League of Legends vs. Smite 2: Which MOBA is Better?
The battle between MOBAs has raged on for years, with League of Legends (LoL) standing as the undisputed king of the genre. But Smite carved out its own niche with a unique third-person perspective, setting itself apart from traditional top-down MOBAs. Now, with the arrival of Smite 2, the competition is heating up once again. But how does it compare to League of Legends, and which one should you play? Let’s break it down.
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Top-Down vs. Third-Person ViewThe most striking difference between these two games is the camera perspective. League of Legends sticks to a classic top-down view, offering a strategic battlefield overview reminiscent of RTS games. This design allows for better map awareness, precise positioning, and split-second decision-making in chaotic team fights. |
Meanwhile, Smite 2 keeps its signature third-person perspective, giving players a more immersive, action-heavy experience. This change makes skill shots far more significant, as aiming is manual rather than click-based. The over-the-shoulder view creates intense, moment-to-moment combat but also limits situational awareness, making ganks more punishing.
Champion Roster and Character Variety
When it comes to champion selection, LoL is miles ahead. With nearly 170 champions, League of Legends offers an unparalleled variety of playstyles, from high-damage assassins to resilient tanks. Riot Games continues to introduce innovative mechanics, ensuring the meta remains fresh.
Smite 2, on the other hand, launches with only 50 playable gods. While the roster will expand as it integrates characters from the original Smite, its lineup remains significantly smaller than LoL’s. Additionally, most of Smite 2’s gods are carryovers from the first game, limiting the sense of novelty.
Farming and Gold Economy: Skill vs. StrategyBoth games rely on farming minions for gold, but the mechanics differ. League of Legends rewards gold only when players land the final hit (or “last hit”) on a minion. This makes farming a highly technical skill that separates good players from great ones. Creep score (CS) is crucial for boosting a player’s rank, and mastering last-hitting is an essential skill. |
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In contrast, Smite 2 takes a more forgiving approach. Gold is awarded simply by being near a slain minion, with last hits providing only a small bonus. This system makes wave-clearing a more efficient strategy, shifting the focus from farming mechanics to aggressive lane pressure.
Esports Competitive Scene
There’s no contest here—League of Legends dominates the esports world. Riot Games hosts massive tournaments, including the prestigious World Championship, drawing millions of viewers and offering multi-million-dollar prize pools. The competitive ladder is fierce, with a vast player base constantly striving to climb the ranks.
Smite 2, however, faces an uphill battle in esports. The original Smite never gained widespread traction in competitive gaming, and with Smite 2’s smaller player base, its esports potential remains uncertain. While it has a dedicated community, the third-person perspective makes it less spectator-friendly compared to LoL’s top-down view.
Monetization and Progression Systems
One of LoL’s more controversial aspects is its rune system. While runes provide minor stat boosts, unlocking and optimizing rune pages can be costly, especially for new players who don’t want to spend money. Though not a pay-to-win mechanic, it does add an unnecessary barrier for competitive newcomers.
Smite 2 avoids this issue entirely. While it features a progression system similar to LoL’s mastery system, it does not have an equivalent to runes, keeping the playing field more balanced from the start.
Community and Player Base
With millions of players worldwide, League of Legends offers a deep and diverse matchmaking pool, ensuring you’ll always find opponents at your skill level. However, the competitive nature of the game also leads to a more intense—and sometimes toxic—player environment.
On the flip side, Smite 2 has a smaller but tight-knit community. The lower player count could mean longer queue times at higher ranks, but it also fosters better communication between players and developers, potentially leading to more responsive balance changes.
Is Smite 2 Better than LoL?
Ultimately, choosing between League of Legends and Smite 2 comes down to what kind of experience you prefer:
- If you enjoy deep strategy, precise farming mechanics, and a thriving esports scene, LoL is the clear winner.
- If you prefer fast-paced action, skill-shot-heavy combat, and a more casual community, Smite 2 might be a better fit.
While Smite 2 makes some smart gameplay tweaks and refines its predecessor’s formula, League of Legends still offers the more comprehensive experience. Whether you’re looking to boost your rank in LoL or enjoy a fresh take on MOBA combat in Smite 2, both games bring something unique to the table.
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