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Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine

Space Marine is just endless war. Thanks to powerful weapons and excellent pacing, that war is pretty damn fun.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Game Cover
85%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
stability, grinding
91% User Score Based on 19,421 reviews
Critic Score 71%Based on 4 reviews

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Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Game Cover

About

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is a single player and multiplayer role playing shooter game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Relic Entertainment and was released on September 4, 2011. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - Anniversary Edition" is a sci-fi shooter game celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Play as Captain Titus, a Space Marine of the Ultramarines chapter, in a single-player campaign or engage in 2-player co-op battles. This edition includes the full soundtrack, wallpapers, strategy guide, artbook, collectible cards, and all DLCs. Experience the game's unique atmosphere, phenomenal mechanics, and emotional story, but be prepared for lots of grinding and some bugs.

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Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine screenshot
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine screenshot
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine screenshot
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91%
Audience ScoreBased on 19,421 reviews
story1.6k positive mentions
stability105 negative mentions
  • The gameplay offers a satisfying blend of third-person shooting and visceral melee combat, effectively immersing players in the Warhammer 40k universe.
  • The atmosphere is widely praised for its gritty representation of the Warhammer 40k universe, enhanced by strong audio design and compelling lore.
  • The humor, particularly from the orcs, adds a lighthearted tone to the game, making for a consistently entertaining experience.
  • The gameplay can become monotonous over time due to its linear level design and repetitive combat mechanics.
  • The graphics show their age and do not compete with modern titles, leading to a visually dated experience.
  • The story is often described as straightforward and lacking depth, making it feel somewhat generic and uninspired.
  • story
    3,664 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine* is generally described as straightforward and predictable, often following familiar tropes within the Warhammer 40k universe, such as the battle against orc invasions and the looming threat of chaos. While some players appreciate the engaging action and character-driven moments, many note that the narrative lacks depth and complexity, making it feel somewhat generic. Despite its shortcomings, the story serves as a solid backdrop for the game's intense combat, and fans of the franchise often find enjoyment in its lore and character portrayals.

    • “I still love the game because I love the 40k lore and the story of this game.”
    • “The story is also amazing, super straightforward, all about space racism and war.”
    • “The story is engaging and keeps you hooked, adding depth to the high-octane action.”
    • “The story has so little meat on its bones that it can really be summed up in 3-5 sentences.”
    • “The story was a bit run-of-the-mill, and the characters were a bit cliché, but I still had a good time.”
    • “The story is basic and lacking depth.”
  • gameplay
    2,309 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine" is characterized by a blend of third-person shooting and visceral melee combat, offering a satisfying experience for players. While the mechanics are straightforward and can feel repetitive, the game successfully immerses players in the Warhammer universe with its engaging combat and unique health regeneration system through executions. However, some players note that the gameplay can become monotonous over time, particularly due to its linear level design and lack of variety in enemy encounters.

    • “The gameplay is a seamless blend of third-person shooting and visceral melee.”
    • “Overall, gameplay-wise, it's really different, and I think this does a pretty good job of introducing one into the world of Warhammer 40k and not being a strategy game.”
    • “The gameplay mixes shooting and melee combat in a smooth, brutal way.”
    • “To be honest, this is a good game for a Warhammer 40k fan, but compared to similar style games from 2011, this game is visually dated and becomes mechanically repetitive.”
    • “The problems I had with this game is that the arenas/levels, while distinct visually, gameplay-wise they feel the same.”
    • “The gameplay loop is repetitive; get in a room, kill some creatures, get a new weapon, rinse and repeat.”
  • graphics
    1,166 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine" show their age, with many users noting that while they are decent for a game released in 2011, they do not compete with modern titles. The art direction effectively captures the gothic and industrial aesthetic of the Warhammer universe, with impressive environments and character designs that still resonate with fans. Overall, while the visuals may not be cutting-edge, they remain enjoyable and immersive, particularly for those familiar with the franchise.

