SMITE Patch introduces new SIEGE mode and the Egyptian God Osiris

While MOBAs have typically taken the "less is more approach" when it comes to map design, favoring one static map and an equally recognizable mode, Hi-Rez Studios has continued to take the "more is actually more" line of thinking and has released yet another new mode for their gods against gods MOBA SMITE. The new mode is the highlight of SMITE's latest patch which also introduces a player ranking system, balance updates and the playable god Osiris.

Known as SIEGE, the new mode combines several familiar mechanics from SMITE with a few new ones to create a more aggressive laning experience. Thanks to a new Siege minion, -which each team of 5 can earn after collecting 100 points- players will find pushing objectives to be a breeze. Points for spawning a Siege minion can be earned by killing enemy minions, other players, or any of the jungle camps found within the centralized jungle set between the map's two lanes.

In a twist, jungle creeps are worth significantly more points than even a player kill. A special jungle camp found in the middle of the map houses a mob called the Silver Fury which will immediately spawn a siege minion once killed. To keep the momentum going, players may teleport to an active siege minion to quickly return to the frontlines. It's important to note Siege is still in an early beta state and players should expect changes to both its aesthetic and mechanical design over time.

SMITE now also features a new League System similar to that which is found in LoL. Players may advance from Bronze all the way through Diamond and up to the Masters tier where only the top 2% of SMITE players reside. Players may advance to each new rank by earning 100 tribute points which reset every two months, yielding rewards but not affecting player rank.

More information regarding all the changes to SMITE introduced in the latest patch can be found in the official notes here.