Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 may have been released back in September, but it shows no indication of slowing the flow of content. Keeping near-constant communication with players, the teams behind the game recently shared what would be in store for players in the near future. That includes a new weapon to play with and some more general balance changes to weapons overall. Aside from the preview, Space Marine 2's d?eveloper, Saber Interactive, took some time to respond to? frequent player suggestions the studio has already received.

Space Marine 2 outlined its plans for live service even before it was released, promising additional content, new weapons, and more cosmetic options. So far, the title has made good on those promises, first adding a sparring ar?ena and taking care of some quality-of-life fixes before turning to a more substantive new Operation. While there was a brief period of community upset after some nerfs, the team quickly pivoted to retract the changes and announced test servers to avoid similar mistakes in the future. With the most recent communication about the game, players have even more context about where Space Marine 2 will go next.

The Neo-Volkite Pistol is inbound

In an October Community Update, the Space Marine 2 team formally introduced players to the Neo-Volkite Pistol. This weapon will be available as a Secondary option for Assault, Bulwark, and Vanguard players. The Neo-Volkite Pistol looks like a ray gun in action, emitting a super-heated orange beam to melt through foes. The team described the weapon, saying, "The Neo-Volkite Pistol is a thermal weapon with accumulative damage. Its heat rays have a deadly impact on organic matter, incinerating flesh into ash with explosive force and jets of flame. A weapon of choice against Tyranids!" Alongside the Neo-Volkite Pistol, the team promised t??hat other firearms would also see some buffs, though more specifics weren't given.

Volkite technology in the Warhammer 40,000 universe is old, dating well back before the Horus Heresy, during the Age of Strife. The weaponry used to be pretty commonplace, but a combination of its complexity to produce and barbarity when used on organics led to the weapons eventually falling out of favor. It was primarily replaced by Bolt?? weaponry, and by the 41st millennium, original Volkite weaponry is exceedingly rare. That said, the Neo-Volkite Pistol is the first attempt to bring the devastating weapon into the franchise's modern age.

The October communication simply noted that the Neo-Volkite ??Pistol and the other firearms buff would arrive soon. However, the team then detailed ??that Dark Angel cosmetics would arrive afterward in an update targeted for early December. With that info in tow, it stands to reason that players will be getting their hands on the Neo-Volkite Pistol and retuned weapons sometime this month.

Saber Interactive responds to player suggestions

Aside from the exciting news that players will soon have a new toy to play with, the Community Update also puts some focus on the community. Namely, it listed some of the frequent questions or suggestions the team receives about Space Marine 2 and set to answer them. The first suggestion tackled was players' constant ask for more melee weapons. Saber responded by acknowledging that new melee weapons would indeed be nice and that it's something the studio will consider when the time is right. That said, the work is?? time and resource-intensive, so it's not currently planned.

More campaign missions were the next ask from fans, which is no surprise considering the stellar outing already within the base game of Space Marine 2. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like this is a priority for Saber Interactive. Responding to the suggestion, the studio noted, "We're currently not thinking about adding new campaign missions in Space Marine 2. We rather focus on creating new Operations and Eternal War co??ntent."

PvP players have been ?clamoring for more options, specifically for larger party sizes. Saber notes that it's actively working on customer PvP lobbies that will support? tinkering with features like Class limit, score, time, and more. Also on the side of multiplayer, fans have asked for some kind of incentive for queuing up for quickmatch. The studio responded that it was already considering it for a future update.

Due to lore?? and IP preservation concerns, Saber Interaction is unwilling to make PvP's Chaos-driven Heretic Astartes avai??lable in PvE Operations. On the bright side, the team has heard players' desire to experience the game's prologue again. While Saber notes that it's not a priority, it may add a way to replay the opening.

Customization is its own game

In addition to tackling players' questions about the game itself, the Community Update had a whole section dedicated to responding to queries about Space Marine 2's customization options. Leading the discussion was an update about colored lens options for helmets. The minor details are incredibly important to the Warhammer 40K community, so Saber reports that the fe??ature is ready to be deployed alongside the upcoming Dar?k Angels Chapter Pack.

The studio also confirmed a few other customization tweaks are in development, including skin color customization. Deathwatch iconography will also be able to be placed on the right shoulder, eventually. Lieutenant helmet customization is coming, and Saber notes that it wants to make helmet customization a more robust feature but that it will take some time over the life of Space Marine 2. Generally speaking, the studio also noted that it wan?ts to continue to add more customization ?options, likely as DLC.

Outside of what Saber has been able to confirm is either being worked on or considered, there are a few things that the studio notes might be outside the expected scope of post-launch support. Namely, adding more customization slots isn't something Saber intends to work on, as the team would rather build out more impactful features. Players have also called for the option to recolor and customize cloth and tabards. While ??it's something Saber might consider later on, the work required to produce a worthwhile version of the feature would impede the development of existing plans.

The post Space Marine 2 promises new weapon alongside firearm buffs “soon” and responds to player suggestions appeared first on Destructoid.

After a praise-worthy launch, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 shows no signs of slowing down. The game already teased a new PvE Operation for October, and now players can get their first glimpse at what the Space Marines will be facing down on Kadaku: a fearsome Hierophant Bio Titan. But alongside a preview of the Ultramarine's next outing, Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive reaffirmed plans for the year ahea?d.

Space Marine 2 offers a cooperative PvE mode called Operations. Each Operation is like a campaign mission, but players level custom Space Marines and are encouraged to group up. The game launched with six Operations available, but Space Marine 2 laid out respectable plans for live-service conte??nt updates over time. Now, with the first piece? of new content on the horizon,?? players can get an idea about how they'll be serving the Emperor over the next 12 months.

That Hierophant Bio Titan is one big bug

The Tyranids are already a terrifying adversary who can consume and reconstitute biomass to overcome any obstacles encountered. ??That biomass reconstitution can take any form the Xenos requires, including a massive monstrosity. Hierophant Bio Titans are literally enormous hazards on the battlefield, towering over other Tyranid bioforms and enemies alike. Often, a Hierophant Bio Titan will be used to draw an enemy's heavy fire or support while smaller Tyranid bioforms break through enemy lines and wreak havoc.

In the Post La??unch Overview shared by Focus Entertainment, the team said, "Gather your three-player squad and deploy back on Kadaku to face the biggest and most terrifying Tyranid yet: the Hierophant Bio Titan." The clip then showed the massive scale of the enemy, looming over a cl?ash between Tyranid and human forces. It also looks like the players' usual arsenal may not have cut it, as it appeared as though the shown Space Marine was damaging the creature with automated defenses of some kind.

Lethal difficulty, new weapons, and the year ahead

While the sneak peek at the new Operation is enough to get most Space Marines ready to don their power armor, Focus Entertainment had more to share. Space Marine 2 will soon receive a new Lethal difficulty, taking the optional challenge even higher than is currently possible. The team also promises a new weapon: the ?Neo-Volkite pi??stol. 

Looking beyond the immediate fre??e content, Focus Entertainment reminded Season Pass holders that they would receive a complete set of cosmetic options themed around the Dark Angels Chapter. This includes new weapon skins for the Auto Bolt Rifle, Plasma Pistol, and Power Sword, on top of a unique look for the Bulwark Class. It sounds like there will also be some options for Dark Angels' successor Chapters.

For 2025, the team doesn't have anything tangible to show, but it promises new PvE Operations, PvE Prestige Ranks, PvP modes and maps, Tyranid and Thousand Sons enemy types, weapons, cosmetic Space Marine Chapter options, and even a horde mode. The amount of substantial free content planned for Space Marine 2 is st??aggering, and Focus Entertainment promises to stay in touch with the community along the way.

