Many are eager to know: When can we expect the full 1.0 release of Smite 2? After some initial confusion surrounding its closed alpha in May 2024 and an incorrect Steam listing, the official free-to-play open beta is now available, though the complete launch is still on the horizon.
Smite has long been celebrated as a top-tier MOBA, letting players embody over 100 legendary gods in vibrant, chaotic arena battles. Smite 2 builds upon this legacy, retaining the core gameplay and beloved characters while introducing significantly improved graphics, animations, and overall polish. If you’re curious about whether a sequel is truly necessary, our earlier preview dives deep into its potential. But if you’re already on board, let’s explore all the details about the Smite 2 release timeline.
[Video placeholder: Smite 2 Official Cinematic Reveal Trailer]
Smite 2 1.0 release date estimate
The full 1.0 launch of Smite 2 is currently anticipated for sometime in 2026. This projection considers the limited official communication regarding a definitive launch date, as well as the ongoing schedule for introducing new gods to the game.
With over 100 gods in the original Smite, developers plan to migrate a significant portion of them to Smite 2, alongside introducing brand new deities. If the 1.0 release coincides with roughly 100 gods being available in the sequel, this timeline naturally extends into 2026.
While new gods are being added to Smite 2 at a rapid pace—45 were available at the beta launch on January 14, 2025—even a consistent weekly release would push the 100-god mark to February 2026. Furthermore, recent team layoffs in early 2025 could potentially impact the development schedule for future content.
Smite 2 open beta release date
Smite 2 officially launched its free-to-play open beta on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Although considered an open beta, it’s a robust, fully playable version of the game, with its ‘beta’ status primarily due to a still-expanding roster of gods.
Essentially, this open beta is a comprehensive, free-to-play version of the PC game, fully accessible to everyone, with ongoing additions of new gods. We’ll continue to provide updates on future release news, but for all intents and purposes, Smite 2 is ready for you to dive in right now.
The open beta kicked off on January 14 with 45 gods and six distinct game modes, a significant expansion from its alpha phase. Yet, the development team at Titan Forge has confirmed that much more is on the way, expressing their strong desire to eventually bring all 130+ existing Smite characters into the evolving pantheon of Smite 2 gods.
[Video placeholder: Smite 2 Developer Interview on Open Beta]
Smite 2 gameplay
In this thrilling MOBA, you embody one of many powerful Gods and Goddesses, choosing from five distinct classes: Assassin, Hunter, Guardian, Mage, or Warrior. Whether you prefer supporting allies, engaging in ranged combat, or delivering devastating melee strikes, there’s a perfect role and a legendary mythological character waiting for you.
What truly distinguishes Smite, beyond its rich lore and majestic characters, is its unique third-person action perspective – a stark contrast to typical top-down MOBA camera angles. This immersive viewpoint plunges you directly into the heart of battle, letting you fully experience every powerful attack and magical ability. It was this potential for deeper immersion that particularly inspired Titan Forge Games to create Smite 2.
The team at Titan Forge recognized an opportunity to evolve the original game, aiming to enhance depth, expand lore, and intensify the action while preserving its delicate balance of fun and competitive play. Their goal was to create a game “more beautiful than ever before.” Smite 2 achieves exactly this. Given the game’s strong ties to mythological themes, Titan Forge believes players will now “feel more like Gods than ever before” in their divine conquests.
[Video placeholder: Smite 2 Gameplay and Vision Keynote]
A recent developer keynote highlighted the core vision for Smite 2. As Executive Producer Alex Cantatore explained, “In Smite, you’re playing as a God, but it doesn’t necessarily feel like you’re playing as a God. There’s not a lot of impact on your abilities, there’s not a lot of spectacle.” He elaborated that the team sought to strike a balance, ensuring the game remains responsive and competitive while making players truly “feel more like a God performing these godly actions.” This vision translates into more dramatic attacks, vibrant displays of power, and a closer, more visceral connection to your chosen deity’s abilities, as showcased in the game’s reveal footage.
What happens to my Smite progress?
Regrettably, due to the significant upgrade to Unreal Engine 5, it’s technically unfeasible to directly transfer your previously purchased characters and cosmetic skins from the original Smite to Smite 2. However, this absolutely does not mean your dedication and hard work over the past decade will go unrewarded. On the contrary, Titan Forge is introducing an exceptionally generous cross-generation progress system.
For every gem you’ve ever spent in the original Smite, you will automatically receive a corresponding Smite 2 Legacy Gem, which can be used to acquire new characters and skins in the sequel. Purchasing a Founder’s Pack will even double your Legacy Gems! This system ensures that your investment of time, money, and unwavering dedication to Smite is richly recognized in Smite 2. Additionally, your entire progression history from the last ten years will be honored through a ‘Divine Legacy’ system, providing unique unlockables to proudly display your journey in Smite 2.
This covers all the essential information regarding the Smite 2 release. The extensive open beta offers so much content, you might just forget it’s still in beta! While you’re waiting for the full launch, why not explore our comprehensive list of other highly anticipated upcoming PC games for this year?