The Splitgate 2 alpha lets you play the next iteration of Halo with Portals for a brief period before its release later in 2025.
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 alpha begins Thursday, Feb. 27, at 12 p.m. ET. Here’s when that is in your time zone:
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
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 eight modes across six maps. Let’s break it down:
As of this writing, no original Splitgate cosmetics, nor in-game currency, will carry over to the sequel.
That said, 1047 Games acknowledge in a statement on its website that it’s looking for ways to reward original Splitgate players in Splitgate 2 when it launches in full later this year. And the Haunt Cadence weapon skin (shown above) will be available as a Twitch drop during the during of the alpha.
