Xbox Game Passhas a lot of different offers for August 2025, butSplitgate 2might be among its more controversial deals. This sci-fi FPS has gained plenty of notoriety since its launch, famously going back into beta only a month or two after its official release. However, this game’s existence on Game Pass still provides players with an opportunity to experience an innovative title in the FPS genre.

Despite a unique portal system and fast-paced FPS gameplay,Splitgate 2is far from ahidden gem in Xbox Game Passin its current state. As of this time of writing,the developers behind the game have announced a return to its Beta status, returning to a place of refinement to launch a new product sometime in 2026.

splitgate portal art

Splitgate 2 Is Free On Xbox Game Pass

Arena Shooter Sequel With Freeform Portals Is Available For No Cost

Those who own Xbox Game Pass can downloadSplitgate 2for free, gaining access to all of its modes and progression systems as well. Despite the regression of the game into its Beta again,there are still active servers with every bit of launch contentfor players to explore.

TheSplitgateseries is known forcombat similar to theHalogames, using sci-fi action to craft an FPS defined by a variety of match types. Players can go head-to-head in teams of 4 during standard game modes, or have much larger, chaotic matches that can host up to 24 different combatants.

splitgate-2-key-art.jpg

The defining feature ofSplitgateandSplitgate 2is howplayers can create portals to traverse maps, lay traps for enemies, and creatively approach FPS matches. You can have your character travel from one side of a map to another quickly through a portal, or use it to create an opening to shoot an enemy from afar. With how much freedom portals give you, the gameplay ofSplitgate 2can feel far more innovative than other FPS titles.

Multiple Controversies Have Led To Many Frustrations

Many different controversies have dampened the appeal ofSplitgate 2, even before its official launch. The most infamous example comes from when the CEO ofSplitgate 2’s dev team wore ared"Make FPS Great Again"hat, placing the game in a negative light from its marketing almost immediately.

From there,multiple complaints leveled against the game gained more merit, such as the toned-down portal gameplay compared to the originalSplitgate. The original title’s matchmaking systems, mode variety, and general FPS gameplay seem more refined at times compared to its sequel, a fact I’ve seen reflected in many fans who stuck with the series when it debuted.

splitgate-2-press-image-1.jpg

Many performance issues have been apparent inSplitgate 2since its launch, with multiple platforms detecting frame drops, stuttering, and even occassioinal crashes on certain systems.

The portal mechanics do makeSplitgateamong themore innovative first-person shooter titles, but the amount of issues it’s had makes it hardly worth spending money on it in its current state. However, while it remains in Beta, now is a perfect time to trySplitgate 2onXbox Game Passfor free and enjoy the unique gameplay that made the series unique.

splitgate-2-press-image-2.jpg

splitgate-2-press-image-3.jpg

splitgate-2-press-image-4.jpg

splitgate-2-press-image-5.jpg

splitgate-2-press-image-6.jpg