Introduction

Splitgate 2, developed by 1047 Games and released on May 22, 2025, is the much-anticipated sequel to the surprise hit Splitgate: Arena Warfare, which gained traction in 2021 with its innovative portal mechanics. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, this free-to-play arena shooter blends Halo-style combat with Portal-inspired spatial tactics, introducing character classes, enhanced movement, and a controversial battle royale mode. Following a beta period starting July 2024 and a full launch after 28 months of development with a team of over 180, the game leverages Unreal Engine 5 for improved visuals, as noted by Gamereactor. However, its post-launch struggles, including a reported 96% player drop by July 2025 per Gamereactor, and a retreat to beta status, have sparked debate.

With a Metacritic score of 70 based on 10 critics, Splitgate 2 earns a "Fair" rating, with IGN’s 7/10 and Game8’s 66/100 reflecting mixed reviews. As of 02:47 PM +07 on August 25, 2025, X posts and community discussions highlight both nostalgia for the original and disappointment with the sequel’s direction, alongside news of layoffs at 1047 Games. This review explores the game’s narrative, world, gameplay, and technical execution, drawing from web sources (IGN, Game8, Shacknews) and X sentiment to assess its current state. For fans of arena shooters or those curious about its evolution, Splitgate 2 offers a competent yet flawed experience.

Narrative & Storytelling

Splitgate 2’s narrative expands on the original’s sci-fi premise, framing the action as a futuristic sport where corporate factions—Sabrask, Meridian, and Aeros—compete in portal-based combat, as detailed by IGN. The story introduces a loose backdrop of interplanetary rivalry, with players as avatars of these factions settling disputes through matches. Environmental storytelling via map details—vibrant corporate logos, abandoned arenas—hints at a deeper lore, while character classes (e.g., Sabrask’s Smart Wall) reflect faction identities, praised by XboxEra for tactical expression.

The narrative lacks a cohesive campaign, relying on pre-match briefings and post-match stats to drive progression, a design choice mirroring Halo’s multiplayer focus. This minimalism, critiqued by Game8’s 5/10 story score, frustrates players seeking depth, with the battle royale mode’s tacked-on feel adding disconnect, per Shacknews. Recent X posts, like @Retrocitysalt’s August 25 enthusiasm, suggest fans cling to the original’s charm, while @SnackCakeTheOG’s critique of abandonment highlights narrative neglect.

For arena shooter fans, the story provides a functional setting, but its thinness and lack of resolution may disappoint, making it a backdrop best enjoyed through competitive play rather than lore.

World & Environments

The world of Splitgate 2 features 15 redesigned maps, shifting from the original’s industrial aesthetic to brighter, flatter arenas with vibrant colors, as noted by IGN. Locations like Oasis (now a decorative backdrop) and new Lab creator maps offer variety, with the June 2025 update adding user-generated content, per Game8. The trade-off, however, is a loss of verticality, critiqued by Gazettely for reducing strategic depth, with maps feeling generic compared to Halo’s iconic battlefields.

Sound design enhances immersion, with impactful weapon audio and directional cues, though crowd cheering can obscure footsteps, a flaw Gamereactor aims to patch. Dynamic elements like power weapon spawns and portal interactions add life, but larger maps in Onslaught mode feel sparse, per Shacknews. The Lab’s robust tools, praised by IGN, mitigate content gaps, though quality varies.

Compared to Splitgate’s memorable layouts, Splitgate 2’s environments prioritize accessibility, appealing to newcomers but challenging veterans. X posts from @NomadCanid on August 23, 2025, note de-emphasized verticality, reflecting mixed reception. The world supports fast-paced action but lacks the original’s distinctiveness.

Gameplay Mechanics

Core Loop

The core loop involves 4v4 arena matches or 24-player Onslaught modes, with objectives like Domination or Firecracker, lasting 10-15 minutes. The goal is to outscore opponents using portals and weapons, a mechanic lauded by IGN for its tactical potential. The battle royale mode, however, extends playtime unpredictably, critiquing its pacing, per Game8.

Portal Mechanics & Movement

Portals remain central, now opened with a single button for convenience, though closing enemy portals adds strategy, praised by Gazettely. Enhanced movement—jetpacks and slides—mimics Titanfall’s fluidity, per IGN, but larger maps reduce portal impact, a Shacknews concern. The system shines in smaller maps but feels underutilized in open areas.

Character Classes & Weapons

Three classes—Aeros (mobility), Meridian (support), Meridian (defense)—offer unique abilities (e.g., Smart Wall), adding diversity, per XboxEra. Power weapons like dual machine pistols enhance rounds, but the standard arsenal’s lack of imagination, critiqued by IGN, limits loadout variety. Customization via attachments improves progression.

Progression & Modes

Progression includes faction-specific unlocks and a battle pass, balancing free-to-play, per Gazettely. Modes range from competitive 4v4 to the divisive battle royale, with no ranked play yet, a miss noted by Shacknews. Compared to Halo’s ranked system, Splitgate 2’s structure encourages casual play but lacks competitive depth. Gameplay blends portal innovation with class-based action, excelling in team play but needing refinement.

Technical Execution

Splitgate 2 leverages Unreal Engine 5 for enhanced visuals—vibrant lighting and smoother textures—though last-gen aesthetics persist, per Gamereactor. Performance is solid on next-gen consoles, with rare frame drops in battle royale, noted by Shacknews. Audio excels with weapon sounds, but crowd noise interference, a Gamereactor critique, needs patching.

Controls are responsive—aiming and portal placement feel natural—but jetpack precision lags, per IGN. Patches since June 2025 have stabilized netcode, but beta bugs like map loading issues linger, reported on Steam. Technical execution supports the shooter focus, with visuals and audio shining amid optimization needs.

Community Feedback

Splitgate 2 has a polarized community, with a 70 Metacritic score and 50% recommendation. IGN (7/10) and Game8 (66/100) praise mechanics but critique modes, while Shacknews notes fun despite flaws. X posts from @JohnNgu91565198 on August 25, 2025, celebrate the original’s preservation, but @ABigDweeb’s July 27 review calls it inferior. Steam reviews (thousands) reflect nostalgia, with 20+ hour logs.

Criticism targets the battle royale and player drop, with Gamereactor reporting a 96% decline and layoffs at 1047 Games. The community pushes for ranked play and bug fixes, sustaining interest despite setbacks. Feedback drives updates, reflecting a resilient but divided fanbase.

Final Verdict

Splitgate 2 delivers a competent arena shooter with portal innovation and class variety, appealing to team players. Its enhanced movement and visuals shine, but the battle royale misstep, repetition, and post-launch issues temper its success. As of August 2025, it’s worth a try for fans, though its future hinges on patches and ranked play.