A Deep Dive into Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – A Steam Deck and PS5 Review in Progress
For years, many Warhammer 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 titles like Boltgun and Rogue Trader. Intrigued, I sampled the original Space Marine on my Steam Deck months ago. Now, having extensively played Space Marine 2 across PC and PS5, I'm eager to share my in-progress review.
This review remains incomplete for two reasons: thorough testing of cross-platform multiplayer and public server stability is crucial, and official Steam Deck support is promised by year's end.
My 22 hours across Steam Deck and PS5 (leveraging cross-progression) have provided a strong foundation. The Steam Deck experience, however, is hampered by performance limitations.
The game’s stunning visuals and visceral combat shine on both platforms. The third-person action is brutal, beautiful, and incredibly fun, even for 40k newcomers. A concise tutorial smoothly introduces combat mechanics. The Battle Barge hub serves as a central location for mission selection, cosmetic adjustments, and more.
Gameplay is exceptional. While ranged combat is viable, the melee system is particularly satisfying. Brutal executions and overwhelming enemy swarms are consistently engaging. The solo campaign is enjoyable, and co-op enhances the experience (though defense missions feel less compelling).
Playing with a friend overseas, Space Marine 2 felt like a high-budget evolution of Xbox 360-era co-op shooters – a rarity these days. It's highly addictive, reminiscent of Earth Defense Force or Gundam Breaker 4.
My 40k knowledge stems primarily from Total War, Dawn of War, Boltgun, and Rogue Trader. Despite this, Space Marine 2 offers a refreshing and captivating co-op experience. While I can't definitively declare it my favorite 40k game yet, the Operations mode, class variety, and progression system have me hooked.
Co-op impressions are overwhelmingly positive, though further testing with random players post-launch is needed. The PS5 version, in 4K on my 1440p monitor, is visually stunning. Environments are detailed and alive, enhanced by exceptional enemy swarms, textures, lighting, and character voice acting. Customization options are extensive and encourage creative expression.
A photo mode, accessible in single-player, offers extensive adjustments (though some effects on Steam Deck using FSR 2 and lower resolutions appear suboptimal; PS5 implementation is superior). Audio is top-tier, particularly the voice acting and sound design. While the music is good, it lacks the standout memorability of some other game soundtracks.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Graphics Options
The PC port, tested on Steam Deck, offers extensive graphical settings: display mode, resolution, render resolution, quality presets (balanced, performance, ultra performance), upscaling (TAA, FSR 2), dynamic resolution target, v-sync, brightness, motion blur, FPS limit, and granular control over various quality aspects. DLSS and FSR 2 are supported at launch, with FSR 3 planned. 16:10 support is absent but hopefully forthcoming.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Control Options
Keyboard and mouse controls are available alongside full controller support. Initially, PlayStation button prompts were absent on Steam Deck unless Steam Input was disabled. Adaptive trigger support is present and functions wirelessly with the DualSense controller, a welcome feature.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Performance
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is technically playable on Steam Deck, but performance is currently suboptimal. Even at 1280x800 with low settings and FSR 2.0, maintaining a stable 30fps is challenging, with frequent dips. Dynamic upscaling attempts to target 30fps, but frame rate drops remain an issue. The game occasionally fails to exit cleanly, requiring manual closure.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Multiplayer Impressions
Online multiplayer functions correctly on Steam Deck, with successful co-op sessions. Pre-release server instability caused some disconnections, but further testing is needed.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PS5 Features
PS5 performance mode delivers a mostly smooth experience, though dynamic resolution/upscaling causes occasional blurriness. Load times are fast, and PS5 Activity Cards enhance usability. Gyro support is currently absent.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Cross-Save Progression
Cross-progression between Steam and PS5 is functional, with a two-day cooldown between platform syncs.
Is Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Worth It for Solo Play?
This question requires further evaluation post-launch, with more populated servers.
Desired Future Features
Post-launch updates should prioritize Steam Deck performance optimization and HDR support. Haptic feedback on PS5 would also be a welcome addition.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a strong Game of the Year contender. Gameplay is exceptional, and the visuals and audio are superb. While Steam Deck performance needs improvement, the PS5 version is highly recommended. A full review with a final score will follow post-launch multiplayer testing and patching.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Review Score: TBA
