Heroes of Newerth vs Smite
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Heroes of Newerth (HoN) is a free‑to‑play multiplayer online battle arena that launched in 2010 for Linux, PC, and Mac. It offers a roster of over 70 heroes, each with unique abilities, and pits two teams of five against each other in intense, objective‑focused matches. The game emphasizes high skill ceilings, fast respawns, and a competitive ladder, catering to both casual pick‑up games and serious esports competition. Its community‑driven updates keep the meta fresh and the experience engaging.
Smite drops players into a third‑person arena where they control mythological deities, each with unique abilities and playstyles. The game blends action, strategy, and fantasy, letting you move with WASD keys and unleash god‑like powers in real time. Available on PlayStation 4, PC, Mac, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, Smite offers both competitive ranked matches and casual co‑op modes. Its free‑to‑play model provides a deep roster of gods and regular updates, making it a staple for both casual gamers and esports enthusiasts.
- High skill ceiling rewards mastery
- Cross‑platform support includes Linux
- Robust competitive ladder and ranking system
- Active community with regular updates
- Free‑to‑play with a large roster of gods
- Third‑person perspective offers immersive combat
- Cross‑platform availability on major consoles and PC
- Active community and regular content updates
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Microtransactions limited to cosmetics only
- Occasional matchmaking imbalances
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Matchmaking can be inconsistent in lower ranks
- Performance varies on older hardware
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Heroes of Newerth
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A fast‑paced fantasy MOBA that pits mythic heroes against each other in epic battles
An innovative hybrid of first-person shooter and real-time strategy gameplay set in a fantasy sci-fi world.
Alternatives to Smite
View all →A fast‑paced, skill‑driven MOBA that blends hack‑and‑slash action with strategic depth
A fast‑paced fantasy MOBA that pits mythic heroes against each other in epic battles
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSmite offers broader platform support and a higher critic score, while Heroes of Newerth provides Linux compatibility and a more traditional MOBA ladder.
Key differences
- •Platform range: Smite runs on consoles and PC/Mac; Heroes of Newerth runs on PC (Linux, Windows, macOS) only.
- •Critic reception: Smite 78/100 vs. Heroes of Newerth 71/100.
- •Multiplayer scope: Smite is 5v5 MOBA; Heroes of Newerth adds MMO‑style co‑op modes.
- •Cross‑play: Smite supports cross‑play across all listed platforms; Heroes of Newerth does not mention cross‑play.
- •Mod support: Only Heroes of Newerth explicitly mentions community modding tools.
Gameplay & fun factor
Smite’s third‑person perspective and 5v5 battles are highlighted as immersive, whereas Heroes of Newerth focuses on hack‑and‑slash MOBA.
Platform availability
Smite runs on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, and Mac with cross‑play; Heroes of Newerth is PC‑only.
Price & value
Both are freemium with cosmetic‑only microtransactions and no pay‑to‑win elements.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Heroes of Newerth lists MMO‑style co‑op and spectator mode, offering broader multiplayer experiences.
Content & replayability
Smite receives regular new gods, skins, and seasonal events; Heroes of Newerth mentions regular balance patches but fewer content types.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both note a steep learning curve for new players.
Graphics & performance
Smite runs on consoles and newer hardware; performance on older hardware is noted as variable, but no comparable data for Heroes of Newerth.
Choose Heroes of Newerth if…
PC‑only gamers who value Linux support, modding, and MMO‑style co‑op modes.
Choose Smite if…
Players who want console play, cross‑play, and a larger, regularly updated god roster.
Common questions
Can I play Smite on my Linux PC?
Not specified; Smite lists PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, and Mac, but no Linux support.
Do either game force me to buy power‑up items to win?
Both are freemium with cosmetic‑only microtransactions and no pay‑to‑win elements.
Which game has a higher critic rating?
Smite has a critic score of 78/100, while Heroes of Newerth scores 71/100.