Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

84%
Game Brain Score Based on 55,546 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Game Cover
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"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.

  • PC
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

84%
Audience ScoreBased on 55,546 reviews
story3,522 positive mentions
stability755 negative mentions
  • story11,363 mentions

    The story of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" is generally well-received, praised for its engaging narrative that continues the journey of Captain Titus from the first game. While the campaign is relatively short, lasting around 6-10 hours, it effectively immerses players in the Warhammer 40k universe with strong character development and cinematic moments. However, many players express a desire for more content, noting that the limited number of missions (only 6) can lead to repetitive gameplay in the post-campaign operations mode.

    • “The story is engaging to me because I played the absolute dick out of the first game too, so finding out the fate of Titus and his return was an itch finally scratched as the first left on a hell of a cliffhanger.”
    • “The campaign offers a rich story that shows a passion and respect for the Warhammer 40k setting, operations provide an intrinsic challenge of teamwork, and eternal war provides a competitive setting for PvP.”
    • “The narrative pulls you in, with each mission unveiling layers of lore that enrich your understanding of the universe and deepen your connection to its characters.”
    • “The story is filled with visual spectacle and can be fun, as long as you actively avoid thinking about anything that happens in it.”
    • “The plot and characters themselves felt underdeveloped in a way that leaves you both confused and wanting more.”
    • “The campaign is extremely short, it does have 5 side missions though, but that's still pretty short.”
  • gameplay5,922 mentions

    The gameplay of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its fast-paced, visceral combat that effectively combines melee and ranged mechanics, creating an engaging experience reminiscent of classic titles like "Gears of War." However, criticisms focus on the game's repetitive nature, clunky mechanics, and issues with the parry and dodge systems, which can feel inconsistent and frustrating, especially at higher difficulty levels. While the visuals and lore are celebrated, some players feel the gameplay lacks depth and variety, leading to a less satisfying long-term experience.

    • “After 46 hours of Space Marine 2, I've explored all aspects of gameplay—from the campaign to the multiplayer PvE and PvP modes—and enjoyed every moment.”
    • “The fast-paced gameplay, across a variety of playstyles and difficulties, makes you feel like a space marine.”
    • “Every battle is an adrenaline rush as you mow down waves of Tyranids, and the combat mechanics feel satisfying and responsive.”
    • “The gameplay is clunky, and the combat is a bit repetitive.”
    • “The parry mechanic is inconsistent to the point of being unreliable.”
    • “The gameplay loop can become very repetitive, even though it's fun to kill aliens, as it's not a lot of variation in the enemies for large parts of the game.”
  • graphics3,561 mentions

    The graphics of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning detail and immersive quality, effectively capturing the grimdark aesthetic of the Warhammer universe. Players have noted the impressive visual fidelity, with many describing the graphics as breathtaking and on par with modern AAA titles, although some have experienced performance issues and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, the game's visuals are considered a significant highlight, enhancing the gameplay experience despite some technical challenges.

    • “The visuals are jaw-dropping, capturing the brutal, grimdark universe of Warhammer in high detail.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning, showcasing the grimdark universe with a level of realism that immerses you completely.”
    • “Graphically, the game looks great, but my GPU is barely utilized.”
    • “The graphics are so bad if you are playing on a 4k monitor.”
    • “Honestly even after 11 hours I regret it even more, the servers are terrible, constantly disconnecting at the slightest inconvenience in bandwidth, the textures even on high graphics make Creative Assembly's campaign map for Total War: Warhammer look like a 4k photorealistic masterpiece.”
    • “I get that graphics probably weren't their priority but they're terrible for something released in 2024.”
  • optimization1,631 mentions

    The optimization of "Space Marine 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including frequent crashes, stuttering, and long loading times, particularly on mid-range systems. While some users with high-end setups experience smooth gameplay, others struggle to achieve stable frame rates even on low settings, indicating that the game may not be well-optimized for a broad range of hardware. Overall, while the game boasts impressive graphics and gameplay, it is widely acknowledged that substantial optimization work is still needed to enhance performance and stability across various systems.

    • “Awesome game and very well optimized, definitely recommended if you like old school non-political manly games :)”
    • “The optimization is good, I'm playing on low-medium on RTX 2060 and Ryzen 5 5600G and still got an average of 50-60 fps (depends on if you turn on background swarm on high or low).”
    • “The game is beautiful, runs smoothly, and has an epic backdrop that makes you feel like there's really a war going on while you do your part.”
    • “Performance is abysmal, peppered with crashes, excessive load times, and missions just straight up not loading (yes, I am above the needed specs, yes it's on an SSD).”
    • “To put this bluntly, ever since patch 3.0, the stability, performance, and optimization of Space Marine 2 has taken a huge hit, and it's only getting worse and worse. Not to mention the server issues are rampant and are causing other issues far and wide.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized and it won't connect to my Xbox controller.”
  • stability901 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant issues such as frequent crashes, long loading times, and freezing during cutscenes, particularly the opening cinematic. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay with minimal bugs, a substantial number have faced frustrating technical difficulties that hinder their ability to enjoy the game. Overall, the game appears to be in a buggy state, with many players recommending waiting for patches and optimizations before purchasing.

