Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is one of the most anticipated action games in the Warhammer 40K universe, combining fast-paced third-person combat with large-scale battles against hordes of Tyranids. As Captain Titus of the Ultramarines, you are tasked with defending the Imperium against overwhelming alien threats. This detailed guide will provide a complete walkthrough of Space Marine 2’s campaign, co-op survival mode, weapon builds, boss strategies, and beginner tips, making sure you have every tool to survive the grimdark future of the 41st millennium.
Whether you are new to Warhammer 40K or a veteran of the original Space Marine, this guide will help you maximize your combat efficiency, learn the best loadouts, and fully enjoy the epic scale of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
1. Getting Started – Beginner Tips for Space Marine 2
Before diving into the campaign missions, here are some essential beginner strategies to help you survive:
- Learn the Flow of Combat: Unlike cover-based shooters, Space Marine 2 focuses on aggressive melee and ranged hybrid combat. Charging into melee restores health, so don’t play too passively.
- Conserve Ammo Wisely: Bolter ammunition is limited, and Tyranids come in endless waves. Switch between melee weapons and guns to balance resources.
- Master Stun and Execution: Executions not only look brutal but also restore health. Use them strategically when overwhelmed.
- Stay Mobile: Tyranids will swarm you from all sides. Keep moving, dodging, and repositioning.
- Play the Objective: Missions often require defending a point, holding out until reinforcements arrive, or advancing through hordes. Focus on goals, not just kills.
2. Complete Campaign Walkthrough
Here’s a mission-by-mission breakdown of the Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 campaign with strategies for surviving each scenario.
Mission 1 – The Invasion Begins
- You start on a war-torn planet under siege by Tyranids. Focus on learning basic melee combos with the Chainsword and switching to your Bolter for ranged support.
- Tip: Aim for weak spots on Tyranid Warriors; their glowing chest cavities take more damage.
- Objective: Secure the landing zone for Imperial reinforcements.
Mission 2 – Hive Swarm
- Introduces larger hordes. Grenades are crucial here. Use choke points to funnel Tyranids.
- Tip: Don’t waste grenades on small creatures like Termagants—save them for large swarms or Carnifexes.
- Objective: Destroy Tyranid bio-spores before they overrun Imperial Guard lines.
Mission 3 – Into the Hive
- A close-quarters mission inside a Tyranid-infested structure. Switch to melee-heavy combat.
- Tip: Use the Power Sword for sweeping attacks that clear small enemies faster than the Chainsword.
- Boss Fight: Tyranid Warrior Prime – dodge its heavy melee strikes and counter with melee combos when it staggers.
Mission 4 – The Defense of Bastion Primus
- A defense mission where you must hold a fortress against endless waves.
- Tip: Place yourself near ammo crates and cycle between heavy weapons and melee combat.
- Objective: Survive until Imperial reinforcements arrive.
Mission 5 – Shadows of the Hive Mind
- Stealth-based mission with scouting objectives. Avoid alerting massive Tyranid broods.
- Tip: Use silenced executions and long-range fire to thin groups.
- Objective: Plant explosives to cripple Tyranid spawning pools.
Mission 6 – The Carnifex Hunt
- A massive boss fight against multiple Carnifexes.
- Tip: Use Heavy Bolters and Plasma Guns. Aim for glowing weak points on their backs.
- Melee Strategy: Dash in for quick hits, retreat, then punish after their charge attack.
Mission 7 – Hive Tyrant Showdown
- The climactic battle against a Hive Tyrant.
- Tip: Focus fire with ranged weapons until its armor breaks. Then finish with melee combos and executions.
- Co-op Help: In multiplayer, have one player distract while others attack from behind.
- Objective: Kill the Hive Tyrant to end the invasion.
3. Best Weapons & Loadouts
Space Marine 2 offers a mix of classic Warhammer 40K weapons and new additions. Here are the top recommendations:
- Bolter (Default): Reliable, balanced, and powerful at mid-range.
- Plasma Gun: High damage but overheats—great against armored Tyranids.
- Heavy Bolter: Crowd control weapon, perfect for defense missions.
- Melta Gun: Melts through Carnifex armor at close range.
- Chainsword: Best for aggressive melee play, fast and deadly.
- Power Sword: Balanced between speed and crowd control.
- Thunder Hammer: Slow but devastating; ideal for boss fights.
Loadout Recommendation for Campaign:
- Primary: Bolter
- Secondary: Plasma Gun or Melta Gun
- Melee: Chainsword for mobility, Thunder Hammer for bosses
- Grenades: Frag for crowds, Krak for armored Tyranids
4. Co-op Survival Mode Guide
Space Marine 2 introduces a co-op survival mode, where you and up to two other players must fight endless waves of Tyranids.
Key Strategies:
- Team Roles: Assign roles (Tank with Thunder Hammer, Ranged DPS with Plasma, Support with Heavy Bolter).
- Stay Together: Splitting up is a death sentence. Stay in formation and cover each other.
- Resource Management: Share ammo crates; don’t let one player run dry.
- Focus Fire on Elites: Warriors, Carnifexes, and Hive Guards should be prioritized.
- Use Synergy: One player stuns enemies with melee, another executes, while a third provides covering fire.
Survival Tips:
- Rotate melee executions to keep health high.
- Save heavy weapons for elite enemies, not cannon fodder.
- Communicate constantly; call out enemy spawns and focus targets.
5. Boss Fight Strategies
Carnifex
- Dodge its charge, then counterattack.
- Use Melta Guns and Krak Grenades.
Hive Tyrant
- Stay at mid-range, avoid its psychic attacks.
- Shoot wings and back weak points.
- Melee only when staggered.
Swarmlord (Optional Endgame Boss)
- Extremely fast melee fighter.
- Requires constant dodging and co-op teamwork.
- Focus on hit-and-run tactics.
6. Multiplayer PvE and Future Updates
While primarily a campaign and co-op survival game, Space Marine 2 is expected to expand with new modes and DLC. Stay prepared by:
- Practicing all weapon types.
- Learning maps and choke points.
- Following patch updates for balance changes.
7. Pro Tips & Tricks
- Chain Executions: Stagger smaller enemies to trigger back-to-back executions for constant healing.
- Environmental Awareness: Explosive barrels and Imperial turrets can turn the tide.
- Ammo Conservation: Switch to melee when possible—don’t waste Bolter ammo on weak Tyranids.
- Upgrade Priority: Focus upgrades on survivability and melee efficiency first.
- Stay Aggressive: Unlike other shooters, Space Marine 2 rewards offense. Don’t sit back—charge into the swarm like a true Ultramarine.
Conclusion
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a brutal, action-packed experience that captures the spirit of the Warhammer 40K universe. By following this complete Space Marine 2 guide, you’ll master every weapon, defeat Tyranid hordes, dominate survival mode with friends, and emerge victorious as Captain Titus.
In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war—and with the right strategy, you will always triumph.
