Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2: A Brutal and Beautiful Action Shooter – Steam Deck and PS5 Review (In Progress)
For years, many fans eagerly anticipated Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. My own journey began with Total War: Warhammer, leading me to explore the broader 40k universe, including Boltgun and Rogue Trader. I initially sampled the original Space Marine on my Steam Deck, piquing my interest for the sequel. The recent reveal left me eager to experience Space Marine 2.
Over the past week, I've logged approximately 22 hours with Space Marine 2 across my Steam Deck and PS5, leveraging cross-progression and testing online functionality. This review is ongoing for two reasons: thorough evaluation requires comprehensive cross-platform multiplayer testing, and Focus and Saber are committed to delivering official Steam Deck support by year's end.
Space Marine 2's stunning visuals and gameplay on Steam Deck fueled my curiosity regarding its handheld performance. This review will cover gameplay, online co-op, visuals, PC port features, PS5 features, and more. Note: Screenshots with performance overlays are from my Steam Deck OLED; 16:9 screenshots are from my PS5 playthrough. Testing was conducted using Proton GE 9-9 and Proton Experimental.
Space Marine 2 is a third-person action shooter that seamlessly blends brutality, visual splendor, and engaging gameplay, appealing to both veterans and newcomers to the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The tutorial provides a solid foundation for combat and movement before leading you to the Battle Barge hub, where you select missions, game modes, customize cosmetics, and more.
The core gameplay is exceptional; controls and weaponry feel perfectly tuned. While some may favor ranged combat, I relished the visceral melee combat. The executions are satisfying, and mowing down hordes of enemies before facing tougher foes remains consistently engaging. The campaign is enjoyable solo or with friends in co-op, although I found defense missions less appealing.
Playing with a friend overseas, Space Marine 2 felt like a high-budget, modern take on Xbox 360-era co-op shooters, a genre rarely seen today. It captivated me much like 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 stems primarily from Total War: Warhammer, Dawn of War, Boltgun, and Rogue Trader. Space Marine 2 provides a refreshing and enjoyable co-op experience, ranking among my favorites in years. While it's premature to declare it my favorite 40k game, the addictive Operations mode, class variety, and mission progression keep me returning for more.
My co-op experience has been excellent, although further testing with random players post-launch is necessary for a definitive assessment. I eagerly anticipate testing the full online experience.
Visually, Space Marine 2 shines on both PS5 and Steam Deck. The PS5's 4K mode (played on a 1440p monitor) is breathtaking. Environments are richly detailed, and the sheer number of enemies, combined with excellent texture work and lighting, creates a dynamic and immersive atmosphere. This is complemented by superb voice acting and extensive customization options, allowing for creative self-expression.
The single-player photo mode offers extensive customization options for framing, expressions, characters, FOV, and more. However, on Steam Deck, some effects appear suboptimal when using FSR 2 and lower resolutions. The PS5 photo mode is exceptional.
The audio design is top-tier. While the music is good, it hasn't reached the level of repeat listening outside the game. However, the voice acting and sound design are exceptional.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Graphics Options
The PC port, tested on Steam Deck, offers a range of graphical settings: display mode, resolution, render resolution, quality presets (balanced, performance, ultra performance), resolution upscaling (TAA, FSR 2), dynamic resolution, v-sync, brightness, motion blur, FPS limit, and individual quality settings (textures, shadows, etc.). DLSS and FSR 2 are included at launch, with FSR 3 planned post-launch. I hope for future 16:10 support.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Control Options
The game supports keyboard and mouse, as well as full controller support. Disabling Steam Input resolved initial PlayStation button prompt issues on Steam Deck. Adaptive trigger support is available, and controller remapping is fully featured. The DualSense controller (wireless) provides adaptive trigger support on PC.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Performance
While technically playable on Steam Deck without configuration, the game pushes the handheld's limits. Even at 1280x800 with low settings and FSR 2.0 at Ultra Performance, maintaining a stable 30fps is challenging, with frequent dips. Dynamic upscaling for a 30fps target yields similar results. While visually acceptable, the performance isn't ideal. Occasional game crashes also occurred.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Multiplayer Impressions
Online multiplayer functions correctly on Steam Deck, with successful co-op sessions. Internet-related disconnections were encountered, but this is expected on pre-release servers. Further testing with random players is planned.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PS5 Features
Performance mode on PS5 provides a largely positive experience, although a locked 60fps isn't achieved, and dynamic resolution/upscaling is apparent. Load times are fast, and PS5 Activity Cards are supported. Gyro support is currently absent.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Cross-Save Progression
Cross-save progression between Steam and PS5 is functional, with a two-day cooldown period between platform syncs.
Is Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Worth It for Solo Play Only?
This requires further evaluation post-launch, once online servers are fully populated. Eternal War (PvP) mode also remains untested.
Desired Future Features
Future updates should prioritize improved Steam Deck performance and HDR support. Haptic feedback on PS5 would also be a welcome addition.
Space Marine 2 is a strong contender for Game of the Year. While full online multiplayer testing is pending, the gameplay, visuals, and audio are exceptional. I currently recommend it for PS5 but not Steam Deck. A final score will follow post-launch multiplayer testing and patching.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Review Score: TBA