    • “A solid game that is feature complete and (relatively) bug free.”
    • “Have had one minor freeze in almost 20 hours of gameplay, one of the most optimized and bug free launches I can remember.”
    • “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.”
    • “Right now, it is a buggy mess.”
    • “Game freezes and crashes at the first cutscene, long loading times as well.”
    • “I can't even get past the first cinematic before the game freezes completely or I get disconnected from the servers.”
  • grinding547 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players noting it as excessively tedious and repetitive due to the limited number of missions (only six) and the need to replay them for character and weapon progression. While some find the grind enjoyable and rewarding, especially for unlocking cosmetics and upgrades, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, making it feel like a chore rather than a fun gameplay loop. Overall, players suggest that the game requires a significant time investment to achieve meaningful progression, often leading to frustration.

    • “Progression system is engaging but not that grindy (for each individual class--to max out all the classes will take a decent amount of time).”
    • “The grind for leveling up is also simple and not too grindy.”
    • “Progression feels good, not too fast, not too grindy. I'm loving all of the classes and there is definitely ample skill ceiling for those of us that like to be a little extra.”
    • “Complaints about the short campaign (16-18 hours) and limited content are valid, as most of my time was spent grinding the same missions over and over in PvE.”
    • “Grinding the same missions over and over to level up a class isn't a particularly fun gameplay loop.”
    • “The campaign was extremely short, online co-op is way too repetitive and feels grindy while playing the same 6 missions over and over again.”
  • replayability523 mentions

    The replayability of the game is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while the campaign is relatively short and lacks significant replay value, the operations mode offers a more engaging experience with higher replayability due to its cooperative gameplay and class customization. However, the limited number of missions and repetitive nature of the content can lead to fatigue over time, suggesting that the game may require additional updates and expansions to maintain long-term interest. Overall, while there is potential for replayability, especially in multiplayer modes, many players feel it currently falls short of expectations for a full-priced title.

    • “Operations are excellent and much more replayable than it might seem given how few there are - the gameplay and enemies you fight are engaging enough to keep coming back.”
    • “Tons of fun, beautiful, true to the source material, and lots of both replay value and growth potential.”
    • “The operations mode has that much more, even if you do each operation only once, though they are clearly designed for replayability, and there's a fair bit of post-campaign class grinding to keep you serving the emperor.”
    • “In the end, I find myself in a gorgeous, detail-oriented game with a solid core gameplay but extremely limited replayability.”
    • “I'd probably feel better about this were it not for the fact that the story campaign is insultingly short with no replay value whatsoever.”
    • “The campaign is short at about 6-8 hours and offers pretty much no replay value other than trying the harder difficulties, has zero character customization and provides no rewards or unlocks for the other game modes.”
  • atmosphere485 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" is widely praised for its immersive and visually stunning representation of the grimdark universe, capturing the essence of the Warhammer 40k lore through detailed environments, atmospheric sound design, and a fitting musical score. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a sense of scale and intensity, making them feel like true warriors in a chaotic, war-torn setting. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a standout feature, effectively drawing players into its dark and brutal world.

    • “The atmosphere of the game is amazing, the attention to detail of the map design; and even the small conversations of AI throughout the world make it feel so alive.”
    • “The brutal and bloody action, along with the appropriate atmosphere of the game’s world and the operations mode, are other positive features of the game.”
    • “The atmosphere drips with the decay of a dying galaxy, where hope is but a flicker, and the only truth is war.”
    • “The atmosphere feels too dark and dreary, and I’ve had to restart the game a few times just to join multiplayer sessions.”
    • “While the game does have amazing graphics, it lacks depth and atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere doesn't compare to Space Marine 1; the audio isn't as immersive, the gameplay feels repetitive and unrewarding after the first few hours, the Tyranid and Chaos hordes in the distance feel cheaply done.”
  • music354 mentions

    The music in "Space Marine 2" has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its ability to enhance the atmosphere and intensity of combat, while others find it forgettable and lacking memorable tracks compared to previous Warhammer titles. Many noted issues with audio mixing, including instances of music cutting out or being too quiet during gameplay, which detracted from the overall experience. Overall, while the soundtrack fits the game's themes, it does not consistently stand out or leave a lasting impression.