    • “While the graphics show their age slightly, the art direction is pure 40k—massive gothic cathedrals, sprawling industrial hive cities, and skyboxes filled with burning warships.”
    • “The graphics may show some rough edges, but they succeed at realizing the iconic Warhammer 40k aesthetic.”
    • “The visuals help a lot to really bring to life that grim and dark aesthetic that the universe is known for.”
    • “Graphics aren't the best for 2026 and the master crafted edition isn't that great either, but it looks a little bit better than this version of the game, so get that instead.”
    • “The only downside is that it’s very linear and shows its age in controls and visuals.”
    • “The graphics are quite bad, especially up close, which happens a lot of the time.”
  • music
    292 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - Anniversary Edition" receives mixed reviews, with many praising its epic orchestral score that enhances the game's intense atmosphere and combat. While some players find the soundtrack memorable and fitting for the Warhammer universe, others describe it as forgettable or lacking in variety, often overshadowed by sound effects during gameplay. Overall, the music is generally considered a solid complement to the game's action, though it may not stand out as particularly unique or iconic.

    • “The soundtrack and sound design enhance the feeling of epicness and hopelessness of war.”
    • “The music fits the theme very well and it just feels great to hear the boomy crunch of the bolter every time you fire it.”
    • “The music and atmosphere really immerse you in the Warhammer world and the devs did a fantastic job.”
    • “The music is unremarkable.”
    • “The soundtrack is mostly ambient and unremarkable.”
    • “The music is very simple most of the time.”
  • atmosphere
    221 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine" is widely praised for its immersive and gritty representation of the Warhammer 40k universe, effectively capturing the grimdark aesthetic through detailed environments, strong audio design, and compelling lore. While some players noted that the visuals feel dated and the gameplay can become repetitive, the overall atmosphere remains a standout feature, making it a must-play for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. The combination of powerful soundtracks, voice acting, and environmental storytelling enhances the game's ability to transport players into its war-torn setting.

    • “This is a classic third-person action game that perfectly preserves the atmosphere of the Warhammer 40k universe.”
    • “What really stands out is the atmosphere—it perfectly immerses you in the grimdark Warhammer 40k universe, with stunning visuals and a narrative that captures the brutal, larger-than-life scale of the conflict.”
    • “The atmosphere created by the visuals and audio definitely are very Warhammer 40k.”
    • “My main disappointment was the setting—I expected the oppressive, grimdark atmosphere that defines Warhammer 40k, but the game fell short of capturing that bleak, dystopian tone.”
    • “The atmosphere is a bit stale but accurate to the industrialized world the setting is in.”
    • “The game lacks the heavy, dark atmosphere that the books/short stories have, so you might reconsider if that's what you're expecting (example: automatic healing, 'immortal' AI teammates).”
  • replayability
    135 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is generally considered low, with most players noting that the single-player campaign, lasting around 7-12 hours, lacks significant replay value beyond trying different difficulty levels or collecting achievements. While some enjoy the multiplayer aspect, which can offer more replayability, the player base is often described as small and inactive, limiting the experience. Overall, the consensus is that while the game is fun and engaging, it does not provide enough content to warrant multiple playthroughs.

    • “The single player campaign is fun and replayable, the online still has a dedicated community, the gameplay is super fun.”
    • “The anniversary edition also includes a wealth of additional content, enhancing replayability and enriching the overall experience.”
    • “Despite it being what is now considered an 'older' game, it has even for modern games a solid foundation of gameplay that's highly replayable and enjoyable each time for its sheer and simple carnage.”
    • “It took me about 7 hours to beat, and I don't believe there is much replayability beyond trying out different difficulties.”
    • “It doesn't offer any replay value or a reason to continue playing beyond the story.”
    • “The campaign took me slightly more than 7 hours on normal difficulty to finish - there is not much replayability, and with hunting for additional achievements, I got almost all single-player achievements after about 9.5 hours.”
  • stability
    131 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting a range of glitches and bugs, including freezing, audio issues, and animation quirks. While some users experienced smooth gameplay, particularly on platforms like the Steam Deck, others faced significant problems that affected their overall enjoyment, especially in multiplayer modes. Overall, the game is described as fun but plagued by stability issues that can detract from the experience.

