In the world of Smite, a popular free-to-play MOBA by Hi-Rez Studios, there’s a concerning pattern emerging: players are abandoning the support role at an alarming rate, leaving many to wonder “can I get some backup here?” A recent post from user LittolGhostie sheds light on the struggles of those who remain dedicated to the support role. Ghostie points out that too many players, when they queue for support, opt for characters that don’t fill the critical tanky, crowd-control roles required for success in the late game. This trend is resulting in a high number of defeats, which has left support mains feeling disheartened, undervalued, and even deceived. The community is abuzz with varied opinions, revealing the complexity and growing controversy surrounding this issue.
Summary
- Support players feel abandoned as more teammates refuse to play traditional support roles.
- The recent changes in game mechanics have made support less appealing, contributing to the decline.
- Arguments exist within the community about whether the guardian roster is lackluster or refreshing.
- A few players are still enjoying support due to item changes but are in the minority.
The Disappearing Role of Support
In the competitive landscape of Smite, it seems increasingly challenging to avoid the impression that support roles are dwindling in number, resembling threatened species in a dense jungle. LittolGhostie’s post has struck a chord with many players who share a sentiment about the underappreciation of support responsibilities. Ghostie highlights the trend among players choosing to prioritize full damage builds on gods not intended for taking damage or controlling enemies, which is ironic given that these players are essentially rejecting the role they initially agreed to play. It’s as if they are going on a bad blind date, eagerly signing up for an experience but swiftly departing when faced with fulfilling their commitments.
Many commenters have echoed this sentiment, expressing frustration about how support players are often met with anger from the team. Several users even attribute their losses to a lack of tank during crucial moments, which logically makes sense as the role of a support is to absorb damage and shield teammates. When this role is overlooked, it can feel like being stuck in a traffic jam on the highway to victory.
Changes That Push Players Away
One commenter observes that in the latest update, support players find themselves more exposed than before, and there’s more to it – an influx of new items has significantly changed the game dynamics. The changes during season 10 have sparked intense discussions, split the gaming community, and left many experienced supports feeling dissatisfied with their role. Earlier adjustments like buffs and nerfs have influenced how players interact with their chosen gods, and some argue that certain items are no longer beneficial for traditional supports. This discontent is reflected in several players stating that Smite’s support roster feels stale and unappealing, raising the question: if the support role has grown tedious, who will be willing to take on the challenge? However, not everyone shares this sentiment; for instance, one user expressed excitement about playing support with the new additions in the game. Yet, these positive voices are rare amidst a sea of discontent, suggesting that the smaller support community might amplify the widespread concerns.
The Community’s Mixed Reactions
Numerous gamers are opting to abandon their roles as supports entirely, due to a mix of growing annoyances and a sense of inconsequentiality within the game dynamics. As one user eloquently expressed, “JackTheSoldier” voiced his departure from support, criticizing that it currently feels weaker in Smite 2, which is not promising for newcomers. The competition is intense, and many find overcoming the battlefield as a support to be an almost Herculean feat, especially with players reluctant to take required risks. AllSkillzN0Luck straightforwardly commented on the increasing contempt towards the support position, directly linking it to the changes in season ten. The prevailing sentiment among gamers seems to be shifting drastically from camaraderie and teamwork necessary for a supportive gameplay style towards dominance and glory on the battlefield instead. Each voice adds to a concerning image of a tide turning against those who prefer supporting roles.
The Way Forward for Supports
Although the community expresses significant dissatisfaction, there’s still a segment of gamers willing to accept the challenge of the support role. Some argue that maybe the solution isn’t about avoiding this role but learning to excel in it. For instance, “Dionysius00” shared that they’ve been enjoying the support role with recent game updates and find the new items invigorating. There’s a glimmer of optimism amidst the chaos, as some seek challenge and find joy within the challenges – this is the hopeful spark. Others propose that as the game dynamics change, more players might rediscover the pleasure of being the unsung hero, deriving satisfaction from less recognized roles that foster teamwork and strategic gameplay. Yet, a solitary bard performing for a sparse audience will only result in a subdued encore. To revitalize support, it requires active community involvement and possibly a reconsideration from Hi-Rez on how support is incorporated into the game in the future.
As Smite’s support roles evolve, it feels like players are journeying through a challenging terrain that might reshape or minimize these roles altogether. The success of support roles returning to prominence hinges significantly on the community embracing change, thinking creatively, and valuing the delicate balance between offensive and defensive abilities that underpins an engaging gaming experience. At this point, we can only wait and see if the support role regains its popularity among players or fades away like a forgotten bandwagon on an empty street.
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2025-05-29 08:45