Since its announcement on July 18,Splitgate 2has garnered quite a bit of attention, with many eager to see if it will meet the adrenaline-pumping portal-heavy experience of its predecessor. Following the success of the first title, particularly afterSplitgate’s 2021 console release, a sequel feels well-earned. With the creative minds behind the original at the helm, Ian Proulx and Nicholas Bagamian, it seemsSplitgate 2aims to expand upon the first game, rather than redefine it.
Described as the game of 1047 Games' dreams,Splitgate 2is the realization of a creative vision that the original was never able to achieve. Overcoming past limitations like a small team and limited resources, the developers are now intent on transforming what ultimately started as a school project into a AAA experience, enhancing everything from audio and art style to mechanics. Notably, though the upcoming title will remain faithful to the original, it’s also introducing several exciting new elements to the franchise.
Splitgate 2’s New Features Boost Its Physics-Based Gameplay
Splitgate 2 Is A Deeper Dive Into the Portal Shooter
Fans of the originalSplitgatecan rest assured thatSplitgate 2will uphold the tradition of being a free-to-play first-person shooter whilemaintaining theHalomeetsPortalvibeit’s become commonly associated with. Ian Proulx, the creative director and CEO of 1047 Games, emphasized the team’s commitment to carrying on the first game’s legacy:
“Splitgate 2 will not be an ADS type of shooter. We want to preserve how the first Splitgate felt, and keep that classic old-school feeling.”
Still, coupled with a modern aesthetic and intense, fast-paced matches,Splitgate 2certainly seems poised to captivate new and returning players alike when it releases. Interestingly, several quality-of-life improvements are being integrated into the game. Major updates include, but are not limited to:
Splitgate 2’s Portal Upgrades Are Taking the Game to New Heights
Proulx expressed his satisfaction withSplitgate 2’s crouch-sliding mechanic, noting that the studio carefully studied its implementation in several other games to ensure it was done right:
“When I go back to play the originalSplitgate, it definitely feels amiss. My team and I carefully analyzed crouch sliding in games likeApex Legendsto really nail our version.”
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“Our game is still very much gun and mechanics-based rather than ability-based. I would call it moreValorantthanOverwatch. While the game is high-intensity and strategic, the abilities won’t be overwhelming. Our goal was to enhance the firstSplitgate, not redefine it. Therefore, for the fans who have their doubts, I would invite them to try it out. Let the game speak for itself!”
However, the changes to the Portal system might draw even more attention. In the firstSplitgate, deploying gateways required two button presses, but inSplitgate 2, the process has been streamlined to a single button that smartly handles both Portals. Proulx indicated at theSplitgate 2Debut Day Conferencethat players can rebind the Portals to the old two-button system if they prefer. However, he also noted:
“Our smart portaling system will know which portal you want to spawn. 95% of the time it will alternate, and if you step through one, it will alternate back.”
Additionally, if there’s already a Portal on a wall where a player wants to place theirs, the game will automatically nudge it a few pixels to the side to make room for both. This, along with the ability to destroy enemy portals by replacing them with an ally Portal — though “they are indestructible for a few seconds” —makes the Portal mechanics much more engaging. The last quality-of-life change, Proulx confirmed during the conference, will be adjustments to Portal sizes. In this manner, players should be able to go through Portals without crouching or jumping, even if the gateway isn’t placed optimally.
Splitgate 2’s Three Factions Each Offer Strategic Advantages
While exploring directions forSplitgate 2, the developers considered various approaches,including transforming it into a hero-shooter, a full-blown arena shooter, and aCall of Duty-style game. Ultimately, the team decided to focus on a Faction shooter with three distinct classes. This decision seeks to improve gameplay variety by refining progression, teamwork, and strategy while ensuring players are not overwhelmed with a roster of various heroes:
“I hope no faction will be overwhelmingly dominant, but it’s possible that may still happen. Strategy will be crucial, especially since players can’t switch Factions until the end of a round. While you’re able to adjust your loadout after each death, choosing between Aeros, Meridian, or Sabrask is fixed until the next round.”
Splitgate 2will launch with three Factions: Aeros, Meridian, and Sabrask. While additional equipment will be introduced after the playtesting phases, the following abilities and load-outs are already proving to be particularly enticing:
Aeros
Quick and agile Aces that cater to aggressive playstyles.
Rush:Grants a movement and reload speed boost, in addition to a one-time health boost.
Taskmaster:Faster ability cooldown for you and your teammates.
Meridian
Built for players with a more supportive playstyle.
Hypersight:Briefly reveals enemy outlines and portals through walls for you and your teammates.
Stockpile:Spawn in with extra reserve ammo for you and your teammates.
Sabrask
Aces with powerful defensive capabilities, particularly designed for area control.
Smart Wall:A transparent barrier that enemies cannot shoot through, but you can.
Wellness:Regenerate health faster for you and your teammates.
Proulx commented during the conference that all Factions have the same amount of health and Time to Kill.
Players have now had the opportunity to findwhichSplitgate 2Factions best suit their playstylewhile also uncovering new metas and strategies. Unfortunately, console players will have to wait a bit longer, as playtests are currently limited to Steam. Additionally, while there is no exact release date yet,Splitgate 2is aiming for a launch in 2025.
Splitgate 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Portal into the action as an elite Ace in Splitgate 2, the only free-to-play shooter where you can teleport across the map to outsmart your opponents. Team up, customize weapons, and master portaling skills as you compete for glory in epic showdowns.Evolution Is Here - This is the future of Splitgate, bringing fast-paced portal gunplay with objective-based game modes, distinctive new maps, and a wild collection of weapons.Win From Any Angle - Dominate the competition with the ultimate tool: a portal gun. Flank your foes and turn the tide of combat by portaling across the map, or defy gravity to launch yourself for jaw-dropping aerial kills.Team Up and Earn Glory - Recruit your friends and compete for the respect of the entire galaxy. Take control of the Hotzone while your friends hold off enemies portaling in from all sides. Stand together and steamroll your opponents to win the match and claim victory.Multi-Team Mayhem - Take the action to the next level with the first of our upcoming Multi-Team-Mayhem modes, where 24 players compete in all-out warfare across a massive new map. Chaotic fun is guaranteed.
