Set 100 years after the events of the first game (and 13 years since the last instalment in the series), humanity is under threat once again. The Tyranid onslaught threatens to wipe out everything in its path, while Chaos pulls the strings from the shadows. And only you can stop them. Joining the legendary Space Marines, you’re the first line of defence in the face of unstoppable odds. Good luck, soldier.

Before you charge into battle, we’ve gathered all the key intel you need to know – from the release date and pre-order details to the grisly gameplay and more. For the emperor!

What is Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s release date?

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 shoots onto PC and consoles on September 9, 2024. So, visit the armoury and grab your Chainsword and Bolter rifle. You’re going to need them…

How much will Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 cost?

That depends on which platform you’re planning to play on. On console, you can get your hands on the game for £59.99. While if you’re a PC gamer, it’s a little cheaper at £54.99 through Steam. Either way, you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck here. Literally.

Can I pre-order Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2?

You sure can. And if you pre-order right now, you’ll get your copy through the door on release day. The Emperor needs every soldier he can get, so what are you waiting for?

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 platforms and crossplay

The game’s set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S and PC. Sorry Nintendo Switch fans – if you want your Warhammer fix, you’ll have to jump ship to another platform.

In terms of crossplay support, that’s going to work in a few different ways. Playing the campaign or Operations mode in co-op? Then you can team up with your battle brothers on any other platform.

But if you’re scrapping in the competitive online multiplayer, you’ll only be able to face off against gamers using the same system. So, PC players can only take on other PC players and console gamers will only be battling against Space Marines on other consoles.

There’s smart thinking behind the decision. The devs say it’s been done to make sure the multiplayer stays fair and balanced. Which makes sense, as most gamers can agree a mouse and keyboard makes you faster and gives you an advantage against someone using a controller.

How to play Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

The life of a Space Marine is gory and brutal. And so is the third-person gameplay. Using their superhuman power and skill, you’ll wade into waves of relentless Tyranids and obliterate them with your devastating arsenal. Equip yourself with the two-handed Thunder Hammer and dish out some damage Thor style. Or pick your targets and take them out before they can get close with the Meltagun.

You’ll be sent to push back the endless tide on remote outposts - like the jungle planet of Kadaku - and in the stunning gothic cities of Avarax. You probably won’t have time for much sightseeing though. Because boy are there a lot of Tyranids to slay.

With the devs’ impressive Swarm Technology, they can render literally hundreds of enemies on screen at once. Meaning the invaders will quickly overwhelm you if you’re not laying down the hurt fast enough.

How many hours of gameplay will Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 have?

The developers recently revealed that the main campaign will take around 12 hours to complete. While the Operations mode and Eternal War are designed to be fully replayable. So, you can honestly play for as long as you like.

Who are the main characters and factions in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2?

Warhammer 40K has always been full of larger-than-life characters, aliens, and factions. Here are a few of the friends and foes you’ll be fighting with and against:

• Lieutenant Titus – Demoted from Captain, Titus is forced to prove his loyalty and worth to the Emperor by fighting on the frontlines, where the armies of man are outnumbered and outgunned. Playing as the ex war hero, it’s your job to command the defence of humanities’ remaining strongholds.

• Space Marines – These genetically engineered superhumans are the elite warriors of the Imperium. Covered head to toe in power armour and wielding advanced weaponry, they’re some of the most feared warriors in the galaxy.

• Tyranids – Think about the scariest looking insect-like alien you can. Well, this lot are that and then some. Tyranids attack planets like a plague, destroying and eating every living thing in their way to fuel their endless hunger. They’re controlled by a single hive mind and come in loads of different forms – from massive bio-titans to clawed beasts that hunt in packs. If you see the sky darken with their shadow, it’s already too late.

• Chaos – Driven by a thirst for power, these corrupt Space Marines, demons, and cultists serve the dark gods. With one goal – to spread fear across the universe – they’ll tear reality apart to reshape it in the image of the twisted forces they worship. It’s creepy stuff.

What are the different Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 game mode options?

You’ll be able to crush the Tyranid horde and the legions of Chaos in three unique game modes:

• Campaign – As Lieutenant Titus, you’ll lead your unit of Space Marines in suicidal assaults and heroic last stands. And if that game over screen’s getting a little bit too common, you can always enlist two of your friends to fill the AI boots of Titus’ squad.

• Operations – Playing solo or working together with two mates, you’ll be tasked with defending the Imperium in six high stakes missions. Ready to deploy? Pick your class and wade into the fray against the Tyranid hive mind. Watch each other’s backs though. Otherwise, you’re going to end up as a Carnifex’s lunch…

• Eternal War – Want to test your might against other fighters online? Enter the arena in 6v6 battles, joining the Space Marines or Chaos Warriors in competitive skirmishes. Then dominate the battlefield in three unique match types – Seize Ground, Capture & Control and Annihilation – to bring glory to your faction.

What Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 features are player customisable?

If you’ve ever put together and painted a Warhammer figure before, then you’ll know customisation is a huge part of the tabletop game. And that’s all been brought right over to Space Marine 2.

Head over to the Armouring Hall and you’ll be able to tweak pretty much every part of your Space Marine. That starts with your perks and class. There are six to choose from at launch – Assault, Vanguard, Tactical, Bulwark, Sniper and Heavy. And each comes with their own set of powerful abilities and deadly weapons.

You’ve got to look the part too. Each class has plenty of pre-made armour sets for you to unlock. But the real fun comes when you design your own armour. Helmets. Breastplates. Gauntlets. Greaves. All of them and more can be swapped in and out to create a style that’s completely your own.

Once you’re happy with your gear, it’s time to paint it. Choose from iconic colours representing the different chapters of Space Marine (whether that’s the blue of the Ultramarines or the red of the Blood Angels) and add some emblems to finish off your look. If you’re anything like us, you’ll probably spend hours just customising your Marine.

Want to know more about the biggest titles releasing soon? Head on over to our upcoming games page. We’ve got all the latest details on gaming’s epic new adventures. And we might even have a handy little discount code or two for you as well…