The post Warhammer 40,000: Space M??arine 2 highlights new enemy and ??the year ahead appeared first on Destructoid.

Saber Interactive has teased a first peek at what players can expect from future Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 content. The developer offered a look at an upcoming PvE Operation that is set to arrive sometime this October. While there wasn't a ton of information provided, we did get a screenshot of the locale and a briefing on where the missi??on would take players.

Though Space Marine 2 is primarily a single-player game, it offers a cooperative PvE mode called Operations beyond its campaign. It functions almost like a second campaign, following a squad of Space Marines working in tandem with Titus, Gadriel, and Chairon. Saber Interactive previously noted that it had plans to add Operations and additional content to Space Marine 2, and now we're seeing the first fruits of that?? labor.

Back to Kadaku

In a Community Update posted on Steam, Saber Interactive noted that a new Operation was due to arrive in Octo??ber and that it would take place on the planet of Kadaku. The team also offered a fluffy mission briefing al?ong with the shared screenshot.

"The Tyranid invasion of Kadaku is ending. The planet's organic material is being transformed into biomass, and Tyranid Capillary Towers stretch high into the skies above, where the Hive Ships wait to taste their victory. The Cadian forces have made a valiant attempt to push back against the Tyranids. A team of Space Marines arrives on Kad??aku with a simple mission: help the Cadians destroy the towers. The Tyranids may win the planet, but the Imperium will make it as painful as possible for them."

The Tyanid Capillary Towers in question are massive organic structures akin to straws. They allow the behemoth creatures that make up the Hive fleet to consume biomass collected during a Tyranid invasion and then reconstitute it into new bioforms or creatures as conflict dictates. Players' quest to destroy these Capillary Towers won't be like toppling a simple emplacement; it'll mean bre?aking the physical grasp Tyranid??s have on Kadaku and severely impacting the Xenos' ability to recuperate losses.

Through the current Operations on offer, player Space Marines put an end to the Tyranid threat on Avarax. It appears that this upcoming Operation will see the Astartes put the final nail in the coffin for the Xenos on the jungle world, too. Of course, there's always room for future Operations to expand players' reach beyond the three planets featured in the campaign, but Saber Interactive has remained tight-lipped on what that future content might entail.

The post Space Marine 2 dev offers fi??rst glimpse at new Operations appeared first on Destructoid.

If you've already played through Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2's campaign, you're likely starting to explore the cooperative PvE ?Operations mode. But how far can you take a Space Marine in any given Clas??s? What's the level cap for PvE Operations, and what do you get for reaching it?

Space Marine 2 features a cooperative multiplayer PvE mode called Operations. Like the campaign, players still set out on mission-based excursions to complete objectives or hunt down particularly dangerous Xenos or Heretic targets. After you've chosen an Astartes Class and played an Operation or two, you'll find yourself leveling up. The first few levels come quickly, but then each starts to require more and more time investment into the Class.

The Operations mode currently features four difficulty options, and higher tiers suggest Space Marines at higher levels. Operations completed at higher difficulties reward more experience and higher-tier weapon upgrade materials. If players want to? conquer ?their foes on these higher difficulties, they'll need to level their Space Marine up and take full advantage of the valuable experience received.

Space Marine career development

The current level cap in Space Marine 2 is 25. Naturally, each level becomes more challenging to achieve than the last, so players will have to push into higher-difficulty Operations as they grow in strength progressively. Thankfully, the payouts are worth the extra effort, rewarding players with?? sizable XP gains and the opportunity for even more if they can manage to complete the Operation without getting downed while carrying a hidden Gene Seed.

While Space Marine 2's developer, Saber Interactive, has confirmed more Operations and higher difficulty? options are coming, there hasn't been any definitive wor??d on whether that would also mean the level cap would be increased. For now, the 25 levels already provide enough of a journey to get through, especially if players want to max out multiple characters to experience the different Space Marine playstyles.

What does leveling do for you?

As players level up a Space Marine Class, they'll earn points to invest in a tiered skill tree. Some nodes contain powerful passive effects, ??while others strengthen abilities or gear players already possess. Each Class has access to a different skill tree, which complements the Class' abilities, gear, and gameplay. As players p??rogress in level, they'll earn access to other options, mixing and matching active ones to best suit tastes.

These skills open up another layer of mastery for the Space Marine Class and add the extra oomph needed to tackle Operations at higher difficulties. That might come in the form of damage resistance when Armor is depleted for the Bulwark or just straight-up buffing primary weapon damage at the cost of secondary weapon power for the Tactical Class.

In addition to the progressive power gain, players will also unlock access to different cosmetic armor options as they level. While these don't add any gameplay effects, it's hard to argue against dec??king yourself in some rightly-earned armor before heading back to serve the Emperor in another Operation.

The post Space Marine 2: What is the l?evel cap in Operations? appeared first on Destructoid.

Humble Bundle's Warhammer Day Deal is? an incredible proposition for a?nyone who's a fan of the series.

For an absolute steal of just $15, you can get seven different games and their codes, which can be redeemed on Steam. But ?that's not all, as the bundle also includes two discount coupons as well. Even if you don't exercise the discount coupons, the seven games on offer are an absolute steal for just $15.

Humble Bundle Warhammer Day Deal, explained

If you have purchased previously from Humble Bundle, you'll know what to expect - a bundle of amazing games at an absolute bargain price. Unlike previous bundles, this one is specifically?? dedicated to all Warhammer fans. All seven games included in the bundle are previous Warhammer releases, and the same theme applies to the discount coupon as well.

• Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate Daemonhunters
• Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector
• Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Reals of Ruin Ultimate Edition
• Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr
• Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef
• Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Prophecy
• Warhammer 40,000: Dakka Squadron - Flyboyz Edition

Additionally, here are t?he two extra discount coupons you get ?with your purchase.

• 60% off on Warhammer 40,000: Chaosgate Daemonhunters
• 30% off on Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector - T'au

There's not much to say, given the games you get, especially if you pay the full $15 to secure all nine content. Daemonhunters alone is worth more if a Steam sale isn't live, so that pretty much sums it up. Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is one of the more recent launches, while Inquisitor Martyr and Inquisitor Prophecy are excellent titles on their own.

For $15, you'll get $?284 value worth of games added to your Steam collection. So, what are you wa??iting for?

The post Warhammer Day Deal ?Offers 7 Games for Only $15 on Humble Bundle appeared first on Destructoid.

The Warhammer 40,000 universe is full of heroic factions like the Ultramarines and terrifying alien threats like the Tyranids, but that's only a fraction of the whole picture. As seen featured in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, the Thousand Sons are a group of Chaos-corr??upted Space Marines with a penchant for magic and the occult. However, the Thousand Sons are more than jus??t evil wizard marines. Their past is marked by tragedy and the fickle hands of fate, truly showing that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Undoubtedly, one of the most significant and influential forces in the Warhammer 40K universe is Chaos. It manifests in various forms, from daemons summoned through ritual to heretic Adeptus Mechanicus members creating diabolical homunculi of steel and flesh. However, the mos??t iconic representation of C?haos is the heretic Astartes. Each warband can trace its lineage back to one of the traitor Legions from the Horus Heresy civil war, and most have willingly surrendered to the ruinous powers, seeking a share of their dark might.

The Thousand Sons were one of the Legions marked as traitors during the Horus Heresy, but it'??s not as cut and dry as ?the other heretics. While there is no excusing the vicious actions of the group in the lore's current standing, for quite a while, the Thousand Sons were acting in the best interest of the Imperium.

