Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 — Everything We Know

The ‘90s action classic is on a roll, with yet another upcoming Warhammer game coming soon. Rumors have it that the new game tagged Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 could be massive. Obviously, the game will incorporate Warhammer 40K’s hostile aliens and the occult universe. It’s also the sequel to Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, which was released in 2011.

For a while, it didn’t seem that the sequel was anywhere in the picture until the game was revealed to be in development at The Game Awards 2021 event. Since then, fans have closely followed new updates, including the launch date, presumably in winter 2023, as announced at the Summer Game Fest. As the release date draws nearer, we bet you have questions about the story, gameplay, platforms, and more.

So, tag along on our Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 — Everything We Know article, as we explore all there is to know about Warhammer’s newest upcoming game in town.

What is Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2?

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is an upcoming, third-person, shooter, hack-and-slash game currently in development by Saber Interactive and set to be published by Focus Entertainment. It’s the second mainline entry in the Warhammer 40K: Space Marine series, following the critically acclaimed 2011 Warhammer 40K: Space Marine game. 

With the obvious gap between the two, it didn’t seem likely that a sequel would follow. However, now that we have confirmation of development and a tentative release in winter 2023, we can’t help but look forward to launch day.

Story

Titus returns, stronger than ever! Yes, the genetically augmented, transhuman, chain sword-wielding, super-soldier from Warhammer 40K: Space Marine is back. At the center of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is a galactic alien war that has erupted throughout Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40K universe. Entire worlds crumble to dust. In the trailer, Lieutenant Titus of the Ultramarines' 2nd chapter and his fellow Ultramarines are shown going up against the Tyranids, a spidery alien species hellbent on waging war against all mankind. 

As hordes of Tyranids descend upon the galaxy, they easily triumph over the local Imperial Guard. So, it comes down to Titus (you) and your troop to obliterate them. Thankfully, you have your specialized superpowered suit to rely on. As well as the vicious skill of a space marine. Can you hold the Tyranids at bay? Or, will the galaxy succumb to a new horrific Tyranid era?

Gameplay

As of now, we can confirm that Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 will be a third-person shooter and hack-and-slash game. Both ranged and melee weapons will come into play as players go head-to-head against the relentless hordes of Tyranids. 

Perhaps there are other villains besides these spidery aliens. However, the sheer multitude of foes shown in the trailer can be more than enough to keep you busy throughout your playthrough. Furthermore, the sequel will feature a full campaign co-op mode of up to three players. 

Development

Warhammer 40K: Darktide is still fresh on consoles, having been released on November 30th, 2022. It seems, though, that Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 will have a different developer and publisher. While the former was developed and published by Fatshark, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is currently in development by Saber Interactive and will be published by Focus Entertainment.

Funnily enough, Relic Entertainment developed the first Warhammer 40K: Space Marine game. Seeing them hand over developing duties to Saber Interactive can possibly mean drastic changes to the final gameplay. 

In a deep dive video, creative director Oliver Hollis-Leick seems to be in high spirits about the development so far, stating that:

“It is a passion piece for all of the people working at Saber. These are people who have read the novels through the years–who have played the games–and so nobody has higher expectations than us.”

While little else is known about the behind-the-scenes, we can confirm that Focus Entertainment plans to release the sequel in winter 2023. But with the launch window fast approaching, we hope there won’t be any delays. We have simply been itching for this sequel for way too long.

Trailer

At first, Warhammer revealed the first cinematic trailer during the Game Awards 2021 event. It was more of a mere formality trailer that mainly served to present the new game to the world. In the trailer, you can see the infamous Tyranids going up against the beloved Ultramarines and the Imperial Guardsmen. You can watch the trailer here.

Thereafter, Focus Entertainment revealed the second co-op campaign gameplay trailer at the Summer Game Fest 2023 event. Thus, unearthing most of the questions fans had about the new game. It confirms that the sequel’s campaign will host up to three players. Plus, a deeper dive into the mechanical designs and brutal battles you can expect to engage in within the new game. Feel free to check it out here.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

While we don’t have confirmation of an actual release date, the Summer Game Fest 2023 event announced that Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 will release sometime in winter 2023. Focus Entertainment echoed the same via their official Twitter handle here. Hopefully, they can confirm an actual release date soon.

As for the platforms available, we’re certain that Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 will release on next-gen platforms, specifically PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It will also feature on Xbox Game Pass. However, Warhammer 40K games tend to consume a lot of graphical processing power, so it’s unlikely the new sequel will launch on Switch.

Lastly, feel free to pre-order the Collector’s Edition here, which includes:

• Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2
• A 64-Page Artbook
• Official Steelbook
• Lieutenant Titus Statue 
• Macragge’s Chosen DLC
• Price: $249.99

Meanwhile, you can keep track of new updates via the Focus Entertainment social handle here. We’ll also be sure to let you know of any new information that comes up.

So, what’s your take? Will you be grabbing a copy of the Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 sequel when it drops? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.