Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 Handheld Test Impresses

A Deep Dive into Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – A Steam Deck and PS5 Review in Progress

For years, anticipation for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has been building. While I wasn't initially aware of the first game, my exploration of the Warhammer 40,000 universe through titles like Total War: Warhammer, Boltgun, and Rogue Trader piqued my interest. After a captivating reveal, I was eager to experience Space Marine 2.

Over the past week, I've logged approximately 22 hours across my Steam Deck and PS5, leveraging cross-progression and testing online functionality. This review is ongoing for two reasons: a comprehensive assessment requires thorough cross-platform multiplayer testing, and official Steam Deck support is slated for release by year's end.

Witnessing Space Marine 2's impressive visuals and gameplay on the Steam Deck, and given the cross-progression feature, I was keen to see its performance on Valve's handheld. The results are a mixed bag, and I'll detail both the positive and negative aspects. This review covers gameplay, online co-op, visuals, PC port features, PS5 features, and more. Screenshots with performance overlays are from my Steam Deck OLED; 16:9 screenshots are from my PS5 playthrough. Testing was conducted on Proton GE 9-9 and Proton Experimental.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a third-person action shooter that's brutal, visually stunning, and incredibly fun, even for newcomers to the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The tutorial is concise yet effective, introducing core combat and movement mechanics before you reach the Battle Barge, your central hub for mission selection, game mode choices, cosmetic adjustments, and more.

The moment-to-moment gameplay is exceptional. Controls and weapons feel perfectly balanced. While ranged combat is viable, I found myself drawn to the visceral melee combat and satisfying executions. The campaign is enjoyable solo or with friends in co-op, though I found the defense missions less engaging.

Playing with a friend overseas, Space Marine 2 felt like a high-budget take on the co-op shooters of the Xbox 360 era – a style rarely seen today. It's highly addictive, reminiscent of 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 knowledge stems primarily from Total War: Warhammer, Dawn of War, Boltgun, and Rogue Trader. Despite this, Space Marine 2 offers a refreshing experience and ranks among my favorite co-op games in years. It's too early to declare it my favorite Warhammer 40,000 game, but the addictive Operations mode and class progression keep me coming back for more.

While full launch testing with random players is needed, my co-op experiences have been outstanding. I'm eager to thoroughly test the online functionality with cross-platform play.

Visually, on PS5 and Steam Deck, Space Marine 2 is a masterpiece. The 4K mode on PS5 (played on my 1440p monitor) is breathtaking. Environments are incredibly detailed, and the sheer number of enemies, coupled with excellent texture work and lighting, brings the world to life. This is further enhanced by superb voice acting and extensive customization options. The level of care put into the customization is evident.

A photo mode, accessible in single-player, allows adjustments to frames, expressions, visible characters, FOV, and more. However, on Steam Deck with FSR 2 and lower resolutions, some effects look suboptimal. The PS5 photo mode, however, is exceptional.

The audio is equally impressive. While the music, while good, isn't memorable outside the game, the voice acting and sound design are top-tier.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Graphics Options

The PC port, tested on Steam Deck, boasts extensive graphics options. Epic Online Services is integrated, but account linking isn't mandatory. Options include display settings, resolution (from 800x600 upwards), render resolution, quality presets (balanced, performance, ultra performance), resolution upscaling (TAA, FSR 2), dynamic resolution targeting, v-sync, brightness, motion blur, FPS limit, and various quality settings.

Four presets adjust texture filtering, resolution, shadows, ambient occlusion, reflections, volumetrics, effects, details, and cloth simulation. DLSS and FSR 2 are supported at launch, with FSR 3 planned post-launch. I anticipate improved Steam Deck performance with FSR 3. 16:10 support is also hoped for in a future update.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Control Options

The game offers keyboard and mouse controls, along with full controller support. Initially, PlayStation button prompts weren't displayed on Steam Deck by default, but disabling Steam Input resolved this. Adaptive trigger support is present, further enhanced by disabling Steam Input. Key remapping is also available. My DualSense controller (Bluetooth) displayed PlayStation prompts and supported adaptive triggers wirelessly – a noteworthy feature.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Performance

While some initial freezing occurred on default Proton and Experimental, Proton GE 9-9 proved stable. Space Marine 2 is technically playable on Steam Deck without configuration, but it's demanding. At 1280x800 (16:9) with low settings and FSR 2.0 at Ultra Performance, a locked 30fps isn't achievable, with frequent dips into the 20s. Even at lower resolutions, frame rates fall below 30fps. While dynamic upscaling helps, frame rate drops persist. The game also sometimes fails to exit cleanly.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Multiplayer Impressions

Online multiplayer functions flawlessly on Steam Deck. Co-op play with a friend in Canada was smooth, with only minor internet-related disconnections (likely due to pre-release servers).

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PS5 Features

Performance mode on PS5 is largely excellent, though a locked 60fps isn't maintained, 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-progression between Steam and PS5 is functional (with a two-day cooldown).

Is Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Worth It for Solo Play?

A definitive answer requires further testing with random players. Eternal War (PvP) mode remains untested.

Desired Features for Future Updates

Post-launch support is expected. I hope for improved Steam Deck performance, HDR support, and haptic feedback.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a strong Game of the Year contender. While multiplayer testing is ongoing, the gameplay is superb, and the visuals and audio are exceptional. I don't recommend it on Steam Deck currently, but it's highly recommended on PS5. A final score will follow after further multiplayer testing and patching.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Review Score: TBA