For years, fans have eagerly awaited the sequel to *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine*, and while I was late to the party with the original game, my journey into the *Warhammer 40,000* universe began with *Total War: Warhammer*. Since then, I've explored numerous titles within the franchise, with *Boltgun* and *Rogue Trader* becoming personal favorites. My curiosity led me to try the first *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine* on the Steam Deck, and the recent reveal of *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* only heightened my excitement to experience the sequel across different platforms.
Over the past eight days, I've immersed myself in *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2*, dedicating around 22 hours between my Steam Deck and PS5, utilizing cross-progression and testing the online features. This review is in progress for two key reasons: I need to evaluate the cross-platform multiplayer and the online experience with public servers. Additionally, Focus and Saber have announced plans for official Steam Deck support, expected by the end of the year.
Given the impressive performance of the first *Space Marine* on the Steam Deck and the cross-progression feature in the sequel, I was eager to see how *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* would fare. While there's both good and bad news to report, I'll delve into the gameplay, online co-op, visuals, PC port features, PS5 features, and more. Note that screenshots featuring performance overlays or fps counters are from my Steam Deck OLED, whereas 16:9 screenshots are from my PS5 playthrough. My testing utilized Proton GE 9-9 and Proton Experimental.
*Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* is a third-person action shooter that brilliantly combines brutality, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay, making it accessible even to newcomers to the *Warhammer 40,000* universe. Following a concise yet effective tutorial, you're introduced to the Battle Barge, your central hub for mission selection, game mode choices, cosmetic adjustments, and more.
The gameplay is exceptional, with controls and weapons feeling finely tuned. Whether you prefer ranged combat or the visceral thrill of melee, the game delivers. The melee combat, in particular, is satisfyingly brutal, with executions and the sheer number of enemies creating an immersive experience. The campaign shines both solo and in co-op, though I found defense missions less enjoyable, they were well-implemented here.
Playing with a friend abroad, *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* evokes the feel of a high-budget co-op shooter from the Xbox 360 era, a genre that's rare today. It's captured my interest much like *Earth Defense Force* and *Gundam Breaker 4* did. I'm hopeful that Saber and Focus might collaborate with SEGA to modernize the original game's campaign.
My familiarity with *Warhammer 40,000* stems mostly from *Total War: Warhammer*, *Dawn of War*, *Boltgun*, and *Rogue Trader*. Yet, *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* has been a refreshing addition to my gaming library and one of the best co-op experiences I've had in years. While it's too early to crown it my favorite *Warhammer 40,000* game, I'm eager to dive back in, particularly in Operations mode with different classes and progressing through missions and unlocks.
Though I've yet to play with randoms at launch, my co-op experience so far has been fantastic. I'm looking forward to exploring the online features once cross-progression and cross-platform play become available.
Visually, *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* is breathtaking, especially on PS5 in 4K mode on a 1440p monitor. The environments are rich and detailed, filled with life through massive enemy swarms, intricate textures, and dynamic lighting. The voice acting and character customization options further enhance the game's appeal, showcasing the dedication put into allowing players to express their creativity.
The photo mode in single-player lets you fine-tune frames, expressions, characters, and more. However, on the Steam Deck, using FSR 2 and lower resolutions can compromise the visual effects. On PS5, the photo mode is exceptional.
The audio landscape, while not featuring the hoped-for *Bolt Thrower's Realm of Chaos*, is elevated by top-tier voice acting and sound design. The music, though good, hasn't stood out as something I'd listen to outside the game, but it complements the in-game experience perfectly.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Graphics Options
The PC port of *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* comes with a robust set of graphics options despite my testing being limited to the Steam Deck. It includes Epic Online Services, though linking an Epic account isn't necessary. Graphics settings allow for adjustments in display, display mode, resolution, render resolution, quality presets, and more, including TAA or FSR 2 for resolution upscaling on the Steam Deck. The game supports DLSS and FSR 2, with FSR 3 planned for post-launch, which could significantly benefit Steam Deck performance.
Visual quality settings offer four presets, adjusting texture filtering, resolution, shadows, ambient occlusion, reflections, volumetrics, effects, details, and cloth simulation. I hope for the addition of 16:10 support with the upcoming ultrawide update, as the game currently supports only 16:9.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Control Options
The game supports both keyboard and mouse and full controller functionality. Initially, PlayStation button prompts didn't appear on the Steam Deck, but disabling Steam Input resolved this issue. The control settings menu offers adaptive trigger options and the ability to remap keyboard and mouse bindings. Notably, the game supports DualSense's adaptive triggers over Bluetooth on PC, a feature not commonly found.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Performance
While *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* is technically playable on the Steam Deck without configuration changes, it's currently too demanding for the handheld. At 1280×800 with the low preset and FSR 2.0 at ultra performance, it struggles to maintain a stable 30fps, often dipping into the mid-20s during intense combat. Even at lower resolutions, fps drops persist. Dynamic upscaling aimed at a 30fps target fares slightly better but still frequently drops to the low 20s. The game's visuals look good on the Steam Deck's screen, but performance needs improvement. Additionally, the game sometimes fails to exit properly, requiring manual closure.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Multiplayer Impressions
Despite performance challenges, *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* offers a seamless online experience on the Steam Deck. I tested co-op with a friend in Canada without any issues related to Proton or Linux compatibility. The only hiccup was an internet-related disconnection, understandable given the pre-release server status. I look forward to testing the game with randoms and more friends at launch.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PS5 Features – DualSense, Activity Cards, and Performance Mode
On the PS5, *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* performs well in performance mode, though it doesn't maintain a locked 60fps. There's evidence of dynamic resolution or upscaling, causing occasional blurriness in large fights. The game's fast load times and PS5 Activity Card support enhance the experience, though gyro support is absent. I'll update this section if that changes.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Cross Save Progression Explained
Cross-progression between Steam and PS5 is currently functional with a two-day cooldown period before syncing back or to another platform. I've reached out to Focus for clarification on whether this cooldown will persist in the final build.
Is Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Worth It for Solo Play Only?
The viability of *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* for solo play remains uncertain until I can evaluate the online experience at launch. I plan to update this review once I've tested matchmaking in Operations (PvE) and Eternal War (PvP) modes, the latter of which I have yet to try.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Features I Want to See in Updates and Patches
With anticipated post-launch support, my main hope for *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* is improved Steam Deck performance and proper HDR support to enhance its already stunning visuals. The DualSense implementation is good, but haptic feedback, mentioned as not being available at launch, would be a welcome addition.
*Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* is a strong contender for game of the year so far. While I await further testing of the online features at launch, the gameplay, visuals, and sound design are top-notch. I recommend playing on PS5, but hold off on the Steam Deck until performance improvements arrive. I will update this review with a final score once I've had sufficient time with the multiplayer and after some patches have been released.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Review Score: TBA
