Titan Forge Games has announced the free-to-play launch date for Smite 2. Players can jump into the action starting Tuesday, January 14th, marking the official start of Season 0 after a week-long preseason beginning today. Adding to the excitement, a new playable character, Aladdin, will join the roster on January 13th. Early reveals suggest Aladdin will have a dynamic, acrobatic play style, utilizing his magic lamp and genie to attack opponents.
Smite 2‘s alpha launched in August on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, following its announcement last January. Initially, alpha access required a $29.99 purchase or participation in limited free access periods. The upcoming free-to-play launch aligns with the model of the original Smite and opens the game up to a wider audience. The alpha phase received mixed reviews, holding a “mixed” rating on Steam and a two-star rating on Xbox, with many feeling the alpha wasn’t worth the price tag. The free-to-play release will be a crucial test to gauge player opinion and determine if perceptions shift with broader accessibility.
Aladdin joins the Smite 2 roster on January 13th, bringing his acrobatic combat style and genie-powered attacks to the battleground.
The Smite 2 open beta is highly anticipated, potentially attracting a significant influx of players next Tuesday. It remains to be seen whether this influx can overcome existing cynicism. Some fans have expressed concerns, even going so far as to declare the game “dead on arrival.” This seems an exaggeration considering the original Smite‘s popularity, but the recent history of live service games offers a cautionary tale. The free-to-play period will provide a clearer picture of player interest and likely encourage more people to try the game.
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The free-to-play model should boost Smite 2‘s player base beyond the alpha numbers, but its ultimate success is uncertain. The free-to-play market is highly competitive. One point of contention among fans has been the perceived lack of marketing surrounding Smite 2. A stronger marketing push accompanying the free-to-play launch is crucial for raising awareness and driving player engagement. Hopefully, the transition to free-to-play will prove successful and revitalize optimism among Smite fans.
Have you been waiting for the Smite 2 open beta? Do you think it will improve the game’s perception? Share your thoughts on Twitter @Marcdachamp, Bluesky @Marcdachamp, or Instagram @Dachampgaming!
