Did SMITE Remove Starter Items?
SMITE, a popular free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, has undergone several changes since its release in 2014. One of the most significant changes was the removal of starter items from the game. But why did SMITE remove starter items, and what were the implications of this change? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of SMITE’s starter items, the reasons behind their removal, and the impact it had on the game.
What were starter items in SMITE?
In SMITE, starter items were a set of basic items that players could purchase using gold, the game’s in-game currency. These items provided a boost to the player’s abilities, health, and damage output. Starter items were designed to give new players a head start in the game, allowing them to learn the basics of the game without being overwhelmed by the vast array of items available.
The Problem with Starter Items
While starter items were intended to help new players, they often created a problem for more experienced players. Starter items were often considered to be too powerful for the early game, giving new players an unfair advantage over more experienced players. This led to a sense of imbalance in the game, as new players could easily steamroll over more experienced players.
The Solution: Removing Starter Items
In Season 5 of SMITE, the game’s developers, Hi-Rez Studios, decided to remove starter items from the game. This change was made to address the issues mentioned above and to promote a more balanced gameplay experience. With the removal of starter items, players would have to rely on their skills and strategy to progress in the game, rather than relying on powerful starter items.
The Impact of Removing Starter Items
The removal of starter items had a significant impact on the game. Here are some of the key effects:
- More balanced gameplay: Without starter items, the game became more balanced, as players had to rely on their skills and strategy to progress.
- Increased emphasis on item builds: With the removal of starter items, players had to focus more on building their item sets around their characters’ abilities and playstyles.
- More strategic gameplay: The removal of starter items led to more strategic gameplay, as players had to carefully plan their item builds and strategies to succeed.
- New player experience: The removal of starter items made the game more challenging for new players, as they had to learn the basics of the game without the crutch of powerful starter items.
What Replaced Starter Items?
In place of starter items, SMITE introduced a new system called "Blessings". Blessings are a set of passive abilities that players can earn by completing specific objectives, such as killing a certain number of minions or destroying enemy towers. These blessings provide a boost to the player’s abilities, health, and damage output, similar to starter items.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SMITE removed starter items in Season 5 to promote a more balanced gameplay experience and to encourage players to focus on their skills and strategy. The removal of starter items had a significant impact on the game, leading to more strategic gameplay and a greater emphasis on item builds. While the change may have been challenging for new players, it ultimately made the game more enjoyable and rewarding for experienced players.