A tragic past

Like all Adeptus Astartes, the Thousand Sons started out as loyal members of the Imperium. Their Primarch, a demi-god genetically cloned from the Emperor, Magnus, grew up on the Psyker ?world of Prospero, where he sharpened his already potent psychic abilities. He soon surpassed all his teachers and set about advancing civilization on Prospero, making Warp study a primary focus.

Magnus was repeatedly warned about the perils of the Warp and the entities that dwelt within, both from his teachers and the Emperor after the two were reunited. Despite this, Magnus frequently projected his psyche into the immaterium to scour its depths. Following the Primarch and Emperor's reunion, the Space Marines that would become known as the Thousand Sons were?? Magnus' to command. Like him, each bore a natural gift for Psyker arts and a fascination with the Warp. However, his genes proved unstable when applied to his sons.

The Space Mar??ines tended to become afflicted with something known as the "flesh change," which would see them mutate into mindless abominations. While some called for the Legion's disbandment and destruction, Magnus pleaded for the chance to save his sons. Eventually, after ma??ny attempts to plumb the Warp for a cure, Magnus seemingly found what he was looking for. The Primarch saved those he could, leaving only around a thousand of his Legion unaffected, earning the Space Marines the name the Thousand Sons.

The Council of Nikaea

While the Thousand Sons proved as effective as any other Astartes Legion, the other Primarchs and their sons looked on with dread. As the ??Imperium pushed further into the galaxy, it encountered vile alien species that used Warp magic, much like the Thousand Sons. Psychic abilities became taboo, and Magnus' Legion was perceived as skirting too close to those ruinous powers. The issue culminated in what became known as the Council of Nikaea, where the Emperor called a meeting between all Primarchs and other trusted advisors. The righteousness of Psykers would be put on trial.

Though Magnus did have some voices in his corner, the events at Nikaea did not go in his favor. Except for Navigators and Astropaths, needed for space travel, the Emperor decreed that Psykers were not permitted to practice. Magnus begrudgingly accepted hi?s father's ruling, but it wouldn't be long before he'd break his promise. The Primarch would foresee the Horus Heresy and all the ruin it would bring. Desperate to warn his father as quickly as possible, Magnus used astral projection to traver??se the Warp and reach the Emperor directly.

Just before reaching Terra, Magnus found his path barred by some kind of seal. At this time, a voice reached out to him in the Warp, promising to help the Primarch overcome the barrier. Seeing no other option, Magnus accepted the help and crashed through the obstacle right into the Emperor's throne room. The Emperor put the seal in place to keep daemonic forces from reaching Terra, and now they were invading through the hole Magnus had created. The events a??lso destroyed the Emperor's Webway project, which would have allowed humanity to discontinue its use of Warp travel.

Prospero falls, Chaos rises

When Magnus returned to his physical body, the mysterious voice revealed itself as Tzeentch, the Chaos god of change and sorcery. The entity told Magnus that he and his sons were destined to serve Chaos, one way or another. Meanwhile, the Emperor ordered the Space Wolves and their Primarch, Leman Russ, to bring Magnus and the Thousand Sons back to Terra to answer for their crimes. This order was intercepted by the now-corrupt Horus and was changed to see the Space Wolves decimate ??Prospero and the Thousand Sons.

Magnus fully realized that he had become a pawn to Chaos and opted for inaction. He believed that any further struggle would play right into the hands of Chaos, and he was ready to allow his Legion and himself to fall for his folly. However, a??fter watching the destruction start to unfold and believing that he had been in the right trying to warn his father, he took to the field to deny his Legion's execution. That ultimately led to a confrontation between brothers as Leman Russ and Magnus faced each other in battle.

Russ eventually overpowered Magnus and, in one swift blow, broke the sorcerer Primarch's back over his knee. Completely without hope, Magnus heard the voice of Tzeentch again. It offer??ed to save him and his remaining sons if he swore allegiance to the dark power. Seeing no alterative to save his sons, Magnus agreed. The Primarch and the Thousand Sons were transported to a world within the Eye of Terror known as the Planet of the Sorcerors.

The Rubric of Ahriman

After the events of the Horus Heresy played out, the Thousand Sons would be part of another Legion-defining event. Though the Thousand Sons were now sworn to Chaos, the Legion's rampant mutations returned. Azhek Ahriman, Magnus' trusted advisor, was unwavering in trying to find a cure. In secret, he formed a cabal of sorcerors hoping to unlock the secret to ridding the Legion of its mutation??s, but it ultimately backfired.

Ahriman comple??ted a ritual that saw the "flesh change" cured, but it ravaged those in the Legion without a strong psychic connection. Sorcerors were unharmed, but everyone else was reduced to little more than dust sealed in power armor. The Space Marines were still alive in some sense, but only their souls remained under the armor to power the new au??tomaton. Needless to say, Magnus was furious when he realized what Ahriman had done to his sons. 

Though the Pri?march wanted to kill Ahriman, Tzeentch intervined and noted that the sorcerer was still valuable for furthering Chaos' will. To that end, Magnus let Ahriman live but sentenced him and any of his collaborators to exile.

Sorcerous tactics

Being Chaos Space Marines with a history steeped ?in the occult, it should be no surprise that the Thousand Sons favor psychic abilities and magic. The heretics are just as comfortable summoning daemons to do ??their bidding as they use Warp-infused weaponry. That's not to say that they don't use similar gear and weaponry as other Astartes factions, but some kind of psychic might almost always supports them.

Like their patron Chaos god, the Thousand Sons enjoy twisting schemes and meticulous planning. That could come in the form of an attack planned at precisely the right time, as certain celestial bodies align, or a long game of c??orruption for unsuspecting Imperium citizens. The Legion's goals can often be obscure or seemingly irrelevant until a later revelation announces true intentions.

While the Thousand Sons' fall from grace was tragic, there is no redeeming the Legion now. It has committed itself to the dar??k forces of the Warp and as an enemy of the Imperium. And while the Thousand Sons carry out countless acts of heresy and damnation, Magnus still contemplates his hatred for the father he believes betrayed him.

The post Warhammer 40K: Who are the Thousand Sons? appeared first on Destructoid.

The Adeptus Astartes of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 have an assortment of weapons to play with. However, in Space Marine 2's PvE Operations mod?e, players will need to upgrade their gear if they want to keep pace?? with tuned-up difficulty options.

While higher difficulty settings offer more significant rewards, they also impose some of the most formidable challenges in the game. That said, the path toward improving weaponry isn't exactly str?aightforward.

Space Marine 2 offers cooperative PvE in the form of its Operations mode. It currently contains six difficulty-adjustable missions, with plans to add more. As players ramp up the difficulty, XP and the chance for better rewards increases, but? it also means basic bolters and chainswords won't cut it.

Master your arsenal

The Armory is where the Ultramarines can tinker with their equipment between missions. A quick visit to the Armory allows players to access a menu where all available gear can be equipped, upgraded, and have cosmetics applied. While ?players can unlock additional weapons as they level up?, they can start upgrading the ones they already have right from the start.

The first thing players will need to do to upgrade the weapon of their choice is to use it. As players complete Operations and earn XP or Gene Seed, they'll also earn progress toward mastering the current iteration of thei??r weapon. Once the gun? or melee armament has been used enough, players will earn a Mastery Point to upgrade the weapon family further.

Don't forget the Armory Data

However, before that Mastery Point can be used, players will first need ?to upgrade the quality of their chosen weapon. This is done by expending the Armory Data required to unlock the next tier. The Data itself can be earned in each Operation, rewarded for fin?ding hidden Servo Skulls within the PvE missions. 