    • “The soundtrack intensifies during combat, fueling the player’s adrenaline with orchestral scores that feel appropriately epic for the scale of the game.”
    • “Moreover, the soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, elevating key moments and creating an atmosphere that pulls you further into the experience.”
    • “The music, while not groundbreaking, sets the tone, though it doesn’t quite reach the insane, frenetic highs of something like Darktide.”
    • “The soundtrack is very bland, and even though it fits in, no single track stands out or is memorable.”
    • “Unfortunately, the music is very lacking; I don't remember or notice any of it in any game mode.”
    • “The only downgrade from the first Space Marine game I'd say is the music; everything else is better, but the music from SM1 is more memorable.”
  • monetization237 mentions

    The monetization model of *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the absence of microtransactions and predatory practices commonly found in modern games. While some criticize the game as a cash grab due to its reliance on DLC for cosmetic content, others celebrate its focus on player enjoyment without the pressure of in-game purchases or battle passes. Overall, the game is seen as a refreshing return to a more traditional gaming experience, prioritizing gameplay over monetization.

    • “In a sea of monetization schemes disguised as games, this is a breath of fresh air; it feels downright luxurious to have the players' enjoyment be the main priority in a title like this.”
    • “No microtransactions, no 'daily quest' fomo generators, no forced political agendas; just fanatical space fascists slaying xenos.”
    • “It's worth noting that the developers have stated there will be no in-game cash shop or microtransactions, and all future DLC will be cosmetic-only.”
    • “They love to make everything DLC, they love to add in features that should already exist through DLC, etc. Yeah, judging from the advertising, you can expect that to all be the same here just like it was in Darktide.”
    • “The amount of cosmetic microtransactions after one month is frankly nauseating.”
    • “This blatant failure of communication is what pushes this issue from a minor annoyance to something threatening a breach of the EULA and Steam TOS for vendors in regards to fraudulent products falsely advertising compatibility with Linux-based systems.”
  • humor184 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mix of dark, absurd, and situational comedy, often stemming from glitches and unexpected gameplay moments, such as hilarious bugs and exaggerated animations. Players appreciate the balance of serious lore with moments of levity, making for a fun and engaging experience, especially in multiplayer settings. Overall, the humor enhances the gameplay, providing a lighthearted contrast to the game's brutal themes.

    • “I was laughing to myself when testing the power of a new toy and seeing that the room filled with bugs just disappeared.”
    • “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 character development is rich, and the dialogue manages to balance gravitas with moments of dark humor, adding layers to the experience.”
    • “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?”
  • emotional126 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game has elicited a wide range of responses, with many players expressing nostalgia and a sense of empowerment reminiscent of their childhood gaming experiences. The storyline is praised for its compelling narrative and character development, although some critiques highlight a lack of emotional payoff and depth in certain plot points. Overall, players feel a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and emotional engagement, particularly during intense gameplay moments, despite some frustrations with technical issues and character expressions.

    • “The storyline is compelling and thoughtfully constructed, drawing players into a narrative filled with twists and emotional depth.”
    • “The voice acting is top-notch, enhancing the emotional weight of the story.”
    • “The character development feels more nuanced, and the emotional stakes are higher, making the journey not just about epic battles but also about the warriors' inner conflicts and camaraderie.”
    • “Limited content, boring story. I mean, it's like Titus was accused of heresy, pardoned for the heresy of the previous chaplain, and his current chaplain was probably promoted from the heretical chaplain. Like, what the heck?”
    • “A masterpiece of gameplay and visual fidelity mixed with a short and boring story.”
    • “The campaign is boring story-wise and very short.”
  • character development76 mentions

    Character development in the game is generally praised for its depth and relatability, with many players noting that the characters feel real and their journeys resonate on a personal level. While some reviews highlight exceptional character arcs and emotional stakes, others criticize the pacing and suggest that certain characters could have been further fleshed out. Overall, the combination of strong voice acting, nuanced dialogue, and engaging storylines contributes to a compelling narrative experience, though some players feel it lacks the complexity found in more traditional RPGs.

    • “The character development is exceptional; each character feels real and relatable, making their journeys resonate on a personal level.”
    • “The character development feels more nuanced, and the emotional stakes are higher, making the journey not just about epic battles but also about the warriors' inner conflicts and camaraderie.”
    • “The voice acting and character development breathe life into his struggle against the relentless tyranids and the insidious forces of chaos.”
    • “The devs definitely could have fleshed out the story and character development a bit more, and made the combat less repetitive.”
    • “The main character should be called Constipatus instead of Titus, because he is just grumpy all the time without any character development at all.”
    • “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.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Play time

12hMedian play time
76hAverage play time
9hMain story
29hCompletionist
5-33hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 331 analyzed playthroughs

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