Splitgate 2, the sequel to the 2019 free-to-play arena shooter where you could place portals to zip around the map and get the drop on opponents, is officially ready for players. While the official release is scheduled for sometime later this year, developer 1047 Games has opened its doors early with an open beta, which kicked off on May 22.

Available to everyone, the Splitgate 2 open beta grants access to three main modes, including the new 24-player Onslaught and the return of fan favorite Takedown, as well as two additional rotating modes. You can see some of the sequel's additions first-hand, from the new class system to bigger maps, or try tinkering with The Lab, Splitgate 2's official map creator. You can read more about Splitgate 2's changes and additions in our interview with Ian Proulx, CEO and co-founder of 1047 games.

Better yet, you can dive right in. The open beta will be available until Splitgate 2's official launch, so if you're looking for portal-placing strategies, the best starting class, and more, check out our guide below.

 

Portals can turn chases on their heads

Portals have a plethora of uses in Splitgate 2. They can become windows to flank and surprise enemies from the opposite corner of a map, or shortcuts ripe for quick escapades.

In our experience, they're particularly perfect for turning chases around. Whenever an enemy is following you, drop your first portal on a nearby wall. Then place your second one as soon as you get the chance and run on through. This will take you back to that first portal, positioning you right behind your enemy for a counterattack. It's an easy strategy that never gets old, and a great way of practicing speed and quick reflexes around portals.

 

Remember to use the slide

Splitgate 2 takes a cue from modern shooters such as Apex Legends by introducing a sliding mechanic. In short, whenever you're sprinting and press the crouch button, you'll slide along the ground instead. While this is presented during Splitgate 2's initial tutorial, most people seem to ignore it in favor of trying to use portals or just straight up jumping.

That said, sliding is an underappreciated mechanic that pairs well with Splitgate 2's fast-paced nature. It gives you quite a bit of momentum forward, leaves you less exposed to headshots from afar, and can confuse players who aren't that well acquainted with the mechanic. Sure, portals can lead to a significant advantage, but don't neglect your character's movement capabilities—use them in tandem with the tools at hand.

 

Team traits are vital for your squad

Picking a class is ultimately an individual action, but it does have ramifications that can affect both you and your teammates in Splitgate 2. Each class has its own gear and signature ability, but there are also passive bonuses that extend to your squadmates. These are as follows:

• Wellness: The Meridian class grants faster health regeneration for you and your teammates.
• Taskmaster: The Aeros class grants faster ability cooldown for you and your teammates.
• Fortitude: The Sabrask class makes equipment (such as grenades and proximity mines) recharge faster for you and your teammates.

With only three classes in Splitgate 2's open beta, you're bound to see players doubling up on at least one of them. Try to fill in any missing team traits by choosing the corresponding class when possible. While ability and strategy are important for any match, so is having all passive bonuses active from the get-go.

 

Meridian is a great starting class

While team composition is important in Splitgate 2, Meridian is a strong contender for the best all-around class at the moment.

The Hypersight ability briefly reveals enemies through walls for both you and your teammates, which is crucial during intense moments in a match. If your squad is in a vulnerable spot, this ability will grant much-needed spatial awareness. Hypersight comes in particularly handy in modes where you have to capture and defend certain spots around the map. It's worth noting that the opposing team will be alerted when a radar goes off, which may lead them to slow down an otherwise aggressive push.

The Meridian's passive Wellness ability deserves a shoutout as well. Even if you're in the midst of a confrontation with the opposing team, gaining some breathing room with a quick sprint or portal will be enough to activate the ability, healing you in a matter of seconds.

In terms of loadout, the Synapse assault rifle has a speedy fire rate, as well as a 40-round mag. It's great for attacking foes at a distance, and the mag size will guarantee a kill often if you play your cards right while aiming. If you're looking for a slower, yet punchier option, the Hyperline carbine makes for an excellent long-range powerhouse. These options pair up nicely with the Time Dome equipment, which creates a dome in which time is sped up for teammates and slowed down for enemies.

 

Block enemy portals when you can

You're free to place portals anywhere, and the same applies to foes. One potentially problematic side effect is that, once placed, anyone can use a portal, meaning enemies can potentially follow you to different areas of the map and pop out for a surprise attack.

You can sometimes counter this by placing a portal on top of an enemy's. This is something that you should do often, as it's basically equivalent to closing a door behind you. If an enemy is relying on that second portal to make a quick escape or flank your team, this defensive action will immediately interrupt their plans.

 

Don't forget to check out community creations

The Lab is already fostering an array of community-made maps and modes. Accessed from the playlist selection menu, you can browse all available creations, learn more information, and create game sessions. Alternatively, you can opt to join custom games directly, selecting from a list of ongoing matches.

If you're looking for something different that still feels very much like Splitgate 2, there are 1-versus-1 arenas, airborne maps where the structures are floating up in the skies, parkour challenges, and more to try out.

Splitgate 2's open beta is available now on the Epic Games Store—and will remain available until the official launch later this year, if you want to get a head-start on the competition.