Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 delivers exactly what fans wanted: the weight and overwhelming power of a Space Marine while hundreds of Tyranids rush you at once. Saber Interactive uses the Swarm Engine to stage large-scale clashes few games can match.
The game launched on September 9, 2024 on PS5, Windows and Xbox Series X|S, earning Metacritic scores of 80 to 83 and selling 12 million copies by April 2026.
Quick Facts
- Release: September 9, 2024
- Developer: Saber Interactive; published by Focus Entertainment; Swarm Engine
- Modes: Three-player co-op campaign, three-player PvE Operations, six-versus-six Eternal War PvP
- Critic scores: Metacritic 82 (PC), 80 (PS5), 83 (Xbox); OpenCritic 86%
- Sales: 4.5 million by October 16, 2024; 12 million by April 2026
Story
In the early 42nd Millennium, Lieutenant Titus, now a Primaris Space Marine, returns to the Ultramarines after a century of imprisonment. He confronts Tyranids and Chaos forces including the Thousand Sons while uncovering a classified project that could reshape the galaxy.
The campaign supports three-player co-op, with AI companions Chairon and Gadriel when playing solo.
Behind The Scenes
Space Marine 2 is developed by Saber Interactive on the Swarm Engine, known for handling large enemy swarms, and published by Focus Entertainment. After launch, the game kept receiving multiplayer content such as Stratagem variants and the endless-defense Siege Mode.
Saber announced Space Marine 3 in March 2025, and a Nintendo Switch 2 version is planned.
Experience
Melee and shooting
The game blends third-person melee and shooting with parries and ripostes, plus armor and health systems. Cutting through Tyranid swarms with hefty executions is the most emphasized highlight. Eurogamer called it a thunderous triple-A spectacle, and Push Square scored it 9/10.
Multiplayer modes
Beyond the campaign, the game offers Operations, three-player PvE missions, an endless-defense Siege Mode and six-versus-six PvP modes such as Annihilation and Seize Ground. There are seven classes with cosmetic customization. Post-launch updates added Stratagem variants and new modes.
Strengths
- Weighty, powerful combat and large-scale swarms
- A co-op campaign and PvE Operations that fans enjoy
- Seven classes and multiple modes add variety
- Post-launch updates sustain the community
Weaknesses
- Some reviews criticized mission variety and pacing
- The PS5 version (Metacritic 80) scores lower than the Xbox version (83)
- Quality depends heavily on co-op for the best experience
What Critics Say
Metacritic lists 82 on PC, 80 on PS5 and 83 on Xbox, with OpenCritic at 86%. Push Square scored 9/10, Eurogamer 4/5, and IGN and Game Informer both 8/10. Praise centered on combat and co-op; criticism targeted mission variety and pacing.
The game had over 2 million players on day one, was nominated for Best Action Game and Best Multiplayer at The Game Awards 2024, and won the Pégases Award for best foreign video game. Space Marine 3 was announced in March 2025.
Who Is It For
For Warhammer 40,000 fans and anyone who enjoys large-scale action, especially with friends. If you prioritize complex stories or open worlds, that is not this game's direction.
OtaHub Score
Verdict
Space Marine 2 is a powerful melee-and-shooter action game, best enjoyed with friends in co-op. Mission variety is its main drawback. OtaHub scores it 8.0/10.
FAQ
How many players in co-op?
The campaign supports three-player co-op, and PvE Operations are also for three players.
Is there PvP?
Yes, six-versus-six modes such as Annihilation and Seize Ground.
How many copies has it sold?
12 million copies as of April 2026.