Introduction
The MOBA community is buzzing with excitement following the launch of the highly anticipated Smite 2. Building on the legacy of the original Smite, which introduced third-person perspective gameplay to the MOBA genre on PC and consoles, Smite 2 elevates the experience with enhanced visuals, refined gameplay mechanics, and reworked abilities for its roster of gods. This sequel allows players to embody legendary figures from various mythologies, each fitting into distinct roles such as Mage, Tank, Support, and Solo. For newcomers eager to dive into the action, it’s essential to take a moment to familiarize themselves with the starting lineup of gods available in the game. As with any MOBA, the learning curve can be steep—especially for those new to the franchise. Here’s a guide to some of the best gods for beginners in Smite 2, even if they’ve never played the original.
1. Anhur (A Perfect Starting Ranged Option)
Anhur is a member of the Egyptian pantheon. He is known as the God of Battle. He takes the shape of a man with a lion's head, wielding a mighty spear. Anhur is a Carry character in Smite 2 and can perform admirably in the duo or mid-lane.
Anhur is a great first pick for newcomers to the franchise as he has a clear-cut focus on how he engages in combat. Players will want to be at a reasonable distance and poke with his Impale skill shot and basic attacks after slowing targets with his Shifting Sands ability. In team fights, Anhur's style of play doesn't change much; he should focus on the weak links of the enemy team during fights and be ready to use his leap to disengage when needed.
See more: Smite 2: Anhur Build Guide

















2. Neith (A Tool For Every Occasion)
Neith is another Hunter, or Carry, from the Egyptian pantheon and one of the most played gods in her class in the original game. Neith has an incredibly well-put-together kit that makes falling into her role a piece of cake.
Armed with a large bow, Neith combines basic attacks, skill shots, and traps that quickly set up massive damage. Neith's Unravel and Spirit Arrow are great tools to overwhelm targets when paired with her core passive, Weaves. Weaves provide extra lethality when detonated by her primary abilities, causing them to root enemies and heal Neith. Detonations excel at bullying rival players out of lane early on and increasing Neith's sustain.
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3. Kukulkan (A Great Pick For Ranged, Aggressive, Or Passive Play)
For players who enjoy ranged play but gravitate more toward the mages and casters, Kukulkan is an excellent pick. Players who like to keep a significant bit of distance between them and danger while filling that space with high-damaging abilities will feel right at home. Kukulan is a god from the Mayan pantheon and utilizes wind elemental abilities that debuff targets and cause high DOT.
Excelling in Mid Lane, players can use Kukulan's Whirlwind ability for both harassing the enemy players and minion clear to stay ahead while farming gold. Kukulan is also great for sniping low-health enemies and causing chaos for the enemy team with his ultimate ability.
See more: Smite 2: Kukulkan Build Guide

















4. Zeus (High Damage, Low Skill Ceiling)
Zeus is the father of the gods, a member of the Greek pantheon, and is also known as the God of Thunder and Lighting. Zeus was a common pick for new and veteran players in the previous game, and is a great option for Smite 2 for his ease of play and massive damage potential.
Zeus has changed a fair amount from the previous game, focusing more on basic attacks as a whole while using Chain Lighting to slow and build static Charges on targets. When stacking Charges, players can deal significant damage with Zeus' Detonate skill, possibly clearing multiple threats off the board in the blink of an eye. Zeus' ease of play provides a fair shot for new players to feel comfortable just starting out.
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5. Ares (Easy To Learn)
res is one of the most famous gods in the video game community. He belongs to the Greek pantheon, like Zeus, and he is also the God of War. Ares belongs to the Tank or Support role in Smite 2, and is a great companion to Hunter Gods or a meat shield for the entire team.
Ares is one of Smite's most picked (or most banned) gods, and has already become a common appearance during games in Smite 2. Ares can be the deciding factor in team fights and be the core momentum carrier for smaller teams as well. While hindering enemy movement and buffing ally resistances, Ares can also force a fight with his Ultimate by dragging enemies into a chosen location, setting them up for ally abilities.
See more: Smite 2: Ares Build Guide

















Conclusion
In conclusion, Smite 2 offers an exciting and improved take on the MOBA genre, making it a thrilling experience for both new and returning players. While the game’s depth and mechanics may seem daunting at first, choosing the right starting gods can make the journey far more enjoyable and rewarding. By taking the time to explore the beginner-friendly options, players can build a strong foundation and fully immerse themselves in the epic battles of mythological proportions that Smite 2 has to offer.