First Look at SMITE 2's New Deity, Hecate

The gaming landscape is set to receive a significant enhancement with the introduction of Hecate, the first new god in SMITE 2, powered by the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). Titan Forge has revealed Hecate, the Greek Goddess of Sorcery, Witchcraft, and Magic, a highly anticipated character by fans, through an intricate reveal trailer that showcases her powerful abilities and distinguishes her as an exclusive addition to the SMITE 2 pantheon.

The transition from Unreal Engine 3 to UE5 has allowed the SMITE developers to create more dynamic and realistic animations, thanks to physics-based cloth simulation. This is prominently featured in Hecate's veil movement, presenting a more immersive experience for players. The director of animation, Daniel Lilleberg, emphasized the goal of capturing her ethereal essence in her design and animations.

UE5 also enhances the gameplay by allowing visual changes within the game world based on mechanics, such as Hecate's "Traverse Worlds" ability which distorts the map visually for players and enemies alike. Another unique feature is Hecate's passive ability, "Mythical Ritual," which interacts with structures and gods, offering healing or strength boosts through the "Ritual of Life" and "Ritual of Death" prompts. Additional abilities include magical projectiles and an ultimate ability called "Open the Gates" which promises back-to-back beams with crowd control immunity.

Excitement grows as players anticipate the opportunity to test the changes brought by the implementation of UE5 in SMITE 2's closed alpha, which is accessible by purchasing a SMITE 2 Founder's Edition. This package also includes future gods and other extras, depending on the chosen version.

SMITE 2 is expected to enter a closed alpha stage in Spring 2023. Players eager to secure their spot can do so by purchasing the SMITE 2 Founder's Edition.

SMITE is an online battleground between mythical gods developed by Hi-Rez Studios and was explicitly recognized for its third-person viewpoint, which sets it apart from many other games in the MOBA genre. Engaging in team-based battles, players can choose from a wide range of deities from various mythologies and unlock powers, engage in strategic combat, and participate in continuous updates and expansions. With the advent of SMITE 2, there's a palpable excitement about how UE5 will elevate the game's mechanics, graphics, and overall player experience.