Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 115,178 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

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 115,178 reviews
story7,361 positive mentions
stability1,710 negative mentions
  • story24,445 mentions

    The story of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" is generally well-received, praised for its engaging narrative and strong character development, particularly as it continues the journey of Captain Titus from the first game. While the campaign is relatively short, lasting around 6 to 10 hours, it is filled with cinematic moments and immersive lore that resonate with fans of the Warhammer universe. However, some players express disappointment over the limited number of missions and the repetitive nature of the gameplay, particularly in the co-op operations mode, which currently features only six missions. Overall, the story is seen as a solid foundation that could benefit from additional content in future updates.

    • “The campaign is beautiful, a captivating story with incredible sights and environments.”
    • “The story was incredibly engaging and compelled me to buy more in the series.”
    • “This game has a fantastic story.”
    • “The story is short, but it's a testament to how amazing the team is.”
    • “The campaign is only 6 missions long, other than operations, which for many of us, is not what we care about.”
    • “The main campaign is short and there are only 6 pve missions after the main story called operations.”
  • gameplay12,634 mentions

    The gameplay of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its fast-paced, visceral combat that effectively combines melee and ranged mechanics, creating a satisfying power fantasy for players. However, criticisms focus on the clunky parry and dodge mechanics, repetitive mission design, and issues with AI companions, which can detract from the overall experience. While the game excels in graphics and atmosphere, some players feel that the gameplay lacks depth and variety, leading to a potentially short-lived engagement.

    • “The gameplay feels really nice with every combat encounter leaving you at the edge of your seat; the campaign is paced pretty decently though short, it makes up for it with combat and story.”
    • “The gameplay is largely similar yet it's been evolved, offering a blend of visceral melee and strategic ranged combat that will captivate both longtime fans and newcomers to the Warhammer 40k universe.”
    • “The gameplay is super fun and graphics are just as good that I could play the same mission over and over.”
    • “The gameplay is just not really fun.”
    • “The parry mechanic is ridiculously unreliable.”
    • “Gameplay feels clunky and missing some key elements like feeling of progress towards character development.”
  • graphics7,575 mentions

    The graphics in "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning detail and immersive aesthetic, effectively capturing the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40k. Many players noted the impressive environments, character models, and visual effects, although some experienced performance issues, including crashes and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, while the visuals are a highlight, the game's optimization and gameplay mechanics have drawn mixed feedback, suggesting that the graphics may not fully compensate for other shortcomings.

    • “The graphics are absolutely gorgeous, and the single-player campaign is engaging.”
    • “The visuals, campaign story, and some of the new combat feels really great.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, bringing the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40k to life with incredible detail.”
    • “Everything was blurry and looked like plastic that had been heated. Tried lowering the graphics quality, didn't help; tried raising the quality and it caused rendering issues. Kept playing with the settings and now I can't even get into the game.”
    • “Game ran for about 10 minutes until I restarted the game to change graphics settings and it never was able to boot up, always crashed at the warning screen and I have spent two whole hours trying to fix the crashes and none of them worked.”
    • “The graphics are poorly optimized for 1440 and 4k, punch in the gut to those with a system we thought could run it.”
  • optimization3,628 mentions

    The optimization of "Space Marine 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including long loading times, stuttering, and crashes, particularly on lower-end systems. While some users with high-end rigs experience smooth gameplay, others struggle to achieve stable frame rates even on low settings, indicating that the game is heavily CPU-bound and not well-optimized for a variety of hardware configurations. Overall, many reviewers recommend waiting for further optimization patches before purchasing.

    • “However, the game does run smoothly, and I haven't experienced any stutter or frame drops.”
    • “A 40k game that is actually optimized, looks beautiful, and is fun to play?”
    • “Optimization here is good, not perfect but good.”
    • “I would avoid until performance improvements have been added as it seems I'm not the only one who has had an issue with the game loading.”
    • “With my PC, I feel I should be able to run the game fine, but I experience massive frame loss and stuttering in missions, while also having the game take 15 - 20 minutes just to load.”
    • “Do not purchase this scam of a game; they force software upon launch of the game that hinders gaming performance on top of being horribly optimized. I have a 4090 with 64GB of RAM and I can't even get above 30fps, and that's on all low settings.”
  • stability2,012 mentions

    The stability of "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" has been widely criticized, with many players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and long loading times, particularly during the opening cinematic and multiplayer sessions. While some users have managed to enjoy the game without significant issues, the overall consensus indicates that it is currently plagued by bugs and performance problems, making it unplayable for many. Players recommend waiting for patches and optimizations before purchasing.