There are three variations of Armory Data: Master Crafted (green), Artificer (purple), and Relic (yellow). The quality of Armory Data found depends on the difficulty of the Operation, so Relic upgrades will naturally only ??come from the highest tier of difficulty. In that same vein, as players upgrade a weapon family, it will ask for the corresponding quality Armory Data.

How to spend Mastery Points

Once players have earned Mastery Points and have unl??ocked the next tier of their weapon, they can spend the Points to improve how the weapon family performs. You can access the Perk Tree tab by viewing the ;weapon in the Armory, and that's where upgrades will be available. The number? of available Perks coincides with the number of variants in the weapon family, so don't worry; extra work will be rewarded.

Pushing into Artificer and Relic tiers, players will need to master multiple variations of the weapon, with each successful variant bringing players closer toward overall mastery for the next weapon tier.&n?bsp;These weapon variants can be changed at will by visiting the Armory and switching via the? Versions tab on the weapon.

The post How to upgrade weapons in Space Marine 2’s PvE Operations appeared first on Destructoid.

The Warhammer 40,000 universe is dominated by war and strife, but it's not all calculated Ultramarine battle lines and space dogfights. There is another?? much more primal force at work, tearing through systems and consuming worlds to sate a never-ending hunger: Tyranids.

The Tyranids may be the main enemy featured throughout Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, but the game only scratches the surface of the lore. The Tyranids are not an o??rganized faction; it's a hive mind. That is to sa??y, every individual form and creature that's classified as a Tyranid acts in unison as one organism.

Like the titular creature from the film Alien, Tyranids are the ultimate killing machine. The insectoid-like organisms have evolved into multiple forms and subspecies, and Tyranids still use rapid evolution to counter threats in real-time. Alongside these adaptations and variations, a constant synaptic c??onnection allows Tyranids to coordinate and employ tactics. This can mean ?sending a lone Genestealer to infiltrate and ready a world for invasion, using a Carnifex to dismantle defenses, or even evolving into living spacecraft to ferry the Tyranids across the stars.

Galaxy-spanning origins

Humanity encountered Tyranids relatively recently, but all indications point to the orga??nisms being around for some time. Tyranids are not native to our galaxy and, as such, arrived at the edges of known space as early as the 35th millennium. What prompted the Tyranid's long, brutal journey from its home galaxy to ours is not f?ully understood. Still, some suspect the organism simply consumed everything in its home galaxy and needed to turn its attention elsewhere to survive.

The Imperium's first encounter with these creatures was on the planet Tyran, which is where it earned the ??name "Tyranid." Once a thriving ocean world, Tyran was reduced to a barren rock within a year of its fall to Tyranids. This would become a staple of Tyranid attacks, as the swarm consumes every organic material on the planet until there's not??hing but rocks and dust.

The Tyranid hunger is unending, spreading itself across the galaxy through several Hive fleets, all controlled by a single mind. Each fleet has every?thing it needs to continue to grow the Tyranid species, including plenty of drones and the ability to transform any raw digested biomass. Tyranids are almost completely indiscriminate in the biomaterial it consumes, meaning even dead Tyranids can be reconstituted. That biomass can be used to create new Tyranid forms, push mutations out to the swarm, or replenish any troops lost in battle.

Bioforms and adaptations

Part of what makes the Tyranids so fearsome is how they can adapt to remain the apex predator. The raw organic materials gained through planetary attacks help keep the never-ending flow of Tyranids ??coming, and it also allows the organisms to e??volve new ways to overtake other life. Tyranids can repurpose the material they consume, so evolutionary traits, adaptations, and even memories are only a meal away. Of course, individual Tyranids don't have the autonomy to do this on their own. Biomaterials are digested and then returned to the Hive Ships, where they are reconstituted and then redeployed.

With the biomass to create what it needs and the insight gained by battlin??g resistance, Tyranids have taken multiple shapes and sizes, each with its purpose. Take the lowly Rippers, slug or locust-like forms primarily responsible for devouring and returning biomaterial to the swarm. Rippers aren't a threat alone, but th?ey travel in groups of hundreds or thousands, stripping any usable biomass in their path. More rank-and-file Tyranids are the Termagant and Hormagaunt, ranged beetle-shooting and melee ground troops, respectively. Even then, more exotic variants exist, such as the chameleon-like Lictor. Its purpose is to commit stealthy assassinations and devour brains for intel. 

In genuinely horrifying circumstances, the hive mind has been known to deploy a lone Broodlord, which sits in wait until it can infect an unsuspecting civilian with its genes. When they repro??duce, they'll unknowingly start a new line of Tyranid gene-imbued hybrids that will eventually overthrow the civilization generations later with the underground formation of Genestealer Cults. This process produces an easier arrival of the hive fleet, where the infected populace will greet hungry visitors with open arms, seeing them as angels. Even if the Genestealer Cult takeover is unsuccessful, the Tyranid fleet will reach a substantially weakened world.

The Synapse

Coordinating the sheer size of the Tyranid species is no easy task, especially considering the distance between some Hive Fleets. To remedy this, Tyranids employ a synaptic link where lesser Tyranid forms are connected to a commanding creature. This allows the commanding Tyranid to issue orders more directly or intentionally to a group and allows all of th??e species part of that specific link to act in sync. The synaptic ability of Tyranids has been viewed as a psychic power of sorts, but only the highest-ranking forms have any ability to bend the energies of the Warp.

Commonly, the synaptic link funnels from the hive mind to something known as a Hive Tyrant. These powerful Tyranid variations connect more closely to the hive mind than most. In this way, the hive mind can push distinct orders to its Hive Tyrants all over the galaxy, which can then direct all of the lesser Tyranids within its synaptic link. Hive Tyrants aren't the only Tyranids known to command the synaptic link of others, but they are th?e most common, and among the most feared foes the Tyranids can muster.

However, the synapti??c link is as much a weakness as a boon. If the Hive Tyrant, or whichever form controls the lower Tyranid?s' synaptic link, is killed, it will send the lower Tyranids into an uncoordinated frenzy. Sometimes, the psychic shock is even enough to destroy them outright.

The Tyranids represent a threat that th?e Imperium may have recognized too late: the devouring of the galaxy. With its ability to produce a never-ending conveyor belt of foot soldiers and cunning specialists, innately communicate across the stars, and adapt to any problem by eating it, the Tyranids may be the most fearsome threat humanity has ever faced. It's likely that the species has already consumed at least one galaxy, and now that it's here, it shows no indications of slowing itself down.

The post Warhammer 40K: What are the Tyranids? appeared first on Destructoid.

There are many factions warring across the Warhammer 40K galaxy, each sticking their necks out for w??hat they believe in. With room for only one faction coming out on top, which faction is likely t?o win in the current setting?

It's important to remember that Warhammer 40K lore is still being written, and unl??ess Games Workshop are desperate, the story will never come to a true end. We ??are likely to see years of back and forth between the factions and new exciting battles wage and leaders fall and get resurrected.

Wh?ilst the franchise is making money, it's likely never t?o end.

That being said, if there had to be an end - w??hich faction is most likely to win?

What is each Warhammer 40K faction's goal?

To understand which armies will win in Warhammer 40K, we first must understand what it is they're all after. Winning doesn?'t necessarily mean surviving, as their goal could be something different to the eradication of the other factions.

Despite there being lots of armies to play from, they can be collec??ted into bigger factions that sh?are the same purpose.

