Edited By
Tanya Melton

As 2025 moves forward, a heated debate has emerged in the gaming community over the future of the Smite franchise. Players are contemplating whether to stay loyal to Smite 1 or make the leap to its successor, Smite 2. The comment threads are buzzing with opinions and insights about the transition.
A recent influx of players has re-engaged with Smite 2, yet many still ponder if Smite 1 retains a viable player base. One player stated, "Iโm still playing 1 and thereโs plenty of us," which suggests that while some players are gravitating toward the new version, there remains a committed core in the original game.
Interestingly, not all are ready to switch. Reports indicate that while Smite 2 aims for a more frequent update cycle, the sentiment is mixed. One player noted that although Smite 2 is "getting better," they feel Smite 1 continues to have a lively community.
"The player base is dropping; it wonโt get any better," one commenter declared, highlighting a concern that looms over the future of Smite 1.
Another player echoed this, arguing that Smite 1 could "die in a year" due to lack of updates and maintenance.
Conversely, advocates for Smite 2 argue it is the future of the franchise. "Smite 2 is pretty much all you have," one player asserted, pointing out that the developers are committed to ongoing improvements. Weekly updates aim to enhance gameplay, bringing new features regularly.
"My friends and I are assault mains in 2, whatโs stopping you?" one enthusiastic player asked, signaling a push for more players to join the newer game.
โณ Active Player Base: Many still prefer Smite 1, especially in specific game modes.
โฝ Diminishing Returns: Concerns linger about the longevity of Smite 1.
โป "Smite 2 started rough, but is getting better" - a sentiment shared by several gamers.
As 2025 unfolds, the divide between fans of Smite 1 and Smite 2 continues to grow. Whether players choose to embrace the future or cling to the past, one thing is clear: the dialogue surrounding both iterations of Smite reflects a larger narrative about gaming communities adapting to change.
Looking at the current trends of player sentiment, thereโs a strong chance that Smite 2 will continue attracting more players as it rolls out regular updates and improvements. Estimates suggest that if developers maintain their commitment, Smite 2 could see an increase of around 30% in active players within the next six months. In contrast, Smite 1 may face a decline in its player base of about 20%, especially if updates remain sparse. This forecast hinges on factors such as community engagement and developersโ responses to player feedback. They'll need to balance nostalgia with innovation to keep both games thriving.
The situation unfolding with Smite players mirrors the transition of comic book fans during the shift from traditional print to digital formats. Many clung to physical comics, certain that the art form could not be replicated online; however, as webtoon platforms grew, a significant number adapted, discovering new storytelling experiences. This parallel highlights that nostalgia can often blind people to evolution, yet those willing to embrace change may uncover unexpected delights amidst the new offerings.