Get ready to dive into the mind-bending world of Splitgate 2 as its open alpha launches on Thursday, February 27, at 12 p.m. ET, offering players on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox a first taste of the explosive new multiplayer modes and massive maps before the full release later this year. Whether you’re a fan of Halo-style combat or Portal-inspired gameplay, this alpha lets you jump into 24-player battles across innovative arenas-here’s how to access it and what to expect.
If you missed the first game, Splitgate really is as close to a multiplatform Halo as it gets, right down to the burst-fire “battle rifle” being a carbon copy of Master Chief’s signature weapon. The gimmick is that you can traverse maps by creating reality-bending portals, a la Portal. This sequel further dials things up with a mode featuring three times the number of players as a traditional deathmatch (and yes, it’s playable in this alpha).
Here’s when the Splitgate 2 alpha starts in your time zone, how you can play it, and what you should expect from it.
Splitgate 2 alpha start time and schedule
The Splitgate 2 open alpha started on February 27, 2025, at 12 PM EST / 9 AM PST, and ran until March 2, 2025. The alpha test was available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, offering players a first look at the game’s new features, including 24-player Multi-Team Portal Warfare with three teams of eight players, new maps, modes, and weapons. Access was straightforward since it was an open alpha: players could download the alpha client from Steam, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Store without needing special permission, with Steam users required to request access but approved immediately. This testing phase allowed fans to experience the expanded gameplay and provide feedback ahead of the full release expected later in 2025.
The Splitgate 2 alpha begins Thursday, Feb. 27, at 12 p.m. ET. Here’s when that is in your time zone:
- 9 a.m. PST for the West Coast of North America
- 12 p.m. EST for the East Coast of North America
- 5 p.m. GMT for the U.K.
- 6 p.m. CET for West Mainland Europe
- 2 a.m. JST on Friday, Feb. 28 for Japan
- 4 a.m. AEDT on Friday, Feb. 28 for the East Coast of Australia
The alpha ends on Monday, March 3, at 12 p.m. ET, according to a social media post from developer 1047 Games.
How to access the Splitgate 2 alpha
To access the Splitgate 2 alpha, players simply need to download the alpha client from their platform’s digital storefront-Steam for PC, PlayStation Store for PS5, or Xbox Store for Xbox Series X/S. Since it is an open alpha, no special permissions or keys are required; just search for Splitgate 2 on the store and download the game once it becomes available. PC players may need to request access on Steam, but approval is immediate during the open alpha period. The alpha is free to play and supports cross-play across all platforms, allowing players to join the test easily and experience new game modes and maps before the full release.
You’ll be able to play the Splitgate 2 alpha on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X (though when the game launches in full later this year, it will also be available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One). Splitgate 2 is free-to-play and this is an open alpha, so all you need to do is download the file and hop in.
If you’re playing on Windows PC, you can see a list of the recommend minimum specs here.
What to expect from the Splitgate 2 alpha
The Splitgate 2 alpha offers players a fresh and dynamic experience with its new Multi-Team Portal Warfare mode, featuring intense 8v8v8 battles on a map that is 20 times larger than previous ones. Players can expect multiple game modes, including revamped classics like Team Deathmatch and Hotzone, as well as new modes such as Splitball and Firecracker. The alpha introduces three distinct factions-Aeros, Meridian, and Sabrask-each with unique abilities and playstyles, adding strategic depth to the gameplay. Additionally, players will have access to a variety of weapons, equipment, and power-ups across several new maps, including Glacier, Bypass, and Eden. This alpha phase is a limited-time opportunity to explore less than half of the full game’s content and provide feedback to shape the final release.
The Splitgate 2 alpha offers eight modes across six maps. Let’s break it down:
- The big addition to Splitgate 2 is a new suite of 24-player modes called “Multi-Team Portal Warfare,” where three eight-player teams compete in larger versions of Splitgate’s Domination, Deathmatch, and Hotzone modes. All of these modes are played on the Glacier map, which 1047 Games says is “20 times” the size of its standard arena maps.
- Splitgate’s traditional four-vs.-four arena modes, Hotzone and Team Deathmatch, will be playable alongside two new modes: Firecracker and Splitball. All four of these will be played on the Bypass, Eden, Frontier, Ozone, and Zenith maps.
- There are three playable factions in the Splitgate 2 alpha: Aeros, Meridian, and Sabrask. Each faction comes with five primary weapons and three secondary weapons. In addition, four power weapons will be available in the alpha. Bring on the rockets!
As of this writing, no original Splitgate cosmetics, nor in-game currency, will carry over to the sequel.
What time does the Splitgate 2 alpha officially start across different regions
The Splitgate 2 alpha officially starts on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the following times across different regions:
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9 a.m. PST (West Coast North America)
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12 p.m. EST (East Coast North America)
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5 p.m. GMT (United Kingdom)
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6 p.m. CET (Western Europe)
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2 a.m. JST on Friday, February 28 (Japan)
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Early morning on February 28 AEDT (Eastern Australia)
This alpha phase will run until Monday, March 3, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET.
What is the official start time of the Splitgate 2 alpha in different regions
The official start time of the Splitgate 2 alpha on Thursday, February 27, 2025, is as follows across different regions:
-
9 a.m. PST (West Coast North America)
-
12 p.m. EST (East Coast North America)
-
5 p.m. GMT (United Kingdom)
-
6 p.m. CET (Western Europe)
-
2 a.m. JST on Friday, February 28 (Japan)
-
Early morning on February 28 AEDT (Eastern Australia)
The alpha will run until Monday, March 3, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET.
