Praise the Omnissiah and brace yourselves, servants of the Machine God! Warhammer 40k: Mechanicus 2, the unexpected sequel to the stellar 2018 strategy hit, has risen from the digital tombs. Announced during the Skulls showcase, this sequel promises to expand on the original’s grimdark tactical brilliance while flipping the narrative in a way sure to delight fans of the Necrons’ cold, calculating malice.
For those who recall the original Mechanicus, it was a tactical treasure. The game thrust you into the steel-clad boots of Adeptus Mechanicus tech-priests, daring explorers of forbidden Necron tomb worlds. Now, Mechanicus 2 broadens the scope. Instead of simply exploring and looting ancient crypts, you can seize control of the Necrons themselves, forging an empire of immortal machines and purging the living scum of the Imperium from your domain. The battle has escalated from the claustrophobic tombs to the contested surfaces of a doomed Imperial world.
The story resumes with Magos Dominus Faustinius, the tech-priest protagonist from the first game, answering a distress call from a beleaguered Adeptus Mechanicus outpost. What should have been a routine salvage operation turns into a battle for survival as the tombs awaken. Yet, the Necrons aren’t content with just defending their ancient halls. With players taking the reins, they now seek to obliterate the human infestation above ground, leaving only their cold, unyielding perfection behind.
But it’s not just a war between the Imperium and the Necrons. The cryptic announcement teases the arrival of “external actors stranger and more deadly still.” In Warhammer 40k, that’s practically a euphemism for Chaos. Could the ruinous powers make their move? Or is there an even darker force lurking in the shadows? Whatever emerges, it’s clear this war won’t end without catastrophic bloodshed – or oil-spill equivalent, for the Necrons.
The first Mechanicus drew praise for its fusion of XCOM-style turn-based tactics with its own unique mechanics. Cognition Points – a resource that powered your most devastating abilities – forced players to carefully balance risk and reward. These points could only be earned through daring melee strikes or seizing key objectives, making every move a gamble.
The sequel looks to refine this system while raising the stakes. Missions promise sprawling overworld maps, narrative-driven choices, and the tension of managing awakening Necron threats. Each mission you prolong risks unleashing even deadlier constructs, while success depends on your ability to adapt, strategize, and crush your enemies—Imperium or otherwise.
The biggest shift lies in the ability to play as the Necrons. No longer confined to being the ancient menace, they are now yours to command. Fans of the faction’s grim lore – undying warriors with a penchant for reclaiming what’s theirs – can revel in the opportunity to guide their ascension. Building a Necron empire is a dream (or nightmare) come true, bringing their stark, metallic grandeur to life like never before.
Expect new units, fresh mechanics, and a chance to explore the enigmatic depths of Necron society. This isn’t just another strategy game – it’s an invitation to wield the cold precision of an immortal dynasty, dismantling everything in your path.
Mechanicus 2 promises an evolution. From expanded gameplay to a deeper narrative and the chance to embrace the Necrons’ unyielding resolve, this sequel seems poised to offer a strategy experience as sharp and relentless as the Necrons’ scythes.
So prepare, commanders. The galaxy is cold, and in Mechanicus 2, it’s about to get even colder. Necron players, rejoice – your time is now. As for the Imperium? Well, let’s just say the corpse-emperor’s servants had better bring plenty of spare parts.
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