Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2: A Deep Dive Review (Steam Deck & PS5)
For years, anticipation for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has been building. While I wasn't initially aware of the original, my journey through the Total War: Warhammer series and other 40k titles (Boltgun and Rogue Trader being personal favorites) led me to this highly anticipated sequel. My initial foray involved a Steam Deck playthrough, piquing my interest for a more comprehensive experience across multiple platforms. The recent reveal further fueled my excitement.
Over the past week, I've logged approximately 22 hours with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, leveraging cross-progression between my Steam Deck and PS5 to explore both single-player and online multiplayer. This review is ongoing for two key reasons: a complete evaluation requires thorough testing of cross-platform multiplayer and public servers, and official Steam Deck support is promised by Focus and Saber by year's end.
Given the game's impressive visuals and gameplay on the Steam Deck, coupled with cross-progression, I was eager to see how it performed. The news is mixed, and this review will cover the gameplay, online co-op, visuals, PC port features, PS5 performance, and more. Note: screenshots with performance overlays are from my Steam Deck OLED, while 16:9 shots are from the PS5 version. Testing utilized Proton GE 9-9 and Proton Experimental.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a visceral third-person action shooter—brutal, stunning, and incredibly fun, even for newcomers to the 40k universe. The tutorial effectively introduces combat and movement mechanics before dropping you into the Battle Barge hub. Here, you manage missions, game modes, cosmetics, and more.
The moment-to-moment gameplay is exceptional. Controls and weapons feel perfectly balanced. While ranged combat is viable, the melee combat is particularly satisfying, with visceral executions and hordes of enemies to mow down. The campaign is enjoyable solo or with friends in co-op, though defense missions feel less engaging.
Playing with a friend overseas, the game felt like a high-budget, modern take on Xbox 360-era co-op shooters, a style rarely seen today. It's as captivating as Earth Defense Force or Gundam Breaker 4. I hope Saber and Focus collaborate with SEGA to modernize the original game's campaign.
My Warhammer 40,000 experience primarily stems from Total War: Warhammer, Dawn of War, Boltgun, and Rogue Trader. Despite this, Space Marine 2 offers a refreshing and incredibly enjoyable co-op experience—one of my favorites in years. While it's premature to declare it my favorite 40k game, this review will be updated after further playtime. The Operations mode, with its diverse classes and unlocks, is highly addictive.
While full launch testing with random players is pending, my co-op experience has been superb. I eagerly anticipate testing the online functionality with a wider player base.
Visually, the PS5 version in 4K (on my 1440p monitor) is breathtaking. The environments are stunning, and the sheer number of enemies, coupled with detailed textures and lighting, brings the world to life. This is complemented by excellent voice acting and extensive customization options, allowing for creative self-expression.
The single-player photo mode offers extensive customization, though some effects look less polished on the Steam Deck with FSR 2 and lower resolutions. The PS5 version, however, shines.
The audio design is top-notch. While the music isn't memorable enough for standalone listening, it's perfectly suited to the game. The voice acting and sound design, however, are truly exceptional.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Graphics Options
The PC port, tested on Steam Deck, offers a range of graphical options: display mode, resolution, render resolution, quality presets (quality, balanced, performance, ultra performance), resolution upscaling (TAA, FSR 2), dynamic resolution target, v-sync, brightness, motion blur, fps limit, and detailed quality settings for textures, shadows, ambient occlusion, reflections, and more.
DLSS and FSR 2 are supported at launch, with FSR 3 planned for later. 16:10 support is also hoped for in future updates.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Control Options
The game supports keyboard and mouse, along with full controller support. Disabling Steam Input resolved initial issues with PlayStation button prompts on Steam Deck. Adaptive triggers are also supported wirelessly, a noteworthy feature.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Performance
While technically playable without configuration changes, the game pushes the Steam Deck's limits. Even at 1280x800 with low settings and FSR 2.0, maintaining a stable 30fps is challenging, with frequent drops. Dynamic upscaling attempts to hit 30fps, but still experiences dips. The game occasionally fails to exit cleanly, requiring manual closure.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Multiplayer
Online multiplayer functions correctly on Steam Deck, with successful co-op sessions. Further testing with random players is needed for a complete assessment.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PS5 Features
The PS5 version, tested in performance mode, offers mostly smooth gameplay, though dynamic resolution seems to be in use. Load times are fast, and PS5 Activity Cards are supported. Gyro controls are currently absent.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Cross-Save Progression
Cross-save progression between Steam and PS5 is functional, though a two-day cooldown period exists between platform switches.
Solo Play Value
A full assessment of solo play value requires further testing of online matchmaking and PvP modes.
Desired Future Updates
HDR support and haptic feedback are highly desired additions.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a strong contender for Game of the Year. While online multiplayer testing is incomplete, the gameplay, visuals, and audio are exceptional. I currently do not recommend it for Steam Deck due to performance issues, but the PS5 version is highly recommended. This review will be updated with a final score after further testing and patches.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Review Score: TBA
