I appreciate that I was chosen to participate in Split Gate 2 Alpha Stage and these are my thoughts up to now. Splitgate 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular arena shooter. Splitgate 2 is currently in its Alpha stage, and it’s already generating a lot of buzz. This new installment brings a host of exciting features and improvements that are sure to delight both new players and veterans of the original game.
Weapon Attachments
One of the standout features of Splitgate 2 is the introduction of weapon attachments, something that was lacking in the first game. Players can now customize their arsenal with various attachments such as grips, fast magazines, extended barrels, extended mags laser sights and rapid fire for there primary. Secondary weapons, however, come with only three attachments, fast mag, laser sight and barrel extension . This addition allows for a more personalized gameplay experience, enabling players to tailor their weapons to their preferred playstyle. Moreover, the game introduces passive traits, adding another layer of strategy and depth to the combat.
Three Factions to Choose From
The three factions to choose from are, Aeros, Meridian, and Sabrask, each possess unique abilities that define their strategic roles in gameplay. Character customization has also seen a significant upgrade. Players can choose between male and female characters. During the Alpha, there were no option to change any of the appearances of any of the three character classes. Whether or not you’ll be able to change the appearance of any given character remains to be seen. It’s unknow if more characters will be added to each faction with their own unique abilities and passives.
Character’s Ability and Traits
Each character comes with their own unique abilities…
Aero has the Rush ability where you gain movement and reload speed and a one time boost in health. Aero also comes with a Team Trait called Taskmaster that gives a faster ability cool down that benefit you and your team. Perks include: Rapid Charge, Sprint Reload, Super Fit and Hustle.
Meridian has the Hyper-sight Ability which briefly revels enemies through walls for you and your teammates. Meridian also comes with a Team Trait called Wellness, similar to a healer, that gives you and your teammates faster health regeneration. Perks include: Tracker, Rapid Charge, Eye for Equipment and Blinking
Sabrask has the Wall ability where he can shoot through the wall but your enemies can’t. Also, Sabrask comes with a Team Trait called Stockpile, where you come in with extra reserve ammo for yourself and teammates. Perks include: Ammo Recycle (think Scavenger), Rapid Charge, Rapid Deployment and Heavy Charge.
Even though the characters above may seem to have glass cannon build, healer build, tank build, none of the builds have an impact in which character you choose to play. Character builds are not a factor in Splitgate 2, at least in the Alpha. If anything changes in the beta or in the final release of the game. I’ll add it on the next blog after I play it.
Three Maps
There were only three maps to play on, Zenith, Frontier and Ozone. Despite being in the Alpha stage, Splitgate 2 already boasts a selection of colorful and visually pleasing maps. Although the number of maps is currently limited, each one is meticulously designed to offer a vibrant and engaging environment. The aesthetic appeal of these maps enhances the overall gaming experience, making each match a visual treat.
Ozone was a map that was surround with an audience spectating the action, it gave me the FINALS vibe, to an extent. I think it would have been really cool if the announcers would have done a play by play during the match. I think it would of create a intense moment when capturing the objective. Ozone, by far, was one of my favorite maps to play in.
The Portals Are Back, Man
I’ve never been a fan of portal and if were up to me, there would be no portals ( I know. I know, get good). However, throughout the areas, you have portal walls that you can shoot to create portals that you can run through. You can also close other players portals or, or use portals to your advantage to get kills. If you’re not use to using portals or never played a game with portals, it can be frustrating and annoying at first until you get into the groove. I think that mastering portals are essential when it comes to Splitgate 2.
Mechanics Felt Smooth
The gameplay mechanics in Splitgate 2 have been fine-tuned. The time-to-kill (TTK) feels just right—not too fast, not too slow—striking a perfect balance that keeps the action intense and satisfying. This balanced TTK ensures that players have enough time to react and strategize, making each encounter thrilling and competitive. Keep in mind that this is alpha stage and things might change come the open beta. but I do like feel of the weapons.
Like in the frist Splitgate, you have your standard Assult Rifle, Marksman Rifle and Shotgun that comes with multiple attachments that you can equip. Of course, you can run around the map and pick up different types of weapons throughout the arena. If you manage to fine the Rocket Launcher, you’re going to have a good time, just saying. 🤣
SBMM Not Wanted
Splitgate 2 offered two game modes, Team Death Match (TDM) and Hot Zone. To give you an idea, Hot Zone plays similar to Control Zone from XDefiant. Throughout my time playing, lobbies split up after every match. It’s a shame that lobbies did not stay together. There’s no voting system either. Granted, it’s an Alpha, 3 maps, 2 game modes and things might change come the open beta, if not, on the full release of the game sometime in 2025.
If Splitgate 2 is going to add SBMM, it needs to be restricted to ranked game modes. This is assuming Splitgate 2 is going to have rank modes for competitive play. Either way, public matches should be ping based. Lobbies should stay together with the option of staying or leaving. A map voting system should be also be added.
In conclusion
I can’t loose sight of the fact that Splitgate 2 is just an alpha build. I had a fun time playing Splitgate 2 and I was left wanting more. I’m confident that Splitgate 2 will have game modes as in the first game as well as user created maps, don’t see why not. However, in my opinion, Splitgate 2 is shaping up to be a fantastic sequel with its colorful maps, customizable weapons, and balanced, gameplay. As it continues to develop, I look forward to even more features and improvements that will undoubtedly make it a standout title in the arena shooter genre.
Written by The Social Pit