    • “The game has a few bugs here and there but overall very polished and runs great.”
    • “Game runs great, very well optimized.”
    • “No glitches, no frame drops, no performance issues, no graphics issues, no microtransactions, gorgeous visuals, awesome set pieces, great gameplay, varied weapons, good looking roadmap.”
    • “Even on the lowest settings, the game is skipping frames and freezes a lot.”
    • “The worst of which is every time I close the game it freezes and I must force close it.”
    • “Currently I cannot recommend this game, it is incredibly buggy right now.”
  • grinding1,176 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players noting that it is excessively tedious and time-consuming. Many reviews highlight the limited number of missions (only six), which leads to repetitive gameplay as players are forced to grind the same content to unlock gear, cosmetics, and upgrades. While some players find satisfaction in the grind, the general consensus is that the progression system feels unbalanced and overly demanding, often detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “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.”
    • “The campaign was brilliant, pure 8 hours of cinema. Multiplayer is really fun and grindy, but not too grindy. You get stuff rather quickly when playing a few missions per day; I like it.”
    • “Leveling classes for PvE and getting armor data wasn't as grindy as I thought.”
    • “There's a lot of farming and only 6 missions means a lot of boredom and repetition.”
    • “The multiplayer modes are a joke and a horrendous grind, you would think it was a free to play game with how grindy the progression is...”
    • “For the amount of grinding the game wants you to do to level up your weapons and classes to max, 6 missions just aren't going to cut it.”
  • replayability1,107 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while the co-op operations mode offers some fun and engaging gameplay, it is limited by the small number of missions (only six) and a lack of variety in enemy encounters. Some players appreciate the potential for replayability through class customization and difficulty scaling, but many express concerns about the repetitive nature of the missions and the overall lack of content, especially in the campaign. Overall, while there are enjoyable elements that can keep players coming back, significant improvements and additional content are needed to enhance long-term replayability.

    • “I was surprised at the skill ceiling and replayability of missions, definitely a lot to master on all the classes and truly getting the flow of combat at the higher difficulties.”
    • “The combat is absolutely addicting and the replayability is huge.”
    • “The pve operations mode adds plenty of replayability, offering a great way to continue experiencing the thrill of combat long after the credits roll.”
    • “Doesn't seem to have a lot of depth or replayability.”
    • “Definitely leaves some room for improvement on replayability since there are only 6 PvE missions once you complete the campaign.”
    • “A big part of what killed my interest in this game is the total lack of replayability of missions; once you’ve done a mission, there’s little to no interest in replaying it.”
  • atmosphere1,025 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2" is widely praised for its immersive and gritty representation of the Warhammer 40k universe, capturing the dark, gothic aesthetic and intense lore that fans cherish. Reviewers highlight the game's stunning visuals, detailed environments, and atmospheric sound design, which collectively create a sense of urgency and chaos reflective of the ongoing war. While some players note gameplay issues, the overwhelming consensus is that the atmosphere is a standout feature, making it a must-play for both fans and newcomers to the franchise.

    • “The game oozes with atmosphere and lore appreciation, something sorely missing in 90% of games these days.”
    • “The grim, dark atmosphere of the Warhammer 40k universe is perfectly captured, drawing players into a world where every corner teems with intensity and epic scale.”
    • “The atmosphere is exactly right and immersive.”
    • “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 a commendable job of capturing the grim, dark atmosphere of the warhammer universe with its stunning visuals, it struggles to deliver a satisfying gameplay experience.”
    • “The atmosphere doesn't compare to SM1; 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.”
  • music765 mentions

    The music in "Space Marine 2" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its epic orchestral score that enhances the game's atmosphere and combat intensity. However, several players noted issues with audio mixing, leading to moments where the music is either too loud or barely audible, detracting from the overall experience. Comparisons to previous Warhammer titles, particularly "Darktide," highlight a perceived lack of memorable tracks, with some players finding the soundtrack uninspiring or forgettable.

