New Smite Patch Introduces a Training Map, Weakens Its Newest Character

Smite today received its latest patch in the form of the Celestial Wedding update. Along with some new skins and voice packs (which represent the wedding aspect of things) and the usual balancing adjustments, Hi-Rez Studios has introduced a new training map to ease players into the game.

The studio describes this new map as "the first step towards improving our new player experience within Smite." Like with other MOBAs, the learning curve can be steep in Smite, and its existing features for teaching newcomers the ropes have been lacking. The training map offers a series of single-player matches comprised of modes that you could already access independently: Joust, an Arena tutorial, and a practice Arena. Joust is Smite's 3-on-3 mode, while Arena is essentially team deathmatch where you also attempt to escort computer-controlled minions into the enemy's base.

Those who complete these matches will earn bonus experience and favor (one of the two in-game currencies). The specific selection of matches included in the training map could change in the future as Hi-Rez "continue[s] to tweak and improve the new player experience."

Another of the game's practice modes, Jungle practice, has been updated. In addition to visual changes, players can now reset their abilities, buy and sell items from anywhere on the map (instead of just at the spawn area), and test out attacks on invincible Odin target dummies.

As far as character changes, this patch primarily fixes various issues. The one exception is with Khepri, the most recent addition to the game. Hi-Rez has found him to be too powerful but want to be careful in adjusting him. "He is a character that focuses on protecting allies, but was slightly too potent as well as had other strengths," the patch notes state. "We chose to reduce some of his ability to protect, while focusing more on lowering some of his durability and damage."

One other change of note is to the refer-a-friend rewards. Bonuses for playing with someone you've referred to the game will now be earned sooner--you'll get 200 gems after 15 hours (rather than 20), and another 200 after 20 hours (rather than 30). Additionally, the Triumph & Agni skin will be handed out after playing together for 10 hours (down from 30).

You can check out the full patch notes on Smite's website. Assuming the usual time table is followed, Xbox One players can expect this patch out sometime in September. With that version of the game about to officially launch tomorrow, last month's update adding Khepri should be out soon.