Summary
Splitgate 2marks the return of the refreshingportal-based arena shooter, now with added classes that add helpful abilities to the already tight and fast-paced gameplay. Developer 1047 Games created the original title by combining the multiplayer it loved ingames likeHalowith the brilliant traversal mechanic from Valve’s revolutionary puzzle-shooterPortal. Now, its upgraded sequel takes cues from some of today’s best shooters to add more satisfying variations to its game mechanics.
WhenSplitgatefirst launched in 2019, it was released at a time when there was a wide selection of free-to-play shooters all vying for players' attention, many of which have since shut down. However,Splitgatethrived by delivering quick and exciting matches with tight controlsthat allowed players to maneuver and shoot foes through portals strategically. After gaining a considerable player base and funding from investors, 1047 Games decided to stop upgrading the original game and focus on the sequel. And judging bySplitgate 2’s Closed Alpha, it was the right choice.
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Three Factions Add Spice To Splitgate 2’s Recipe For Fun
Like The First Game,Splitgate 2Will Be Free-To-Play
After around a dozen short matches—possibly too short, with some lasting less than four minutes—with both Team Deathmatch and Capture The Point modes, it’s clear that1047 Games has done more than add a two to the title.Splitgate 2still features the frantic portal-hoping gameplay that attracted multiplayer shooter fans looking for something different, but it has added three distinct classes that each have their own customizable abilities.
Unlike the influx ofmonotonous hero shootersthat often require players to learn how to control a dozen different characters to be effective teammates,Splitgate 2introduces three factions: the agile Aeros, the time-manipulating and healing Meridian, and the shield-wielding Sabrask. While each is capable of using guns and portals, the distinct factions add another appealing layer to theSplitgateformula without making the sequel feel too complex compared to its first installment. The unique abilities available to each faction have short cooldowns but provide big advantages to teams that utilize them effectively.
DuringSplitgate 2’s Closed Alpha, the Meridian was a personal favorite. Its loadout included a deployable Time Bubble that sped up teammates inside while slowing down enemies who dared to cross its threshold. Clever foes could use it to instantly slow down unaware opponents, setting them up to be easy shots. However, the Meridian could substitute the time-manipulating device for a pulsating healing grenade, a potential life-saving addition to the game’s intense 4v4 firefights. Meridian’s unique ability scans the arena and pinpoints the location of enemies for their entire team, and the Aero and Sabrask factions are no less capable.
Each ofSplitgate 2’s three factions include a passive buff for teammates, like providing additional ammo, faster healing, and improved ability cooldowns.
The Aero class felt the most familiar for players who’ve played the first game, but its ability to recover with a healing stim and activate a surge of adrenaline to increase defense and mobility gives the class more options to get back into the action. Then there is the heavy-armor-wearing Sabrask, who favors sticky grenades, portal-destroying smoke grenades, and a helpful deployable shield that teammates can shoot through, but it does not block enemy portals, which can create an easy way to surprise enemies.
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Splitgate’s Weapons Have Received A Needed Upgrade
Gun Accessories Provide More Layers Of Gameplay Customization Without Feeling Overwhelming
Besides the three playable factions and their abilities, several other enhancements madeSplitgate 2’s Alpha feel like it’s already on a good track.Each class features its own versions of guns that shooter players would expect, such as shotguns, assault rifles, shotguns, pistols, and more. However, loadouts have the option to become more varied with easy-to-add accessories like red dot sights, extended barrels, and grips that can enhance gunplay to almost any player’s desire.
Spawn points for power weapons like a rocket launcher and a duel-wielding machine gun can be found inSplitgate 2’s small but highly accessible arenas.
Additional perks can be added to loadouts for more flexibility to player builds, but it is recommended that the options be sifted through before matches begin because matches inSplitgate 2’s Closed Alpha gave little to no time to adjust customizations between rounds. While loadouts can be changed and swapped during a battle, players are locked in with the faction they choose until the round ends. Team Deathmatch often included quick rounds lasting only a few minutes that tasked teams of four players to reach fifteen kills, and whichever won three out of five rounds was crowned the winning team.
The added abilities and expanded arsenal of weapons bestow more options for shooter fun, butSplitgate’s bread and butter of rewarding portal-hopinggameplay mechanics remain in the sequel. However, instead of controlling the in and out portal placements with two separate buttons,Splitgate 2’s improved mechanics intelligently guess which type of portal players want to use, removing the need to think about which one they need to place in the heat of battle. This worked flawlessly during the Closed Alpha matches, but veteran players can easily switch back to the default portal placement controls in the options.
A Sequel That Already Feels Like The Next Great Arena Shooter
Splitgate 2Is Currently Set To Be Released In 2025
A specific release date forSplitgate 2’s free-to-play, portal-hoping, guns-blazing multiplayer mayhem has yet to be announced. The first game was mighty generous with the number of playable opportunities for people to try it before its official release, but ifSplitgate 2is only going to improve from where it currently stands, the game seems primed to surpass the first entry in many ways.
Splitgate 2will be releasing in 2025 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
Screen Rantwas invited to participate inSplitgate 2’s Closed Alpha on PC for the purpose of this preview.
