Recs.
Updated
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro 3rd person view is a unique twist on the genre
The third-person view used in Smite is a big change from the top-down views normally used in a MOBA. The game also utilizes WASD keys, unlike the traditional point-to-move system. This creates a large blind spot behind the player’s character and makes stealth attacks a viable option.
Pro Completely play to win and not pay to win
There is no difference between a new player and a world champion. You don't buy your power-ups with real cash, you buy them in-game using currency you acquire by defeating enemies. Microtransactions are only for cosmetic items that do not seriously affect your play style.
Pro 6 great game modes and a rotating match of the day
Smite has 6 game modes and all of them are extremely popular:
- Arena. A 5v5 death match, no lanes or objectives. Arena is best for people who prefer intense combat over strategy. Good for impatient but independent players.
- Joust. A 3v3 mode, with a single lane and buff camps on one side, and an objective lair on the other side. The Demon Bull King provides a clearly interesting mechanic to Joust, kill it, and it disables the enemy towers, to prevent turtling, which is pretty common in Joust. Joust is great for working with a team. Everyone has a role to fill, and learning how to adjust your play for your two teammates is half the battle. Surprisingly focused on teamwork, despite small teams.
- Conquest. The typical 5v5 mode, three lanes, jungle, towers, objectives. Conquest is the standard game that everyone knows, and requires lots of communication.
- Siege. A 4v4 objective push map. Siege is similar to Joust, but has massive battles compared to small skirmishes. Two lanes definitely adds chaos to the mix.
- Assault. A 5v5 ARAM. Assault is randomized. Nobody gets upset when the team of all tanks lose. Just queue up again in 15 minutes.
- Clash. A 5v5 Conquest and Arena mix of style mode.
Plus, there's a rotating Match of the Day (MOTD). A random game mode with a twist, like max cooldowns, no basic attacking, god swapping and more. MOTD can sometimes be more fun and interesting than anything else.
Pro Odyssey event
Every year, SMITE releases an Odyssey event months before the Smite World Championships. Over the course of several weeks, cosmetic items are released every week until the start of the SWC. These cosmetic items will be available for purchase some time after the SWC and will be branded as "Exclusive Skins" after the event. Every purchase in the Odyssey contributes to the SWC Prize Pool. Players can obtain limited edition items when they purchase a certain amount of items. For example, the Archon Thanatos, and Ragnarok Force X Thor can be obtained by the player when they have purchased all the Odyssey Items. Additionally, every item purchase will grant an Odyssey Chest roll that can be claimed in the rewards center. This chest can contain god skins, ward skins, and voice packs . There is also a slim chance that the chest will grant exclusive in-game items.
Cons
Con Meta is unstable
Smite’s meta has been shifting ever since it was released. In Season 2, the Hunter class was the most powerful class in the game, giving birth to certain unique builds like the Unicorn Build. Hunter items were soon nerfed. Then the Guardian class dominated the scene. Hopefully changes will be implemented to balance overpowered classes and stabilize the metagame.
Con The third person view prevents sharing your teammates' vision
Not having an overhead view makes whatever happens to your teammates a complete mystery. Without good communication, you are running blind and might as well be playing the game solo.
In other MOBAs, communication isn't as much of a necessity. When an ally dashes in, you assume he's positioning himself for a setup. But in Smite, an ally might have dashed out in order to run away from a bigger threat. You need to communicate in Smite or your allies won't have any idea what's going on until it's too late.