In the Warhammer 40K theatre, you've got the following players:

• Imperium of Man (this encompases the Astra Militarum, the Adeptus Astartes, Adeptus Mechanicus, and so on. Any human army) - this faction is fighting for survival and to purge the galaxy of aliens, mutants, and daemons.
• Forces of Chaos (despite the Chaos Gods not being buddies, they don't really engage in wars with each other so to defeat their common enemy: the Imperium) - this faction is fighting to destroy the false Emperor of Mankind and to make The Warp conquer the Universe, claiming it for the Chaos Gods.
• The Aeldari (Eldar) - this faction is one of the oldest, and is trying to bring themselves back to prominence in the galaxy like they once had. Additionally, they are trying to kill the Chaos God Slaanesh, who they brought into existence.
• The Drukhari (Dark Eldar) - this faction revels in pain and suffering, and their only goal is to continue their hedonistic piratical lifestyle by surviving whatever the galaxy throws at them.
• The T'au Empire - this faction is a collection of alien races whose goal is to expand their empire for the "Greater Good" of the T'au Empire and its people. It's unclear what enough looks like for the T'au, but the "Greater Good" may only be achieved with T'au Empire domination.
• The Orks - this violent and barbaric faction is only concerned with fighting. As long as they've got a good fight lined up, they're happy. All an Ork plans to do with their life is to keep fighting.
• The Tyranids - these voracious insectoids' only goal is to keep eating. Like an ant infestation on a cosmic scale, their hive fleets go from planet to planet for the Tyranids to consume all of the biomass before moving on. They live to feast.
• Genestealer Cults - this faction's only goal is to worship and help the Tyranids consume the galaxy. They will infiltrate and take over planets to signal the closest hive fleet over to consume the planet - and themselves.
• The Necrons - these ancient beings have woken up after eons of slumber to reclaim a silent galaxy, only to see it bustling with life. Their goal now is to march forth and destroy all living things as they did at the dawn of creation.
• Leagues of Votann - this is a smaller faction that strives to expand their territory after much was destroyed after the Warp. They engage in trading expeditions to gain the resources needed to relocate and grow. They don't wish to control the galaxy, just to be big enough for its people to thrive.

From the end goals ??of these factions, you can likely tell which ones are a little more threatening than the others.

To make this discussion fair, ?I will be considering each faction's end go?al to see if they'd hit their personal goals before seeing which factions will "win" by outlasting all the others, or at least the madness of the current setting.

To know how Warhammer 40K will likely end ??to determine who would "win," we'll need to have a look at the most threatening? factions - and know what makes them so dangerous.

The most threatening Warhammer 40K factions

Almost all of the Warhammer 40K factions are pretty balanced with each other. They each have their own challenges and forces they need to constantly? deal with, and they each have their own trump card that they've either almost actualised, or have already.

It's difficult to say which faction will dominate the others, but it's very easy to see which Warhammer 40K factions are looking to be the most?? threatening right now. And to little surprise, it's not the League of Votann.

The Orks

The Orks are an int??????????????????????????eresting case. They span across the galaxy like a rash, and although they almost always get beaten back by the Imperium, they are always somehow hitting important locations and overrunning worlds in their mighty WAAAGH!s when left unchec??ked.

They are numerous and strong?, but a concentrated effort will almost always repel them. And yet they're all over the galaxy raising hell. Destroying all in their wake, decimating planets, and thanks to their fungal biology, they are never in short supply.

You c??ould massacre a hundre?d Orks, and their orkoid fungus would grow a hundred more.

The biggest pain in the back side of the galaxy, the Orks aren't threatening because they're the strongest (although an Ork would tell you that they are the strongest (and the biggest)), but because they are constantly attacking everything all the?? time. As though a persistent leak, they'll wear the galaxy down eventually.

Relentless and restless?, no one is ??ever safe from the reach of the Orks, no matter who you are.

The Tyranids

The most pressing threat at the moment, the Tyranids (and by extension th??e Genestealer Cults) are consuming whole planets all the time with their gargantuan hive fleets that are dining through the galaxy. As they consume biomass, they get stronger, and there are numerous hive fleets at work.

What's worse, is that it's been hinted that the present hive fleets are merely scout ??ships for an even larger armada.

All of the galaxy is in fear of these insatiable and mindless creatures. Even if t??he Tyranids lose one battle, they likely wouldn't have suffered a net loss of biomass, allowing them to press on and keep consuming.

They are m??any, and they are devouring all in their wake.

The Necrons

The Necrons were key players in the War in Heaven, and still have access to their incredible powerful and ancient technology that went toe-to-toe wi?th divine beings. Although the Godly C'tan have been rendered to shards now, having such great power is an asset to any army.

What makes the Necro?ns really threatening, however, is that they are composed of living metal and can "resurrect." Damaged Necrons can teleport back to base to undergo repairs, meaning a Necron never really dies.

Stalwart and fearless, the de?athless Necron??s managed to genocide the galaxy before, and they have the means to do so again. Any engagement with these foul beings are typically left with catastrophic casualties.

The Imperium of Man

That's right, the "good guys" of the 41st millenium are a threatening power as they're almost too big to fail. Co??nsidering just how long the Imperium has been going on for, if it were to co??llapse due to internal struggles, it would have already. It spans across so much of the galaxy that the amount of failsafes it has renders it almost immune to internal collapse.

So many leagues of armies and super soldiers make the ranks of the Imperium a force to be reckoned with. I mean, it did take Abaddon the Despoiler 13 crusades to take down Cadia - just one planet.

T?he endless war machine of the Imperium is a match for divine beings and savage aliens, and their ranks know no bounds. Their endless loyalty all??ow mortal men to stare into the eyes of a literal daemon, and pull their triggers.

Such bravery and loyalty has all?owed this faction to face off against incredible odds and win, making them truly formidable.

So, who wins in Warhammer 40K?

Now that we know what each faction is fighting for, and the most prominent players in the game, we can go over the likely scenarios that would lead to an end of Warhammer 40K if we consider the current setting.

Firstly, let's just get out the way that the Orks are already winning. They always have been, since the day their ancestors were made by the Old O?nes. Even if they die out due to a stronger faction, they'd still have won. All they want to do is fight, and they will fight to the end.

Factions like the Eldar, the Leagues of Votann, the T'au Empire, and the Drukhari, will likely not be able to establish their goals before a greater power consumes or defeats them. Altho?ugh the Eldar are powerful, the level of prominence they desire will take far too long to properly achieve, and they just aren't strong enough compared to the other forces at play.

The Chaos are technically always winning, yet are destined to lose. Spreading turmoil and madness and is what the Chaos Gods enjoy, and whilst the Imperium is alive, they get to keep?? doing that, so they win with each person tortured, converted, and killed. However, killing the Emperor of Mankind is likely beyond them.

If they all banded together they could likely topple the Imperium, however, they all hate each other. Constant disorder and backstabbing happens within the ranks of t??he Chaos forces on numerous levels, always keeping the military forces a step behind of what they could actually be.

Whilst the Chaos Gods are divided, they will never crush the Imperium, although their day ??to day activi?ties of sowing terror and reaping violence allows them and their followers to keep revelling in joy - effectively winning every day.

So, what a surprise! The most threatening factions are likely to be the one?s to survive the madness and achieve their goals. It isn't so cut a??nd dry, however.

Naturally, th?e Tyranids have pretty good grounds to eat the galaxy, as it looks like there is no stopping them, and the Imperiu?m scarcely scores wins against the indomitable waves of gnashing teeth.

However, ??the Necrons aren't made from biomass. Any Tyranid and Necron engagement is extremely costly for the Tyranids, and the fearlessness of the Necrons allow them to stand and fight. Funnily enough, the galaxy's only stand against the Tyranids are the Necrons. And it gets better.