    • “The soundtrack is epic and immersive, featuring a mix of orchestral and electronic elements that enhance the sense of grandeur.”
    • “The voice acting and soundtrack further immerse players in the game, with the voice work adding depth to the characters and the soundtrack heightening the tension and excitement of the battles.”
    • “The music is absolutely epic, and it plays better than most other games considering it's day one of early access.”
    • “The only problems I have been having with that is the music will cut out sometimes, and during the talking during battle, the voice chatter will cut out.”
    • “When there's a ton of enemies on screen, some will just start ignoring animation frames with music and sound skipping (because the background hiveblob is more important to animate than your current fight), making parry windows hard to tell.”
    • “The soundtrack is not used to its full potential unfortunately and is a lot of the times barely audible.”
  • monetization524 mentions

    The monetization model of *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* has received mixed feedback, with many players appreciating the absence of microtransactions and predatory practices commonly found in modern games. While some reviewers express concerns about potential cash grab tactics, particularly regarding overpriced DLC and season passes, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive reception of its consumer-friendly approach, emphasizing earnable cosmetics and a lack of pay-to-win mechanics. Players find it refreshing to engage with a game that prioritizes gameplay over aggressive monetization strategies.

    • “It's a breath of fresh air to find a game that plays as advertised and isn't filled with microtransactions.”
    • “It's nice to see a game in 2024 that actually functions on release and isn't riddled with thousands of microtransactions.”
    • “No microtransactions, which I find thrilling; everything is earnable.”
    • “Unfinished game released in a piss poor state in hopes for a quick cash grab.”
    • “This entire thing was a cash grab.”
    • “For what it offers, Warhammer Space Marines 2 feels like a cash grab.”
  • humor388 mentions

    The humor in "Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2" is a mix of dark, grimdark wit and slapstick moments, often stemming from character interactions and gameplay glitches. Players appreciate the game's ability to balance serious themes with humorous dialogue and absurd situations, such as comical bugs and exaggerated combat animations. However, some critiques highlight that the humor can be hit or miss, with certain aspects feeling forced or lacking depth, particularly in the PvP mode, which is often described as unfunny. Overall, the game provides a blend of enjoyable, funny moments that resonate well with fans of the franchise.

    • “Don't worry if you aren't familiar with the setting, just enjoy smashing the hell out of everything that looks at you funny.”
    • “The character development is rich, and the dialogue manages to balance gravitas with moments of dark humor, adding layers to the experience.”
    • “It's funny that the intro mentions how humanity is struggling from without against the xenos and from within against the traitors, sounds awfully close to current day and age.”
    • “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?”
  • emotional266 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a blend of nostalgia and camaraderie, with many players expressing feelings reminiscent of their early gaming experiences, particularly with titles like Halo and Gears of War. The voice acting and character interactions are noted for their emotional resonance, despite some characters being less expressive due to their stoic nature as space marines. While the game evokes a sense of empowerment and fun, it also touches on deeper themes of personal growth and connection, making it a wholesome experience for many players.

    • “The voice acting and dialogue are top-notch, delivering a storyline that is as emotionally resonant as it is action-packed.”
    • “The storyline is well-crafted, offering a gripping and emotionally charged experience that keeps players invested in the fate of the characters and the broader conflict.”
    • “This game made me feel like a kid again when Gears of War 1 launched on the Xbox 360.”
    • “The player is given zero agency in the game and is just pulled along a boring story through boring maps.”
    • “A masterpiece of gameplay and visual fidelity mixed with a short and boring story.”
    • “Campaign is boring story-wise and very short.”
  • character development159 mentions

    Character development in "Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2" is generally praised for its depth and richness, with many reviewers highlighting the protagonist's heroic journey and the emotional stakes involved. The dialogue effectively balances serious themes with dark humor, enhancing the narrative experience. However, some critiques mention that certain characters lack significant development, and the pacing of the story could be improved, leaving some aspects feeling rushed or underexplored.

    • “The character development is rich, and the protagonist’s journey is both heroic and fraught with sacrifice.”
    • “The voice acting and character development breathe life into our brothers in arms, making each victory feel personal and each loss a solemn reminder of our sacrifice.”
    • “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 character development is the weakest part for the same reason, kind of rushed in the end but overall works.”
    • “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.”
    • “Character development of the main cast is laughable, with the only thing really changing being them trusting in Titus.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

11hMedian play time
73hAverage play time
9hMain story
29hCompletionist
5-31hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 700 analyzed playthroughs

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