Space Marine 2 Devs Embrace Modders: Tau, Necrons, and a Surprising Fishing Mini-Game Added

Fans of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 are ecstatic following the developer's decision to provide modders with access to its internal editor, sparking optimism that the game could enjoy a long-lasting life akin to Skyrim through user-generated content. Game director Dmitry Grigorenko made the announcement on the Space Marine 2 modding Discord, calling it "our biggest milestone yet in supporting the modding community."

Saber Interactive has released the official Integration Studio for public use, which is the same tool used by developers for all aspects of gameplay development. This initial release empowers modders to work on everything from level scenarios and game modes to AI behavior, abilities, melee combo logic, user interface, and HUD elements, making modding for Space Marine 2 both faster and more accessible.

Grigorenko expressed his commitment to the modding scene, stating, “Not long ago, I promised we would support the modding scene — and we meant it. Watching this community grow, push boundaries, and create incredible experiences has been both inspiring and humbling. We’re excited to see what you build next — whether it’s a cinematic campaign, wild new game mode, or something we never saw coming.”

To kickstart the modding enthusiasm, Grigorenko shared humorous concept art for a "Fishing With Daddy Calgar" mini-game, featuring Marneus Calgar, the leader of the Ultramarines chapter. This playful challenge has set the stage for the community's first modding project.

To understand the community's plans, I spoke with Tom, known as Warhammer Workshop, the modder behind the acclaimed Space Marine 2’s Astartes Overhaul. After successfully enabling 12-player co-op in Space Marine 2, Tom now has access to scripting tools that control mission dynamics and game components such as weapons and abilities. He suggested the potential for a roguelite mode where players start with just a combat knife and face progressively tougher enemies, with chances to acquire weapons and health.

While a new cinematic campaign, like a Chaos campaign, is feasible, Tom noted that creating cutscenes remains challenging due to the lack of animation tools. However, he is already planning to introduce new factions such as the Tau and Necrons, which are compatible with existing rigs. Meanwhile, the community is eagerly working on the Fishing With Daddy Calgar mini-game mod.

The reaction from Space Marine 2 fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Although the game is well-received and one of the best-selling Warhammer video games, it is limited to three factions: Space Marines, Chaos, and the Tyrannids. With modding tools now available, fans can expand the game's universe, fulfilling hopes for additional factions like the Necrons hinted at in the campaign.

Redditor Mortwight remarked, “This is how you keep a game alive for years like Skyrim,” highlighting the potential longevity of Space Marine 2 through modding. This development is particularly timely as Saber and publisher Focus Entertainment have announced that Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 is in development. While some fans worry about the impact on potential DLC for Space Marine 2, both companies have reassured that they are not abandoning the game. With modders now empowered, Space Marine 2 is poised for a vibrant future.