Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 feels like a fever dream. Even if you aren't a fan of 40K, it's hard not to admire the raw artistry on display from Saber Interactive here. If you are, I suspect Space Marine 2 will make you very, very happy.

85%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

stability, grinding

89% User Score Based on 167,114 reviews

Critic Score 84%Based on 57 reviews

Platforms

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About

"Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" is a Sci-Fi shooter game with both single-player and multiplayer modes, including co-op and PvP. Play as Lieutenant Demetrian Titus and fight off the Tyranid swarms in brutal, action-packed battles. Unlock new skills and cosmetics as you jump into endlessly replayable modes and uncover dark secrets in this epic sequel.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 screenshot

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 167,171 reviews

story10.8k positive mentions

stability2k negative mentions

The story is engaging and well-crafted, building on the deep lore of the Warhammer 40k universe while introducing new and exciting narrative elements.
The gameplay is addictive and satisfying, featuring brutal melee executions and tactical ranged combat that enhances the overall experience.
The graphics are stunning, effectively capturing the grimdark aesthetic of the Warhammer universe with breathtaking detail and immersive environments.

The campaign is relatively short, typically lasting around 8-12 hours, and lacks depth, leading to a sense of repetitiveness in gameplay.
Many players report significant performance issues, including stuttering and crashes, particularly on lower-end systems, indicating poor optimization.
The grinding aspect of the game is criticized for being tedious and time-consuming, with limited content leading to a repetitive experience.

