Smite Dev Reveals a Strategy Spinoff, Smite Tactics; Closed Beta Signups Now Live

With Smite and Paladins continuing to be developed, Hi-Rez Studios has announced its next project: Smite Tactics.

As you might be able to glean from the name, this is a turn-based strategy game set in the same universe as Smite. You'll play with many of the same characters from that game, which is to say, you'll be taking control of gods and other figures from various mythologies.

Details are a bit light at the moment, but you'll be able to compete in one-on-one matches against other players or play through "various adventure modes" against AI-controlled foes. You'll assemble a deck of cards that dictates what units you have available before getting into the real action, which plays out on a grid. A mixture of gods and minions are sent onto the battlefield to square against enemy units.

Gods each have three unique abilities. That could mean they won't also have their Ultimates from Smite--assuming their abilities are the same in the first place. Based on the brief video above, we can see Ymir still has his Frost Breath ability.

"We've always wanted to expand the Smite universe," said lead designer Scott Lussier. "Smite has millions of fans worldwide, and with Smite Tactics, players will get to experience mythological warfare from a whole new perspective, overseeing battles as their favorite gods and goddesses while wielding their signature abilities.”

Platforms were not announced for Tactics. It's definitely coming to PC, as Hi-Rez says the game is optimized for play with a keyboard and mouse or a controller. The latter leaves the door open to console versions. Following its launch on PC, Smite was eventually ported to Xbox One and then PS4. Paladins is also set to be available on all three platforms.

Tactics wasn't given a release date, but it will debut with a closed beta later this year. You can sign up for that now at the game's official website.