    • “It is a surprisingly enjoyable hack and slash that still looks and runs great today.”
    • “As for performance, it runs great and looks pretty nice despite being 13 years old.”
    • “And unlike a lot of games that come out on PC nowadays, this one can claim to be well optimized and glitch and bug free.”
    • “Either hangs on a grey screen after starting a new game, or freezes during the opening FMV.”
    • “The journey includes tons of bugs and glitches that will ultimately get you killed a couple of times, which drove me nuts.”
    • “Love the game but it will not advance past chapter 8, just freezes without reason, no way to fix it.”
  • optimization
    111 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with many players reporting smooth performance on both modern and lower-end systems, including the Steam Deck. The anniversary edition notably enhances graphics and performance, making it a significant improvement over the original release. However, some users experienced occasional performance issues, particularly in multiplayer modes and during intense battles, indicating that while the game is well-optimized, it is not entirely free of bugs or glitches.

    • “The anniversary edition has significantly improved optimization and graphics, which makes the battles even more impressive.”
    • “Overall, this is one of the best games I've played in a while; it brings you back to the golden age of narrative games and is highly optimized for its age.”
    • “The game runs smoothly and the controls are responsive, which is crucial for the fast-paced combat this game is known for.”
    • “This is one of the most poorly optimized games I've ever seen, experiencing random slowdowns and lagging frames even with a machine that well overpowers its minimum specs.”
    • “I have a crappy PC with a dual-core processor, and this game is frequently hitting 60 fps with some infrequent stuttering here and there when the particle effects and environments get a little thick.”
    • “With little video settings to change, there isn't much wiggle room for people who want to tweak their performance issues, which you will probably have.”
  • humor
    100 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players finding the orcs particularly hilarious due to their quirky dialogue and absurd antics, such as floating through walls or comically exaggerated deaths. Many reviews highlight the amusing glitches and over-the-top violence, which contribute to a lighthearted tone amidst the game's grim setting. Overall, the blend of dark humor, engaging voice acting, and ridiculous scenarios makes for a consistently entertaining experience.

    • “Orcs are hilarious.”
    • “The way the orks explode when you headshot them is hilarious.”
    • “Little details like the apartment buildings you fight through at one point being nothing but bunk beds, or the automated announcements about having to continue working despite the ongoing invasion is hilariously bleak in a Paul Verhoeven way.”
    • “I've died so many times in this game it's not funny.”
    • “Some moments are funny, but overall it lacks humor.”
    • “Shut up, you unfunny people.”
  • grinding
    93 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game is a significant point of contention, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in the multiplayer mode and later stages of the campaign. While some appreciate the visceral combat and engaging story, the overall sentiment leans towards the grinding aspects being a chore rather than an enjoyable challenge, often detracting from the overall experience. Players recommend avoiding the multiplayer due to its grindy nature, suggesting that the single-player campaign is more rewarding despite its own grindy moments.