story
34,252 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
65%
4%
The story of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its engaging narrative and connection to the lore of the Warhammer universe. However, several reviews note that the campaign is relatively short, typically lasting around 8-12 hours, and some players express a desire for more content and mission variety, particularly in the co-op operations mode, which currently features only a limited number of missions. While the story is described as entertaining and immersive, it often feels predictable and lacks depth, leading to a sense of repetitiveness in gameplay as players grind through the same missions multiple times.
- “Now the only thing I can say is I wish the story was a little bit longer, but what I got was awesome. I also like how it tied into the first game a little bit, which was a huge plus, especially since I played the first one before this came out as a refresher.”
- “The story is engaging and well-crafted, building on the deep lore of the Warhammer 40k universe while introducing new and exciting narrative elements.”
- “The story is a great follow-up to the original Space Marine, it is overall a good length being roughly about 7-8 hours, this can also vary on what difficulty you choose to pick as well.”
- “The story is short and very sweet, the cut scenes are insane and it leaves you wanting a lot more but that's Warhammer for you.”
- “The campaign is very short and the story is a terribly predictable affair with testy man-boys bickering over petty bullshit and overplaying bromanship beyond comical levels.”
- “The story is bland and lacks depth, with a plot that feels rushed and super predictable.”
gameplay
18,076 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
51%
7%
The gameplay of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" is characterized by a mix of satisfying melee and ranged combat, with a focus on brutal executions and a parry system that adds depth to encounters. While many players find the core mechanics engaging and reminiscent of classic action games, some criticize the repetitiveness of the gameplay loop and the reliance on specific mechanics that can feel clunky or inconsistent, particularly at higher difficulty levels. Overall, the game offers a fun and immersive experience, especially in co-op mode, but it may not appeal to those seeking more complex or varied gameplay.
- “The gameplay is absolutely fun, engaging, and bloody brutal as you perform those execution kills which just never gets old for me, and the parry system, while it took me a bit of time to get used to, is very satisfying when you successfully pull it off.”
- “The gameplay is addictive, and performing brutal sync kills against various Tyranid and Chaos enemies while getting swarmed by them is incredibly satisfying, and doing that in co-op mode is even better.”
- “The gameplay seamlessly blends brutal melee executions with tactical ranged combat – pure exterminatus for your senses.”
- “It doesn’t have roguelike mechanics, emergent gameplay, or dynamic systems that many contemporary games use to enhance replayability.”
- “While visceral and rewarding, this method feels more like earlier, plain action games than newer titles with sophisticated gameplay systems like survival, crafting, or RPG features.”
- “The gameplay loop consists of operations (PvE gamemode) and eternal war (PvP mode).”
graphics
11,319 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
36%
1%
The graphics of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning detail and immersive environments, effectively capturing the grimdark aesthetic of the Warhammer universe. Many players noted that the visuals are breathtaking, with intricate character models and atmospheric settings that enhance the overall gameplay experience. However, some users reported performance issues, including stuttering and crashes, particularly on lower-end systems, indicating that while the graphics are impressive, optimization remains a concern for many players.
- “The graphics are absolutely stunning, showcasing the grimdark universe with a level of realism that immerses you completely.”
- “The visuals are breathtaking, capturing the brutal beauty of the 41st millennium with breathtaking detail.”
- “The graphics are gorgeous, the gameplay is visceral, and the storyline is engaging.”
- “The game stutters constantly when loading in assets and textures, and fps frequently drops below 60 no matter what graphics settings or resolution I put it on.”
- “I had to lower the game to minimal graphics settings to get a solid 60 fps in the busiest battles.”
- “The graphics are poorly optimized for 1440 and 4k, punch in the gut to those with a system we thought could run it.”
optimization
4,885 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
54%
21%
The optimization of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" has received mixed feedback from players. While some users report smooth performance and high frame rates on powerful rigs, many others experience significant issues, including stuttering, crashes, and long loading times, particularly on lower-end systems. The game is often described as poorly optimized, with a heavy reliance on CPU resources, leading to inconsistent performance across different hardware configurations. Overall, while the game has potential, it currently requires substantial optimization to enhance the experience for a broader range of players.
- “Not too far in, but golly, the game is optimized to all heck! I can run ultra and get a crisp 100+ on my ultra-wide monitor with no stutters.”
- “The game is enjoyable for 40k fans and newcomers alike, and the performance, although demanding, runs fairly well on most hardware.”
- “It's well optimized and looks amazing, but the mechanics for swapping out weapons and the bosses throughout the game feel a bit watered down, and also the finishing moves when executing a dazed enemy could have been better.”
- “Terrible performance ruins what should be an awesome gameplay experience.”
- “This is just a very poorly optimized game.”
- “Easily the worst performance I've had in a AAA video game in the last decade, and I played Cyberpunk 2077 on PC at release.”
stability
2,414 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
1%
83%
