The popular portal-based first-person shooter is back with an ambitious sequel as 1047 Games opens up Splitgate 2 for public testing. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, this new alpha test introduces expanded gameplay options including massive multi-team battles that push the boundaries of the portal-shooting formula.
Open Alpha Now Available Across Multiple Platforms
The Splitgate 2 open alpha has officially gone live, allowing players on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S to experience the upcoming free-to-play FPS sequel. This marks the first time the game has been made available to a wide audience following last year's closed alpha test. With crossplay enabled across all platforms, friends can team up regardless of their preferred gaming system. The alpha will run until Monday, March 3, giving players a limited window to experience the new features and provide feedback.
Splitgate 2 Open Alpha Details
- Duration: February 27 - March 3, 2025 (ends at 9am PST/12pm EST/5pm GMT)
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S with crossplay enabled
- 4v4 Arena Modes: Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hotzone, Spitball, Firecracker
- New 8v8v8 Multi-Team Modes: Domination and Hotzone on Glacier map
- Total Weapons: 24 base weapons across three classes
- New Maps: Bypass and Eden for arena modes, Glacier for multi-team modes
Classic Arena Combat Returns With Improvements
The alpha features five different 4v4 arena modes, including Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hotzone, Spitball, and Firecracker. Players can battle across an expanded map pool that includes two new battlegrounds called Bypass and Eden. Based on community feedback from previous tests, 1047 Games has made significant adjustments to the core gameplay, including shorter respawn times and longer rounds to increase the action. Additionally, maps now feature more portal surfaces, addressing concerns that the previous test felt too much like a conventional shooter with occasional portal use.
New Multi-Team Portal Warfare Modes
The standout addition to this alpha is the introduction of Multi-Team Portal Warfare, featuring massive 8v8v8 battles. These 24-player matches take place on Glacier, a map that developers claim is approximately 20 times larger than standard arena maps. The multi-team modes draw inspiration from Halo's Big Team Battle and The Finals' multi-team structure, creating what 1047 Games CEO Ian Proulx describes as tons of chaos that takes portal play to the next level. For the alpha, players can experience scaled-up versions of Domination and Hotzone in this new format.
Key Improvements Since Previous Alpha
- Shorter respawn times
- Longer rounds
- More portal walls on existing maps
- New "Launch Portal" feature (combination of portal wall and launch pad)
- Maps approximately 20 times larger for multi-team modes
Expanded Arsenal and Unique Game Modes
The alpha introduces an expanded arsenal with 24 base weapons spread across three classes, giving players more options for their loadouts. Some maps and modes will also feature power weapon pickups, including the return of the iconic BFB (Big F***ing Bat) melee weapon from the original Splitgate. Unique game modes like Hotzone introduce strategic elements, where teams must capture two hills to win a round, with respawn timers that increase as the round progresses but can be reduced when teammates secure kills.
Just The Beginning
According to 1047 Games, the content available in the open alpha represents less than half of what will be included in the final release. The studio has revealed that they have two other major components planned for the game that will be announced in the near future. With the arena modes and Multi-Team Portal Warfare representing just two of four major planned features, Splitgate 2 appears to be significantly more ambitious in scope than its predecessor.
The Splitgate 2 open alpha serves as both a technical test and a showcase of the game's evolution, addressing community feedback while expanding the unique portal-based gameplay that made the original a standout in the crowded FPS market.