With the return of the Silent King, who laments the fate of the deathless Necrons, there is hope against the Tyranids. He has embarked on a journey to wake the other Tomb Worlds to unite a force against the Tyranids specifically. If he's successful, which he likely will be, he'll manage to wage a devastating war that would end in the demise of the Ty??ranids. Or at the very least, chase them away from this galaxy.

So whether any other faction exists hinges on this Necron vs Tyranid battle. Will the Silent King manage to muster his forces and be?at back the hive fleets before they devour everything? And what happens after?

Although the Necrons' goal is generally to reclaim the galaxy, the Silent King wishes only to destroy the Tyranids before t??he you??nger races feed them too much. He also wishes to revert the metallic forms of his people. Unlike other petty Necron dynasties, the Silent King does not wish for a galactic genocide, and so whether the Necrons win is down to the Silent King reinserting himself as ruler of the Necrons as he once was.

If the Imperium were t??o survive the Tyranid crusade, then it would go back to business as usual. They'd likely be the faction that came out of the crusade stronger compared to their peers, and would be able to exterminate all the aliens, mutants, and heretics much easier. I doubt the act of the Necrons, or the Nectontyr if they're reverted back, would change humanity's stance on them.

I also doubt that the Imperium would be able to fully actualize their goal of eliminating all alien life and destroying every single heretic, although they'd make great headway into it. So the Imperium wouldn't lose, exactly, but their true winning goal is a pipe dream at best. Although surviving what's to come and sti??ll being a prominent power could be considered a win.

At the end of it all, I believe only a few?? factions will come out?? "winning."

The Orks, thanks to their en??dless lust for violen??ce whether they survive or perish.

The Necrons, but only?? if the Silent King successfully leads over them once again.

The C??haos foll?owers whose only purpose is to spread madness, death, and torture in their limited lifetime.

I believe the other factions wouldn't die out completely in the end, although they'd be so decimated that they've essentially lost, with their goals being put to bed. The only possible exception to this is the Imperium, who would most likely survive the Tyranid?? apocalypse and come out stronger than the others would. It's ??hard to tell whether they'd win in a match-up against the Necrons, however.

Chaos wouldn't be destroyed, and may run amok in the devastated universe. However, their dividedness will ?never allow them to actually achieve total victory and dominion.

And there we have it, the most likely "winners" of the current Warhammer 40K setting if it were to end right now?. Do remember that the writers will keep finding new ways for the conflict to continue, with the factions never really winning, but ?never really losing.

I hope your prefered team is one of the ones set to "win," but if you're a League of Votann pla??yer, then you already knew what the answer would be.

The post What faction will win in Warhammer 40K? appeared first on Destructoid.

During Warhammer Skulls 2024, Focus Interactive premiered the multiplayer modes that fans will be able to dive into once they've done with the campaign in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. There's somethi??ng for everyone, and it ver??y much looks like quality over quantity.

Multiplayer is a huge part of the Warhammer 40,000 franchise. In fact, it's arguably what it's built on, with the miniatures game best played with multiple players clashing using colossal and beautifully painted armies until one emerges victorious. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has ??a lot to offer on the multiplayer front, and every mode looks like one you could ??pour dozens of hours into.

Every multiplayer mode in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Unlike the Warhammer 40,000 crossover with Call of Duty, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2's multiplayer modes have depth that will keep you playing long after you might have thought you were done with the game. I've listed each mode and explained what it is below so you know what you're signing up for when you jump into ??the game.

Co-op Narrative Campaign

The Co-op Narrative Campaign is a co-op campaign for three players to tackle together. It appears t?o be separate from the base game's story and will likely be split up into parts so players can work through each stage rather than attempting to complete the entire campaign in one go.

Co-op Operations

If you like narrative in your multiplayer sessions, then the 3-player co-op mode Operations in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is what you'll want to hit f?irst. It features missions with you and two other players across several locations where you'll complete objectives, exterminate Xenos, and make discoveries that advance your understanding of the game's lore.

With six classes to choose from, this mode has a lot of meat to dig into and reminds me a lot of World War Z, which Focus Interactive also published.

6v6 Eternal War

Eternal War consists of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2's three PvP game modes. These are Annihilation, Seize Ground, and Capture & Control. In each, players will take on the role of either Space Marines or Chaos Space Marines ??and battle one another for victory according to each mode's rules.

Annihilation is a type of team deathmatch mode where teams attempt to be the first to hit 41 kills, while Sieze Ground and Capture and Control are variations on other classic PvP modes like King of the Hill and Destiny 2's Control Crucible mode.

All modes also have a Space Marine customization element to them, where you can kit your Space Marine out with all manner of armor pieces and equipment to make them look even less human and much more deadly. There will also be a season pass filled with more cosmetics for you to pick up for those who want to take their fight for The?? Emperor to a whole new level.

Between PvE, narrative co-op campaigns, and PvP, there's something to keep players interested in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 when they're sick of replaying the story. I'??m quite looking forward to th?e types of Space Marine I can build with all the cosmetics we're going to get from the battle passes.

The post All multiplayer modes in ??Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine ??2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Focus Entertainment and Auroch Digital have announced that there’s a (paid) DLC expansion incoming for 2023’s Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. Forges of Corruption will feature new enemies, weapons, and environments, and it’s coming June 18, 2024 to PC?? and C??onsoles.

Warhammer 40K: Boltgun was pretty far off from being my favorite game of 2023. In particular, my biggest issue with it was it?s confusing and weak level design. However, it still left a big impact on me. Its weapon sound effects are incredible and being a big, stompy-legged war machine felt great. Despite all its proble??ms, I still felt the need to recommend it.

In fact, I’m definitely interested in this DLC. Beyond giving the developers a chance at highlighting the gameplay with some (hopefully) better level design, I’m excited to see whatever new weapons get thrown our way. To be specific, they’re adding the Multi-Melta and Missile Launcher. Boltgun didn’t have a miss??ile launcher already? I can’t remember. I suppose the eponymous Boltgun is technically ?a rocket launcher already, as explained to me by a reader.

The Forges of Corruption campaign w?ill take us back to Graia, which is a bit of a shame since I’d rather see something that isn’t just one big industrial planet. The new enemies you’ll be facin?g are the Helbrute and the Terminator.

On top of but separate from the upcoming DLC, Auroch Digital is also adding a horde mode. A staple of the modern F?PS, horde mode has you facing off against endless waves of enemies. The horde mode will be free to all players, whethe?r they purchase the DLC or not.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is available for PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Forges of Corruption releases on June 18, 2024.

The post Warhammer 40K Boltgun: Forg??es of Corruption DLC gives new reason to reload in June appeared first on Destructoid.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 continues the SM saga that first began in 2011. Captain Titus makes his triumphant return to fight the deadly Tyranid, using a dynamic set of weaponry. Here's everything you need to know about Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, including a release date, platform availabi?lity, and more.

When does Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 come out?

According to the Game Awards 2023 trailer, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 will be released on September 9, 2024. Beta test sign ups are also ??available for those who want a sneak peek int?o gameplay.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a direct sequel of the original, putting the player back in the role of the elite Space Marine Titus. You'll blast through the enemy forces across the galaxy to save the universe from annihilation. Plus, Space Marine 2 connects to the Warhammer 40,000 univer??se, meaning it is canon to the series' overall lore.

What platforms will Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 be on?

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC. Pre-orders are accessible for most platforms, such as a Standard, Gold, and Collector's Edition. The Gold Ed?ition is console-exclusive, so it won't be available for PC. It includes Macragge’s Chosen DLC, three days ??early access, and exclusive weapons.