The stability of "Space Marine 2" has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and bugs that hinder gameplay. While some users have experienced smooth performance and minimal issues, a substantial number have faced severe stability problems, particularly during the opening cinematic and in multiplayer modes. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," with many recommending potential players to wait for patches and optimizations before purchasing.
- “Game runs great and looks great.”
- “A solid game that is feature complete and (relatively) bug free.”
- “The game launched with a huge amount of content, impressively bug free for the most part, an insane roadmap, and some of the most downright inspiring 40k visuals and audio.”
- “Game always freezes and crashes after only 10 minutes if playing it.”
- “The game just freezes and then closes they need to fix it.”
- “I literally have well over the min system requirements and cant get the game to even get past the first cutscene, it just freezes and crashes.”
replayability
1,745 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
58%
10%
The replayability of "Space Marine 2" is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while the co-op operations mode offers significant replay value through class customization and varied difficulty levels, the main campaign is short and lacks replayability. The game features a limited number of missions, which can lead to repetitiveness over time, but the promise of future content updates and the engaging multiplayer modes provide hope for enhanced replayability. Overall, while the game has potential for replayability, especially in co-op play, it currently suffers from a lack of diverse content and mission variety.
- “For the best experience, please bring along two other friends to enjoy a well-designed co-op campaign and the exceptionally fun operations mode, full to the brim with replayability.”
- “The gameplay loop is addictive, the story is compelling, and it has a ton of replayability with a mode for every type of player!”
- “The operations is where the real replayability lies and where most of my time playing this game went allowing to pick classes, perks and upgrades to tackle the mission ahead with many difficulties and rewards tied to them.”
- “The campaign is a lot of fun, though little replayability.”
- “Then the replayability drops off fairly quickly once you've done everything with your friends a few times over again.”
- “The replayability of the multiplayer PvE missions isn't great I will admit since you play through the exact same missions every time with the only variety being the enemy amount and difficulty.”
grinding
1,731 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
11%
88%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious and time-consuming. Critics highlight the repetitive nature of grinding through the same six missions to level up classes and unlock cosmetics, often describing the experience as a slog due to bullet sponge enemies and limited content. While some players appreciate the sense of progress and customization that comes from grinding, others feel that the amount of time required to achieve meaningful upgrades detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- “No tedious grinding: unlike games like Helldivers 2, there’s no suffocating grind to unlock weapons or upgrades.”
- “The progression feels well tweaked, not being irrelevant but also not too grindy.”
- “The operations play into the campaign nicely and the progress to unlock new things for your weapons and armor is fair and not too grindy.”
- “There is not nearly enough content here to justify the amount of grinding required to unlock all the current cosmetics and weapon tiers.”
- “The only real issue I have with the game is the very grindy and completely unnecessary progression system which makes me not want to play it after finishing every mission once.”
- “The campaign is really short and honestly I don't feel like grinding operations with the exact same feel as the campaign, just for gun and cosmetic upgrades on something that just seems like a mediocre mash-up of batman: arkham asylum and gears kinda... kinda seems like an insult to those two games to use them for reference.”
atmosphere
1,584 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
38%
1%
The atmosphere in "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" is widely praised for its immersive and gritty representation of the Warhammer 40k universe, effectively capturing the grimdark aesthetic through stunning visuals, detailed environments, and atmospheric sound design. Players feel a strong sense of engagement with the lore and setting, as the game successfully conveys the intensity of battle and the oppressive nature of the universe, making it a standout experience for both fans and newcomers alike. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics, the overall atmosphere is considered a major highlight, enhancing the game's appeal and immersion.
- “The game deeply immerses players in the atmosphere of the universe, where every decision matters, and the constant threat of enemies creates tension that holds players on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.”
- “The visuals are jaw-dropping, the atmosphere oozes with that signature for the emperor!”
- “The atmosphere is dark, gritty, and full of the grimdark charm Warhammer fans love.”
- “While the game does have amazing graphics, it lacks depth and atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere feels too dark and dreary, and I’ve had to restart the game a few times just to join multiplayer sessions.”
- “Game is horribly repetitive, it's carried by atmosphere and somewhat interesting story.”
music
1,233 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
49%
5%
The music in "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its atmospheric qualities that enhance the game's epic battles and dark tone. However, several critics noted that the soundtrack lacks memorable tracks and fails to reach the heights of previous Warhammer titles, often feeling generic or forgettable. While some players enjoyed the orchestral and gothic elements, others expressed disappointment, suggesting that the music could have been more impactful and distinct, especially in comparison to the acclaimed soundtracks of games like "Darktide" and "Mechanicus."
- “The 12-hour campaign is packed with bombastic set pieces, thrilling battles, and a rich soundtrack that keeps the energy high.”
- “The soundtrack, filled with ominous chants and orchestral swells, perfectly complements the game's dark tone.”
- “The music is incredible, the performance is decent but not great, and the post-game missions are a blast with friends, I love this game so much, a solid buy!”
