Summary
- Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 offers a grim-dark setting with intense violence, gore, and brutality throughout its story and gameplay.
- Space Marine 2 features substantial 3-player co-op modes, allowing players to complete missions together and customize their classes and equipment.
- The game includes a suite of PvP modes for intense Space Marine vs. Chaos Marine battles in various scenarios, ensuring engaging multiplayer experiences.
There have been a ton of Warhammer 40,000 video games over the last few decades, and though there have fittingly been plenty of misses, there have also been quite a few hits, with Dawn of War, Mechanicus, and Darktide being some of the best examples. But it's been quite a while since Warhammer 40K fans have been treated to a genuinely excellent video game adaptation, and even longer since one has managed to break into the mainstream. Though Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 could be about to change all that.
Released all the way back in 2011, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is still widely regarded as one of the best 40K games out there, letting players take control of a titular Sci-Fi super-soldier as they mow their way through hordes of Orks and other iconic foes in a brutal third-person action game. After a lengthy wait, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is finally set to hit store shelves on September 9 2024, and it already seems the wait will have been worth it.
Is Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 a Dark Horse for Game of the Year?
The recent gameplay trailer for Space Marine 2 revealed a compelling storyline, a plethora of customization options, a co-op mode and a competitive PvP mode. Given it will appeal to single and multiplayer audiences and it impresses with its visual quality, I wouldn't rule this one out as a contender for Game of the Year or, at the very least, a nominee for Action Game of the Year.
Every Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Gameplay Feature Confirmed So Far
A Suitably Grim-Dark Setting
Set around 100 years after the events of the first game, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 will see players once again take control of Titus, a member of the Ultramarines chapter of the galaxy-spanning Imperium. As a Space Marine, Titus has a bevy of superhuman abilities at his disposal, including enhanced strength, speed, and intelligence. Demoted back down to Lieutenant, Titus needs to prove his worth once again, this time by mowing down hordes of bug-like Tyranids across a variety of planets.
Just a few planets have been revealed for Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 so far, but each one is suitably steeped in grimdark influences, from the jungle world of Kadaku to the planet-wide metropolis of Avarax. Between missions, players will return to the Battle Barge, an orbiting HQ that allows them to customize equipment and choose their next assignment. From what fans have seen so far, Space Marine 2 is fully embracing the franchise's more violent nature, with tons of gore and brutality throughout its story and gameplay.
Substantial Three-Player Co-Op Modes
While its full-length campaign will be the primary draw for returning Space Marine fans, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 will have a bevy of alternate modes packaged in at launch, several of which can be played in 3-player co-op. According to the game's pre-release marketing, the entirety of Space Marine 2's campaign can be played in 3-player co-op, with the first player taking on the role of Titus, and the second and third players taking on the roles of Titus' brothers-in-arms Chairon and Gadriel.
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 will also feature an entire co-op mode of its own called "Operations". Space Marine 2's Operations mode will allow up to three players to complete a series of unique missions across the galaxy. Unlike the main campaign, Operations will see players select one of six different classes, each coming with their own set of unique weapons and abilities. Players will be rewarded for finishing missions with new skills for their class and cosmetic upgrades.
A Suite of PvP Options
On top of its co-op modes, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 will also feature a dedicated PvP mode. Named "Eternal War," this PvP mode lets one team of six Space Marines battle it out with one team of six Chaos Marines in a variety of different multiplayer scenarios. So far, three modes have been confirmed for Eternal War, including Annihilation, Capture and Control, and Seize Ground.
Intense Swarm Technology
A key highlight of Space Marine 2's pre-release marketing has been its innovative "Swarm Technology" which allows hundreds of enemies to appear on-screen simultaneously. This Swarm Technology perfectly fits an enemy as ferocious and overwhelming as the Tyranids, and players will undoubtedly have a great time cleaving their way through hordes of insectoid foes.
A Full Arsenal of Classic 40K Weapons
Across its campaign, Operations, and Eternal War modes, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 will give fans a vast array of iconic weaponry ripped right out of the tabletop wargame. From classic Bolters and Chainswords to Thunder Hammers and Melters, Space Marine 2 will give fans plenty of effective tools for the job.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II
- Released
- September 9, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Your Craft is Death.
Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine, the greatest of the Emperor’s warriors. Hold at bay the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles on far-flung planets with your deadly abilities and devastating weaponry. Uncover dark secrets to drive back the everlasting night and prove your ultimate loyalty to humanity.
Crush the Tyranid swarms. Defend humanity.
Purge the relentless Tyranid swarms as legendary Space Marine Titus in a spectacular new campaign. Play solo or with up to 2 friends in 3 player co-op.
Enjoy intense, gory and fast-paced third-person action with hundreds of enemies on screen, from the creators of blockbuster co-op shooter World War Z.
Defend the Imperium as your own Space Marine in an endlessly brutal and replayable PvE missions up to 3 players featuring 6 classes, unlocking new skills and cosmetics.
Wage eternal war on your enemies in ferocious 6v6 PvP matches and bring glory to your faction!
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
- Developer(s)
- Saber Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- Focus Entertainment
- Engine
- Swarm Engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Warhammer 40K
- Number of Players
- 1-6
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Hack and Slash