Although PC doesn??'t have the Gold Edition, each available platform does? offer a Collector's Edition. This version presents a 172-page hardcover book, a steelbook, three days early access, and Season Pass.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 trailers

The Game Awards 2022 unveiled the Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2's Gam?eplay Reveal trailer. In this snippet, ??we watch the chaos of war unfold as Titus brings down numerous enemy hordes.

For more insight into Space Marine 2, Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment debuted an Extended Gameplay trailer. It starts off fairly slow while Titus explores the surrounding area. But since Warhammer 40,000 is far from peaceful, it isn't too long until Titus is greeted by a Tyranid army. You'll also hear the voice talents of Clive Standen (Vikings, Taken, and Everest), who has take??n on the role of t??he playable character.

Is Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 multiplayer?

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 offers multiplayer features with a maximum of three-player co-op. That means you and t??wo other users can ?eliminate the Tyranid threat. The Co-Op Campaign Reveal trailer also gave us a glimpse into team dynamics:

Collaborate with your fellow teammates to survive longe??r in battle and experience the thrilling narrative together. Alternatively, solo-play is available for those who enjoy venturing alone.

The post Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 releas??e date, trailer, pla??tforms, and more appeared first on Destructoid.

A previously PC-only turn-based strategy game, Warhammer 40K: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters is now available on Xbox and PlayStation consoles. PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One owners can now play the Warhammer universe-based adventure for the fir??st time. I've spent some time playing it on PC already, so here's what you're getting, console players.

What console players should expect

Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters is a turn-based strategy game developed by Complex Games. It takes place in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, like Darktide, Space Marine, Rogue Trader, and Boltgun, for example. This simply means it uses characters, creatures, ??environments, and lore from the franchise.

You don't need any previous knowledge of the extensive lore or other games to understand the story and characters of Chaos Gate. Additionally, the story isn't too important, you'll mostly just want to make your army of knights awesome and (strategically) take out every enemy ?in sight.

Overall, the game plays as you'd expect a turn-based tactical game to play. If you've played a game like XCOM, for example, it's a very si??milar style. You're in command of a group of 'Grey Knights', capable of dismantling enemies using a host of rad weapons and abilities. Knights are class-based, so you'll bring a healer, tank, mage, and soldier-like characters into battle.

It's full of fun but challenging battles

One thing to note is that Warhammer 40K: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters is very challenging. In my time playing it on PC since it came out, I've definitely had my fair share of struggles. However, there are multiple difficulties to choose from. If you're new to the turn-based strategy genre, or don't want an exceptionally?? hard challenge, I'd recommend playing on a lower difficulty.

Combat feels much more exciting than many turn-based games. I'm not a particularly huge fan of the genr?e, but enjoyed my time blowing things up and performing big melee executions. The after-mission parts of the game are its weakest area for a few reasons:

• Upgrading your ship and other attributes is a little tedious, and takes in-game days to complete.
• If your units take heavy damage or die, the only way to get them back in fighting shape is to wait more in-game days.

In?? other words, you'll be using the button to pass time and waiting to get back into the battle fairly often.

B??uilding a team of Knights, upgrading them, and equipping them with awesome melee and long-range weapons is certainly the highlight of the game–if you're into that sort of thing. Fun and interesting abilities, like teleporting behind enemy lines to execute them with a sword, help it to stand out among others in the genre.

Warhammer 40K: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters is now available on consoles for $44.99.

The post Warhammer 40K: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters heads to consoles appeared first on Destructoid.

PowerWash Simulator is no stranger to unusual collaborations. From Final Fantasy VII to SpongeBob SquarePants, this compelling cleaning sim is willing to tackle dirt no matter where it may be. Following a series of teasing posts on X by the PowerWash Simulator account, we finally have a release date for what might be the most ambitious crossover yet, Warhammer 40,000.

Use the might of the powerwasher to purge the unclean

PowerWash Simulator leaps to the 41st Millennium to clean the various instruments of death and destruction of the Warhammer 40,000 universe on February 27, 2024. Players will be able to clean everything from a Rogal Dorn battle tank to an Imperial Knight and even an entire Sacristan Forgeshr?ine. There isn't a price listed yet, but I would expect it to be in line with other, non-Square Enix, collaborations at $7.99.

I'll admit that I know next to nothing about Warhammer 40,000, but my love for powerwashing might lead me down a dangerous path of learning deep lore and using my savings account on minis. As I trade in my gills from Bikini Bottom for a sacred MKII Aqua-Santic??a Arquebus powerwasher, I step into a world filled with fanaticism, endless war, and utterly filthy machines.

Even if I ultimately don't fall head over heels in love with Warhammer 40,000, I'll take any excuse to boot up one of my favorite titles and zone out to the hum of a powerwasher. Still, I wouldn't be opposed to seeing some of the masters in the Warhammer c??ommunity fashioning powerwashers ?for their minis.

The post PowerWash Simulator’s Warhammer 40K Special Pack gets a release date appeared first on Destructoid.

Games Workshop, owner of the Warhammer IP, and Amazon Studios have officially signed an agreement to begin production on bringing Warhammer 40,000 to the world of movies and television. Last year Games Workshop and Amazon Studios announced they were working on an agreement, and a year later it is now a done deal. Warhammer fan and actor Henry Cavill had been linked to the project after it was revealed he would no longer be playing Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher. It now looks like he will in fa?ct be part of the process as an Executive Producer.

According to the community post, everything is still in the early stages but is now officially underway. Creative details are the focus now as the first script is being written and pushed into production. The post goes on to claim that an elite band of screenwriters with their own passions for Warhammer have been assembled to bring the various stories of Warhammer 40,000 to TV and movies. All led by Henry Cavill as Executive Producer? who will be "bringing his pen, sword and/or spear to the project."

While it's clear anything tangible is still a way out, this is awesome news. Warhammer 40,000 is an insanely lore-rich IP and I'm honestly surprised it has taken this long. I assume one of the first things we'll see is the Eisenhorn series as it would make for a perfect television saga. What Warhammer 40,000 series do you want to see made into film?

The post Games Workshop and Am?azo??n officially bringing Warhammer to the big screen appeared first on Destructoid.

I was shuttling up to my Voidship, planning to check out a prison planet uprising, when the sun e??xploded. The unexpected arrival of Xenos ships and the quick deployment of their star-?shattering weapon left my crew in complete disarray. As I met with a round table of companions and ship staff, I was presented with choices.

With the colla?psing force of the star and the growing instability brought on by ?the Warp, evacuations were ill-advised. Still, I could try to save the nearby planet's population, but allies noted that the Warp had likely corrupted them. Alternatively, a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus asked if I'd consider diverting resources to save a piece of sacred machinery. Others at the meeting demanded we high-tail it out of the system as fast as possible.

I made what I thought was the best decision at the time, opting to save as many people as possible. But soon after arriving in a new system, commanders among my crew alerted me that evidence of the Warp's stain was present within my ship. Amazed by what had transpired over the last ten minutes, I realized I had only just exited the tutorial-like starting area of Warhammer 40000: Rogue Trader.

Where Warhammer 40K games typically falter

There are certainly examples of great Warhammer 40K games, like Dawn of War 2 or Space Marine. But I contend that even these top-shelf offerings stumble when trying to present the universe as a whole. I've talked about this before. It was the crux of my argument that Destiny 2 is a better Warhammer 40K game than most ??legitimately licensed options. ??In almost every Warhammer 40K game I've played, you're either an eye in the sky commanding vast forces or a specific individual within some lore niche. 

