It’s been 13 years since the release of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, a third-person hack-and-slash shooter hybrid set in the much-beloved world of Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40K franchise. Now, by the will of the Emperor himself, fans can once again step into the oversized boots of mankind’s superhuman protectors, the Space Marines, in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.

Now, a lot has happened in Warhammer 40K over those 13 years, so we’re here to get you up to speed on the basics—from 40K’s primary setting to what exactly a Space Marine even is. We’ll also explore what you can expect to see in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and its returning protagonist, Demetrian Titus.

What is Warhammer 40K?

Warhammer 40K is a dystopian sci-fi epic that has been going strong for nearly 40 years, so needless to say, its lore is among the richest and most complex out there. While 40K now primarily takes place in the 41st and 42nd millennia, to truly understand the nature and purpose of the Space Marines, we’ll briefly dive into some of the most vital early lore.

In the 31st millennium mankind’s struggle for galactic dominance is frankly not going well. Under the banner of the Imperium of Man, humanity finds itself at war with numerous alien species, collectively known as Xenos. Worse still, an otherworldly dimension—home to demonic forces and dark deities known as the Chaos Gods—has begun to bleed into reality through rifts in space.

Fortunately for the Imperium, they have the guiding hand of their leader, a god-like, immortal human of mysterious origin who rose to become mankind’s Emperor. To ensure humanity’s dominance across the galaxy, the Emperor genetically engineered his 20 sons, essentially transforming them into demi-gods called Primarchs. Each Primarch was destined to lead a legion of super soldier Space Marines.

Unfortunately for the Emperor, the Chaos Gods had other plans. They corrupted several Primarchs, twisting them into starting a rebellion against the Emperor’s forces. The ensuing civil war led to the eventual defeat of the Chaos forces but left the Emperor mortally wounded. While the Emperor now lays confined to a life support system called the Golden Throne, his powerful mind persists as a psychic beacon for humanity, while the might of the Imperium and the returned Primarchs Roboute Guilliman of the Ultramarines, and Lion El Johnson of the Dark Angels, battle to guide humanity through the horrors of the grimdark far future.

What is a Space Marine?

To humanity, Space Marines are the Emperor’s avenging angels. To their enemies, they are little more than tyrannical zealots. Either way, these hulking power-armoured super soldiers have been enhanced in nearly every way imaginable—from genetic modifications to cybernetic implants and even extra organs (including a second heart!).
Space Marines (or Adeptus Astartes) or the Emperor’s greatest warriors, the elite superhuman defenders of humanity. They are divided into various chapters, each with its own cultural norms and rules, but all are united in their unwavering devotion to the Emperor. In Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, you’ll once again step into the role of Demetrian Titus, a member of the Ultramarines.

Space Marines are certainly not without their flaws. Despite being paragons of genetic perfection, they are prone to hubris, often looking down on the very humans they’re sworn to protect. In the worst cases, this arrogance has led some to fall under the influence of Chaos and abandon their duty to the Emperor.

Welcome to the 42nd Millennium

Set in the 42nd millennium, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 sees Titus rejoin the Ultramarines after being arrested by the Inquisition at the climax of the first game. Despite successfully thwarting an Ork invasion on the planet Graia, and defeating the Chaos sorcerer lord Nemeroth, suspicions arose regarding Titus’ resistance to the corruptive forces of Chaos. Imprisoned and placed into stasis, Titus was eventually freed, but fearing he had brought shame to the Ultramarines, chose to serve the Emperor in exile as a member of the Deathwatch chapter.

After being mortally wounded during a mission, Titus was saved by Ultramarine reinforcements and persuaded to rejoin his former brothers in arms. This process involved further genetic modification, turning Titus into a Primaris Space Marine, the newest line of humanity’s super-human soldiers.

An honoured Ultramarine once more, Titus now leads a new unit against the Tyranids—vicious insectoid aliens operating as a hive mind—and the Thousand Sons, a legion of Chaos Marines wielding warp magic.

Become an Avenging Angel of Death

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 features an enhanced version of the third-person hack-and-slash shooter gameplay introduced in the first game. This time, however, as a Primaris Space Marine, Titus is faster and stronger than ever before. Titus can now parry and dodge enemy attacks, creating openings to counter with vicious gun strikes and execution kills. Staying on the offensive is key, as executions replenish Titus’ armour, keeping him in the fight for longer.

Space Marine 2 also offers more versatility, allowing players in PVE to choose from six initial classes, each with unique abilities and weapon sets. While you’ll still have access to the usual bolt guns and chainswords, selecting the imposing Bulwark class, for example, allows you to defend yourself and your allies. This class also comes with a storm shield and power sword, enabling you to cut down swarms of Tyranids and heretic Chaos Marines.

For more ranged-focused combat, players can use the Sniper class to dispatch enemies from a safe distance. The Sniper class also comes with a camo cloak ability that lets players move around unseen to find better vantage points and escape particularly hairy situations.

Each class can be customised with familiar 40K ranged and melee weaponry, including deadly short-ranged melta guns, armour-destroying plasma rifles, and devastating melee weapons like the imposing Thunder Hammer. Perks can be unlocked for each class and weapon, providing more options to suit every playstyle.

Cooperative play also allows up to three players to control Titus and his squad in the new campaign mode and co-op-exclusive missions. Additionally, a 6 vs 6 PvP mode, pitting loyal Primaris Marines against the heretical Traitor Space Marines, is available to test your combat prowess against other online players.

Check out Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, out now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC.