You’re going to want a squad for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, an upcoming action game from Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment, is shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest hits. The last look we had at the shooter was in 2023, where we glimpsed a short mission on Kadaku. This time, I went hands on with two Operations mode missions, as well as the Voidsong mission, where I primarily took part as a solo player.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is quite unlike its predecessor, which only offered a single-player campaign. This sequel allows for online campaign co-op for up to three players. Players take control of former Ultramarines Captain Titus, flanked by squadmates Chairon and Gadriel, who are controlled by the AI in case you’re unable to invite friends. With thrilling gameplay that creates a genuine “against all odds” feel, Space Marine 2 has the right ingredients for an engaging co-op shooter — you’ll just want to make sure you have some friends to play with.

Of bolts and boltguns

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 puts players in the heavily armored boots of a titular Space Marine, a gene-enhanced superhuman soldier at the frontlines of millenia-long wars. As a selectable class in Operations mode or as Captain Titus in the campaign, you make use of a plethora of weapons in pulse-pounding third-person shooter gameplay. These armaments include Melta Guns with their fiery projectiles, rapid-firing Carbines, reliable Boltguns and Bolt Pistols, massive Power Fists, and energy-infused Power Swords.

Based on what I’ve played so far, it’s safe to say that Voidsong will be one of the more memorable campaign missions. Taking place at the midpoint of the story, Voidsong sees the Ultramarines making their way through a Tyranid-infested city to aid a Cadian regiment. After braving numerous dangers, they encounter a Thousand Sons sorcerer named Imurah. This leads to one of Space Marine 2’s challenging boss fights, as the Imurah battle itself has two phases. The first sees Imurah creating a portal