Splitgate 2's gameplay is now available, and adding classes does change everything.

Splitgate 2 gameplay is a first look that shows how the idea of a portal-based arena shooter is still as interesting and wild as it was when we first saw this concept. The 4.5-minute gameplay reveal features several streamers who discuss Splitgate 2's combat system, what makes it different from the original Splitgate and its three new classes, called factions.

They are most impressed by the new features of Splitgate 2, especially the introduction of factions. Splitgate 2 is a Call of Duty clone, with classes and loadouts. The original Splitgate was a Halo-style game with weapons on the map. Streamers have also praised the faster-paced gameplay, which includes a new sliding mechanism that intensifies firefights. They also highlight the new variety of matches, with abilities like a deployable stim and self-boosting stim.

Splitgate now offers three factions, each representing a different character class. Aeros are "fast and agile portal masters", who focus on constant movement. Meridian are "healers" and "spotters" who focus on the support role, with abilities such as shield domes and scans. Sabrask are "defenders and fraggers" who emphasize sustainability and heavy-hitting weapon variety from behind an impermeable-to-bullets wall--tough point holders who don't rely as much on portals to succeed.

The original Splitgate: Arena Warfare was a big hit in 2019, but it faded in the years that followed. It only regained its popularity (and dropped the subtitle) when players realized that it had been a lot of fun and were so flooded that the developers couldn't keep the servers running. It shut down development in 2022 to allow the developers to create what we know as Splitgate 2.

When Splitgate 2 was first announced earlier this year, the developers made a lot of big promises about what they thought it could be.

This is a revolutionary leap forward for competitive shooters. It's a great entry point for new Splitgate players and an upgrade that is worthy of our existing community, said 1047 Games CEO Ian Proulx.

Splitgate 2 is available on the Epic Store and Steam store pages.