    • “No grinding for abilities or power, just straight linear that automatically scales your power as you progress through the levels.”
    • “Camera controls are much better than in the Gears of War series, combat isn't as grindy, and the cutscenes and dialog add flavor yet get out of your way quickly so you can get back to slaughtering xenos scum.”
    • “Damn cool, the progression system is not too tedious and well rewarding.”
    • “Buy it if it is on sale; if not, don't bother. Watch a YouTube video if you want the story; it's better that way than grinding 8 hours for a meh ending.”
    • “The game famously struggles when the chaos faction is introduced, and the gameplay pacing slows way down; they made this same mistake in the sequel - the fun and thrill of the space marine fantasy becomes hamstrung by tedious enemies.”
    • “I've played dozens of first-person shooters and am not a noob by any measure, but this is far too tedious and repetitive to fall into my definition of 'fun'.”
  • emotional
    59 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits mixed responses from players. While some appreciate the nostalgic feeling of empowerment and the thrill of embodying a space marine, others criticize the lack of deep emotional engagement and character development, noting that the story is often boring and uninspired. Despite this, certain elements, such as voice acting and audio logs, provide moments of emotional depth that resonate with players, making them feel connected to the game's universe.

    • “Voice acting from Mark Strong, in particular, as the protagonist Titus adds to the emotional impact of a story in a far-flung future in which seemingly all races are consumed by eternal conflict.”
    • “The score for this game feels suitably epic as well, delivering on some pretty emotional notes later in the game.”
    • “As well as this, to touch on the human aspect more, the audio logs found that display the workers and denizens of the planet are truly heartbreaking at times.”
    • “Decent gameplay, extremely boring story.”
    • “Boring story in the first half of the game.”
    • “Repetitive combat and what I considered to be a very boring story.”
  • monetization
    43 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many reviewers labeling it a blatant cash grab, particularly regarding the pricing of the anniversary edition and the lack of meaningful updates. Players express frustration over the game's pricing strategy, which seems designed to capitalize on the upcoming sequel, and they lament the absence of microtransactions in favor of a more traditional gaming experience. Overall, while some appreciate the game's nostalgic qualities, the monetization practices have left a sour taste for many, leading to calls for more fair pricing and less exploitation of fans.

    • “Yes, this is what we want from video games such as this: no live service, no microtransactions, just inspired video game carnage!”
    • “[u]Pay to win:[/u] no (no DLC, no loot boxes, no microtransactions).”
    • “Similar to old school third-person shooters, given what is currently on the market, it is a refreshing step back to classic good games without microtransactions.”
    • “Don't buy the newer master crafted edition as it's only a cash grab; do buy the anniversary edition on sale.”
    • “Releasing this update for free was fun, but I can't recommend this game if the predatory cash grab continues.”
    • “Nowhere near worth $60, and I have a feeling that price jump was just to try and sell it at what it's actually worth while being able to claim it was some big 75% discount just to try for a big cash grab and take advantage of some holiday time FOMO.”
  • character development
    37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising the depth and interest of the characters, while others criticize the lack of development for key allies and the overall narrative. Many appreciate the intricate character designs that align with Warhammer lore, but some feel that the characters themselves lack emotional depth and relatability. Overall, while the visuals and character aesthetics are highly regarded, the storytelling and character arcs leave room for improvement.

    • “The character development is second to none and the characters themselves are interesting.”
    • “Great character development, too.”
    • “Character development is interesting; which is why we all hate Leandros and love Sidonus/Titus.. and there are some highly unexpected plot twists, ones that you wouldn't normally suspect from Warhammer!”
    • “Your squad consists of a geow dom santiago wannabe and a typical by-the-book rookie which surprisingly didn't have any character development and remained incredibly unlikable.”
    • “There is not much in the way of character development, beyond the unfolding story.”
    • “I've seen a lot of crying about character development, or the lack thereof when it comes to creating characters you empathize with.”
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71%Critics’ scoreBased on 4 critic reviews
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9h Median play time
55h Average play time
8h Main story
21h Completionist
6-13h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 71 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is a role playing shooter game with science fiction theme.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is available on PC, Steam Deck, Windows, PlayStation 3 and others.

The main story can be completed in around 8 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 21 hours to finish. On average players spend around 55 hours playing Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine was released on September 4, 2011.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine was developed by Relic Entertainment.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its stability.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, Aliens vs. Predator, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II, Aliens: Fireteam, Transformers: War for Cybertron and others.