- “The soundtrack is very disappointing and unimpressive, at odds with the rest of the game which reduces the suspension of disbelief when playing Space Marine 2.”
- “The music is forgettable, aside from the online lobby song, which is now stuck in my head forever.”
- “The soundtracks in the game seem a bit lackluster compared to the prequel though the audio sound effects are good.”
monetization
715 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
46%
43%
The monetization model of *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* has been largely praised for its consumer-friendly approach, with no microtransactions or pay-to-win mechanics currently in place. Players appreciate that all gameplay content updates are free, and the only paid items are cosmetic in nature, which can be earned through gameplay rather than purchased. However, some concerns have been raised about potential future monetization strategies, suggesting that while the current model is well-received, there may be a shift towards more aggressive monetization practices down the line.
- “All gameplay content updates are free, very much appreciated in this world of microtransactions and DLCs for basic game features.”
- “In a sea of monetization schemes disguised as games, this is a breath of fresh air; it feels downright luxurious to have the player's enjoyment be the main priority in a title like this.”
- “No microtransactions: in an era where microtransactions are all too common, Space Marine 2 stands out by offering a complete experience right out of the box.”
- “Looks like the planned future for the game is microtransactions and online multiplayer gameplay.”
- “The amount of cosmetic microtransactions after one month is frankly nauseating.”
- “The campaign itself is short and shallow and feels like one big advertisement for Games Workshop's new Space Marine 2 figures line.”
humor
548 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting its blend of dark humor and absurdity, often finding themselves laughing at both the gameplay mechanics and character interactions. Many reviews mention hilarious moments, such as unexpected glitches, exaggerated animations, and the absurdity of the lore, which contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere amidst the game's serious themes. Overall, the humor is described as engaging and fitting for the Warhammer 40K universe, enhancing the enjoyment of both solo and multiplayer experiences.
- “The main campaign is really well done, story is epic, and the characters are hilariously accurate to the universe.”
- “It's ork turret section was funny seeing rockets strapped to fly and kamikaze.”
- “One of the most hilarious, and appropriate, design choices in the game is that when you charge a human heretic, you literally run them over.”
- “The PvP is an unfunny joke; don't ever expect any effort to be put into it.”
- “Also, if you ever thought about joining a circus of unhinged, out of control, and unfunny monkeys, feel free to take a look at the forum.”
- “So many issues it's not funny; how are these patches approved and sent live when things are constantly broken?”
emotional
381 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The emotional aspect of the game has elicited a wide range of responses from players, with many expressing feelings of nostalgia and empowerment, particularly in relation to the game's lore and character dynamics. While some players found the narrative compelling and emotionally resonant, others criticized it for lacking depth and lasting impact, particularly in its character development and story arcs. Overall, the game successfully evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and excitement, especially for long-time fans of the franchise, but it may not deliver the profound emotional experiences some players seek.
- “The storyline is compelling and thoughtfully constructed, drawing players into a narrative filled with twists and emotional depth.”
- “The writing is engaging, with well-developed characters and intense moments that resonate emotionally.”
- “This game made me feel like a kid again when gears of war 1 launched on the xbox 360.”
- “A masterpiece of gameplay and visual fidelity mixed with a short and boring story.”
- “Campaign is boring story-wise and very short.”
- “Limited content, boring story; I mean it's like Titus accused of heresy was pardoned for the heresy of the previous chaplain, and his current chaplain was probably promoted from the heretical chaplain. Like, dafuq?”
character development
222 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
57%
4%
Character development in "Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2" is generally praised for its depth and relatability, with many players appreciating the nuanced arcs of the main characters, particularly Titus and his squad. While the campaign offers rich dialogue and emotional stakes, some reviewers noted that the character development could have been more fleshed out, especially in the multiplayer mode, which lacks progression. Overall, the game successfully combines intense action with a compelling narrative, though some players felt the pacing and depth of character development could be improved.
- “The character development is exceptional; each character feels real and relatable, making their journeys resonate on a personal level.”
- “The character development is rich, and the dialogue manages to balance gravitas with moments of dark humor, adding layers to the experience.”
- “Titus and his squad undergo character development to reaffirm their faith in brotherhood.”
- “The multiplayer is super repetitive and lacks any real kind of progression/character development.”
- “The plot is phoned in to start with: instead of character development for the protagonist happening off-screen between the two games, which would be nuanced, instead his super-soldier upgrade happens in a 10 second cutscene after your tutorial mission (there's no real power level difference before and after the tutorial/power upgrade).”
- “I might have slogged through it if the story or environment were more interesting but after several hours there has been no significant character development of any form.”

84%Critics’ scoreBased on 59 critic reviews

Buy Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

12h Median play time

63h Average play time

10h Main story

63h Completionist

6-35h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 957 analyzed playthroughs

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