but it doesn’t feel like a leap forward. For Smite fans, there’s enough here to keep you entertained, but newcomers might find the lack of onboarding frustrating. If you’re planning to jump into Smite 2, do it soon while the player base is still relatively small, and be prepared to do a lot of outside research to get up to speed.

However, if you’re looking for something that feels fresh and exciting, Deadlock might be the better choice. Right now, Smite 2 is a decent sequel, but it doesn’t feel like it’s pushing the boundaries of what a MOBA can be.