As a long-time Warhammer 40,000 fan and a self-proclaimed fanboy of the grimdark universe, I’ve been eagerly awaiting Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. After spending several hours diving into both the single-player and multiplayer modes, I can confidently say this game ticks all the boxes for what I love about the Warhammer 40K franchise—gore, absurd violence, and religious fanaticism. Whether you're a veteran of the lore or new to the world of 40K, this game brings the brutality and richness of the universe to life in spectacular fashion.
A Return to the Grimdark Future
Developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, Space Marine 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the original Space Marine game. Released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, this third-person action game places you once again in the power-armoured boots of Lieutenant Titus, a character who has undergone significant changes since the events of the first game.
Titus, once Captain, was demoted to Lieutenant after being censured for his exposure to Chaos during the events of the original Space Marine. His censure and subsequent fall from grace add depth to his character, and it’s fascinating to see how the narrative addresses this as Titus returns to the battlefield to defend humanity. The Imperium of Man, as always, is in peril, and it’s up to the Ultramarines, led by Titus, to fend off a massive Tyranid invasion.
Space Marine 2 Story and Setting
In Space Marine 2, Titus faces the Tyranid Swarm, a biological horror that consumes everything in its path. The game takes players to various stunningly crafted locations, from war-torn cities to alien-infested worlds. Saber Interactive has done a remarkable job of capturing the grim beauty of the Warhammer 40K universe, where every battlefield feels monumental and suffocatingly hopeless—exactly as it should in a universe defined by eternal war.
The story focuses on Titus' redemption and his role as a battle-hardened veteran. The fact that he was demoted adds a layer of intrigue to the plot, showing that even Space Marines, the Imperium’s greatest defenders, are not immune to the machinations of the Inquisition.
Gameplay and Co-op Excellence
One of the highlights for me has been the cooperative experience. Last night, my brother and I spent several hours playing the PvE section called ‘Operations’, and it was nothing short of fantastic. The missions are beautifully designed and expertly set up for players versus computer play. As we fought alongside other Ultramarines, battling endless waves of Tyranids, the sense of scale and danger was palpable. The three-player co-op mode is fluid and engaging, allowing friends or random players to team up online to take down the Tyranid hordes. The tactical synergy required for this co-op makes it a highly satisfying experience, especially as each player’s chosen Space Marine class complements the others.
In addition to the PvE Operations, Space Marine 2 also features a solid single-player campaign, where you can play solo or bring friends along to experience the carnage in co-op mode. This option adds an extra layer of replayability, allowing for multiple approaches to each mission depending on your team setup.
Multiplayer Mayhem
Beyond the co-op campaign, Space Marine 2 boasts a 12-player PvP mode called Eternal War, which is perfect for those looking for competitive multiplayer action. In this mode, players can choose between different Space Marine classes, such as Tactical, Assault, Vanguard, Sniper, Heavy, and Bulwark. Each class has its unique abilities and gear, offering a diverse experience that’s deeply customizable. What’s more, players can unlock Chapter presets or even kitbash their own custom Space Marine Chapters, adding a fun layer of personalization to the gameplay.
The PvP battles are intense, with various factions going head-to-head, including Ultramarines versus Heretic Legionaries, each class offering specific combat advantages. The frenetic pace of these multiplayer skirmishes is further enhanced by the wide variety of maps and free updates promised by the developers, which include new enemies and weapons to keep things fresh.
Why Every 40K Fan Should Play This Game
For me, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is an absolute joy to play. It captures the essence of the 40K universe—relentless warfare, towering Space Marines, and a galaxy in eternal conflict. The visceral combat, deep customization, and stunning environments all add to the immersive experience that fans of Warhammer 40K have come to expect.
Whether you’re a fan of the Adeptus Astartes, a lore enthusiast, or just love an action-packed game with breathtaking visuals, Space Marine 2 should be on your radar. Even if you’re not particularly fond of Space Marines, the sheer scale and spectacle of this game make it a must-play for anyone invested in the Warhammer 40K universe. This is a game made by fans, for fans, and it delivers in every aspect.
For any die-hard Warhammer 40K fan, Space Marine 2 is not just a game—it’s an essential experience that brings the grim darkness of the far future to life in a way that few other games have. Prepare to dive into the madness, and remember: in the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war.
Space Marine 2 is available from several online stores including the Microsoft Store, the PS Store and Steam
