A new era is on the horizon for Smite, the third-person hero-themed MOBA from HiRez Studios, with the developers hard at work putting the finishing touches on their huge sequel release: Smite 2.
Smite 2 will unquestionably be a huge shakeup for the status quo, with heroes from 2014 original leaping into gaming’s modern era with improved graphics and updated MOBA gameplay—including changes to every character, class, item, and the core Conquest mode. The sequel, which will remain free to play once it hits digital shelves, is also closer than originally expected, with a major closed alpha release just around the corner.
Smite 2 closed alpha release date (and time)
Some fans will be able to get their hands on Smite 2 on Aug. 27, 2024, when the 24/7 closed alpha goes live. Anyone who bought the Founder’s Edition can play starting on this date, or you can purchase it after the closed alpha launches to join in with your friends.
HiRez initially announced the closed alpha would go live on July 30, and the delay was, according to them, “for good reasons.” A closed 24/7 beta is still planned for sometime later in 2024, with an open beta planned for 2025.
Follow along with our Dot timer as we count down to the Smite 2 closed alpha, which begins on Aug. 27.
Official Smite 2 release window estimate
We cannot yet confirm an exact Smite 2 release date, but the same press release that gives the release date for the 24/7 closed alpha also promises a closed 24/7 beta later in 2024 and an open beta in 2025.
Considering we’re getting the 24/7 closed alpha at the end of August, there’s every possibility HiRez will let Smite 2 cook for 12 more months before throwing the doors open for a full release around the same time a year later.
Either way, no one has firmly established a proper release date yet. We will update this article if anything changes between now and then.
Once Smite 2 does arrive, fans should be able to get their hands on up to 50 of the original 130-strong character roster. More will likely join in future Smite updates, though they’ll be among the only things bracing for the big jump; everything else will be left behind in the first game, developers have warned.
Smite players can buy three bundles before release: the Founders bundle ($29.99), the Deluxe bundle ($59.99), and the Ultimate package ($99.99). These bundles mostly include badges, exclusive skins, and gems.
