Pay tribute or be smitten in this week's free game, Smite!
Smite is a MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) unlike any other. Where similar games such as Dota 2 and League of Legends have the top down view of the game, Smite takes it into a completely different direction with an over the shoulder style third person view. Developed by Hi-Rez Studios, Smite is not only on PC, but PS4 and Xbox One as well. Much to its namesake Smite is a battle of the gods. With 5 different game modes to choose from, they all follow the same basic directive: Destroy the “Titan,” or enemy base. In order to destroy the enemy you need gold and experience points. Gold and experience is earned in several ways; assisting or killing an enemy player or enemy minions, destroying enemy objectives such as towers, or passively earned periodically as time goes on.
Game modes
As mentioned before currently there are 5 different game modes to choose from. Each of these game modes can either be done with real players or computer players.
- Conquest: The typical MOBA map where two teams of 5 battle it out in a three lane style map
- Joust: 3v3 map with two lanes
- Siege: 4v4 map with two lanes
- Assault: 5v5 map with only one lane, and an all-out battle royal
- Arena: 5v5 but different from the normal modes. In this mode players battle it out for points, a minion kill is one point where as killing an enemy player grants 5 points.
Characters
Players have the option to choose from several pantheons of gods and goddesses including Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and even Mayan. With 74 gods to play and master, players will be sure to spend hours on each god or goddess. Characters are later broken down into a specific role or type, each with its own unique skills, weaknesses, and greatness. The roles are
- Hunters: Mostly ranged, they utilize physical power to overcome enemies.
- Guardians: The support style character, utilizes spells to help the team
- Mages: Utilize spells and magical power to thwart their enemies.
- Warrior: Strong “tanky” characters that use raw power to overthrow enemies
- Assassins: Quick and agile characters that rely on great mobility to defeat opponents
Store
Smite does offer an in-game store, in which players can purchase an assortment of items. The store uses two currencies: Gems and Favor. Gems can only be purchased with actual money. However favor can be acquired in multiple ways. The main way is by playing the game. You receive favor for each game you play. You can also complete quests (such as win 4 games, etc..) or you can spend real money. The main thing people buy at the store are the gods and goddesses. Gods and goddesses are in a free rotation but in order to keep them permanently you’ll have to purchase them. The store also offers several cosmetic items for each god and goddess, as well as ward skins and icons. The store has it all!
Overall
Whether you choose to play as a powerful mage or a cunning assassin, you’re sure to spend countless hours mastering each role and character. And if you choose to spend money, it’ll be money well worth it! So grab some friends, plan some strategies, and prepare for a fantastic time with the great free game Smite.
Written by A Play On Nerds contributor, Ben Tuchenhagen, based out of Austin, Texas.