“FOR THE EMPEROR!” That’s what you’ll be screaming as you crush, shoot, and eviscerate wave after wave of enemies in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. The long-awaited sequel to the 2011 Space Marine has finally arrived, and yes, the delays and leaks were worth it. This game is an unapologetic return to the grimdark future of the 41st millennium, delivering a blood curdling blend of brutal combat, rich lore, and top-tier visuals that truly bring the Warhammer 40K universe to life.
A Long Wait, But Oh So Worth It
After a series of delays and a development cycle that seemed to stretch into eternity, fans were understandably anxious. Was it going to live up to expectations? Would it bring justice to the 40K franchise, or fizzle like so many other delayed releases? Fortunately, Space Marine 2 nails it. The extra time in the forge has resulted in a polished, content-packed game that not only caters to die-hard fans but also opens the door to newcomers who might not have yet delved into the vast universe of 40K.
The team at Saber Interactive didn’t just release a game—they delivered a 75-caliber bolt round right to the heart of the Tyranid menace. The game feels meticulously crafted, from the intense combat mechanics to the deep narrative. And while some delays make you wonder if a game will ever see the light of day, Space Marine 2 emerges as an example of how to create a game in an industry filled with rushed, broken releases.
Campaign: The Weight of the Emperor’s Will
The single-player campaign is the star of the show, and by the Emperor does it deliver. You once again take on the role of Captain Titus, now a Primaris Space Marine, cutting a bloody swath through the ranks of the Tyranids. Every battle feels epic, every clash brimming with weight and consequence. The developers have achieved a perfect balance between ranged and melee combat, allowing you to seamlessly transition from shooting down hordes of enemies with a bolter to cleaving them apart with a chainsword. The execution animations are particularly satisfying, never getting old, even after the hundredth gruesome kill.
The environments are awe-inspiring. The gothic architecture of Imperial cities, the bleakness of war-torn battlefields, and the sheer scale of Tyranid invasions make you feel like you’re truly in the grimdark future where there is only war. It’s a visually stunning game that uses the 40K aesthetic to full effect. The soundtrack, with its haunting chants and thunderous battle scores, only amplifies the immersion.
That said, the campaign is on the short side, clocking in at around 8-10 hours depending on your pace. It leaves you wanting more, which might be a negative for some, but there are enough hints that DLC or expansions are on the way, so fingers crossed.
Multiplayer: A Mixed Arsenal
Once you’ve completed the campaign, Space Marine 2 offers a variety of multiplayer modes to keep you busy. The PvE mode, called Operations, lets you and up to two other players team up to take on side missions, hacking through Tyranid swarms in some of the same grim locations you saw in the campaign. The missions aren’t incredibly varied—there are only six at launch—but the visceral thrill of co-op carnage never really fades. Replaying them to grind for class XP and upgrades feels like second nature, especially with promises of more missions and enemy types coming in future updates.
Then there’s the PvP mode, Eternal War. This is where things get a little less impressive. While the basic mechanics work well enough, PvP lacks the intensity of the campaign and co-op modes. Combat feels less tactical and more like a dice roll — whoever gets the first hit or uses their abilities in just the right sequence tends to come out on top. Classes are balanced well enough to offer variety, but it doesn’t quite capture the same magic as the rest of the game. There’s also no crossplay in PvP, which is a bummer for those who want to face off with friends across platforms.
Worthwhile Grind and Customisation
Despite these multiplayer shortcomings, there’s a lot to love about the customization options. You can trick out your Space Marine with a staggering amount of cosmetic choices, from armour patterns and colours to individual armour pieces, making your marine stand out on the battlefield. It’s a great touch for fans who want to feel that personal connection to their character, though it can sometimes get a bit over-the-top with the freedom to mix and match.
Grinding for XP in PvE also has its rewards, letting you unlock new abilities and upgrades that significantly enhance your gameplay. The progression feels satisfying without being overwhelming, and it’s clear that Saber Interactive is aiming for long-term engagement with promised updates.
What the Future Holds for Space Marine
This game feels like the beginning of something bigger. While it may be light on content at launch in terms of multiplayer modes and mission variety, the foundation is rock-solid. The combat is exhilarating, the world-building is top-notch, and the game runs smoothly—no game-breaking bugs, crashes, or stuttering that have plagued other AAA releases.
With new content already on the horizon, Space Marine 2 could evolve into the definitive Warhammer 40K game. And given how well it captures the essence of the universe, there’s hope that this could be the start of a new era for 40K games. Space Marine 3? We can dream.
In the meantime, strap into your power armor and get ready to purge the xenos filth. The Emperor protects, and in Space Marine 2, so do you. This is a game that not only meets expectations but surpasses them in many ways. Grimdark never looked so good.
