Games Workshop's highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000 animation, Astartes 2, has resurfaced with a stunning teaser trailer, captivating fans of the franchise. However, a crucial detail has emerged: none of the footage in the teaser will actually appear in the final animation.
Astartes 2 serves as the sequel to the acclaimed fan-made original, created by Syama Pedersen. Widely considered the pinnacle of Warhammer 40,000 animation, it's only rivaled perhaps by Amazon's recent Space Marine 2 animation. Its success even inspired Saber Interactive's popular Space Marine 2 game, leading Games Workshop to bring Pedersen onboard for the sequel.
After years of silence, the surprise release of the teaser trailer on January 29th, 2025, has reignited excitement. The trailer showcases breathtaking visuals, featuring melee combat, ranged firefights, vehicle engagements, and even space battles. Various Space Marine chapters clash across diverse environments, facing off against Tyranids, Orks, and Tau.
Despite the impressive spectacle, Games Workshop clarified on their Warhammer Community website that the teaser is not actual footage from Astartes 2. Instead, it's a compilation of shots representing the characters' past lives, hinting at the overall narrative. The lack of a disclaimer on the trailer itself is a potential concern, potentially misleading viewers.
The teaser's final image suggests the characters will ultimately form an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad, sparking much speculation among fans. The impressive visuals have also generated interest from Space Marine 2 players, who are hoping some elements, particularly the capes, might find their way into the game. Given Saber Interactive's ongoing updates, this isn't entirely improbable.
While the teaser is undeniably impressive, it leaves fans eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the actual Astartes 2 animation, slated for release in 2026 exclusively on the Warhammer+ streaming service.