Both avenues present their inherent problems. Strategy games lose ambiance and personality among endless menus and a POV quite literally removed from the eye level we humans identify with. The other category, usually action titles, is often too engrossed with a singular conflict. For example, in Space Hulk: Deathwing, you're exclusively Space Marines fighting through space hulks. In Darktide, you're exclusively a band of miscreants fighting through a hive city. Even in Space Marine, you're exclusively one facti??on of Space Marines doing the same thing over and over again. 

Warhammer 40K games, as a whole, lack the breakaway world-building and character development that really sells a setting. For the most part, a lot of the games in the franchise can feel a little one-note. However, thankfully, that's not the case with Rogue Trader.

Capturing the heart and soul

Whatever other Warhammer 40K games lack in world-building, Rogue Trader makes up for it in spades. From the soundtrack ??to the dialogue to the little things like background NPC? chatter and optional environment interactions, Rogue Trader steeps you in the Warhammer 40K universe. While this would almost certainly be impenetrable for those unfamiliar with the IP, Owlcat Games implemented a handy encyclopedia. It even highlights Warhammer 40K-specific words and phrases as they come up.

It's not just about the fully explorable, living and breathing Warhammer 40K universe to explore; it's how players can interact with it. Every area of the game I've explored is teeming with non-essential characters to speak with and scenery to examine. Sometimes, this leads to side quests or activities, like pretending to be the inheritor of a feared space pirate's will. Other times, it just adds some flavor and context. While it's not on the same level as an RPG like Bauldur's Gate 3, it's a com??mendable effort and a first fo??r Warhammer 40K games.

Choices, choices

Underscoring the whole experience is the fact that Rogue Trader celebrates player choice. I consider this very important, as not everyone wants to engage with the Warhammer 40K universe the same way. I can't even count the number of friends I've tried to get into the franchise. Most were turned off by lore overload or because they couldn't find characters or factions they aligned with. Both are non-issues in Rogue Trader, as players mostly control their own story.

There are several ways to roll through the game by the grace of the God Emperor, as most fans would anticipate for the Imperium-aligned Rogue Traders. There's also plenty of opportunity to go against the grain, be that through indifference or heretical design. Perhaps what's most appreciated is that every once in a while, Rogue Trader lets players react as an average person would to? its bizarre, bleak universe.

Player agency doesn't end there. It's built into almost every part of Rogue Trader. Of course, there are still a few ??situations that have to happen a certain way to move the narrative forward. But by and large, it's possible to overcome story obstacles in whichever way players want. Tired of "good" crewmates talking your ear off every time you do something they don't like? Replace them with like-minded individuals. It's easy enough to play through the game how players want, surrounded by the party they want.

Customization worthy of a Rogue Trader

What would a Warhammer 40K game be without its armory? This is another area where Rogue Trader doesn't disappoint. Many notable heavy-hitters are avail??able, including chainswords, bolters, laser weapons, plasma weapons, and power weapons. And that's just scratching the surface. The sheer amount of options is both impressive and exactly what I'd hope to find in a Warhammer 40K title. It's a sci-fi universe totally consumed by weaponry and war; I expect some variety with how I can kill.

Much of the same praise goes to the wearable gear. There are armor options from across the whole franchise and plenty of digital rings and other Warhammer 40K accessories. Then there's the ??Voidship. Friends, I kid ??you not; I squealed with glee when I discovered it could also be customized. I haven't made it far enough to really engage with the system beyond a single space battle, but the prospect has me excited.

Capping things off, Owlcat has a deep and highly customizable progression system in place. Characters adopt Archetypes as they level up, and these offer a wide assortment of abilities, passive bonuses, and gear proficiencies. Even if two char??acters end up with the same Archetype, there's enough s??kill variety to create several functionally different characters. Once a character reaches a certain level, they can take another, more specialized, Archetype to add further options.

I haven't quite been able to pull myself away from Rogue Trader since I started. Between the compelling narrative, player agency, and precisely crafted atmosphere, it's on track to become my favorite Warhammer 40K game. If another certain Dungeons & Dragons threequel didn't come out in 2023, it might have even been my favorite RPG of the year. That said, I've only jus?t scratched the 20-hour mark, and I've got an inherited space dynasty to return to?.

The post Rogue Trader is the Warhammer 40K game I’ve been waiting years for appeared first on Destructoid.

Destiny 2 is known for its dynamic action, longstanding narrative, and impressive weaponry, but it's also one of the best multiplayer Warhammer 40K experiences around. While there are plenty of surface differences between the franchises, Destiny 2 is built from the same stuff that has kept 40K fans loyal since the 80s. Of course, it's by no means a perfect translation. There are legitimate Warhammer 40K games out there that incorporate actual lore and characters. But if players want to engage in an immersive grimdark future where super-powered protectors of humanity confront galaxy-wide conflict against alien factions and supernatural entities, Destiny is the place to be.

Fans of Warhammer 40K love its dystopian future teeming with warring civilizations and demonic magic. But the whole package seldom culminates in a gaming experience that mirrors the epic scale of the storied franchise. While plenty of licensed Warhammer 40K games detail skirmishes between a couple of factions and a few varied locales, the scope is often meager compared to the franchise as a whole. Further, the 40K games that tr?y to incorporate a more representative slice of the universe tend to be strategy games that strain worldbuilding by buryin??g players in menus. Destiny 2 seamlessly blends an expansive grimdark backdrop against consequential narratives on a scale that rivals Warhammer 40K. The game's snappy FPS gunplay, ease of playing with friends, and engaging content are just icing on the cake.

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war

Destiny 2's artistic direction, featuring grandiose architecture, mysterious landscapes, and cosmic anomalies, closely aligns with the aesthetic language of Warhammer 40K. Coupled with the omnipresent juxtaposition of hope and despair, these elements nail the grimdark atmosphere Warhammer 40K thrives alongside. This intertwines with profound lore featuring various species, factions, and even supernatural forces. It all comes together to deliver something akin to 40K's complex setting. Sometimes, that'll mean learning about a space prison and its malfunctioning warden through a Strike with friends; other times, a big bad will reveal itself over the course of a season's story missions. Either way, Destiny frequently throws players right into its narrative's most significant? moments.

Like the innumerable factions in Warhammer 40K that battle for supremacy, Destiny 2 features various groups vying for control. Each has unique philosophies, goals, aesthetics, and fighting styles. Naturally, this carries the ever-evolving alliances, betrayals, and power struggles found within Destiny 2. Often, these beats reflect corresponding ideological conflicts prevalent in the Warhammer 40K universe. The Fallen, Destiny's space pirates, turned to a life of plunder after the Traveler abandoned their Eleksni society. The aliens share more than a few threads with the 40K Aeldari factions that have adopted similar practices. Additional comparisons can be drawn between Space Marines and?? Guardians, the Hive Gods and the Chaos Gods, and even the Traveler and the Emperor of Mankind.

All that said, it would be irresponsible not to mention the elephant in the room. While the narrative delivery in Destiny can be top-notch, especially compared to some official 40K games, Destiny 2's first few years of content were removed to make room for new additions. While the decision has ?remained ever-unpopula?r with players, even in its diminished state, the setting and story content are mor??e than enough to scratch a particular gr?imdark itch.

And they shall know no fear

The extensive range of weaponry, armor, and customization options available in Destiny 2 should make any Warhammer 40K fan feel at home. And the possibilities likely eclipse what's available in many actual 40K titles. Titans' attire frequently retains a Space Marine power armor look, while Hunters and Warlocks often appear more akin to 40K Scouts/Assassins and Psykers, respectively. On top of armor, Destiny 2 boasts a wild assortment of weaponry ranging from traditional fare like shotguns and auto rifles to more unique options like glaives and fusion rifles. This is before individual weapon frames, perks, and rare Exotic weapons turn performance and functionality up to 11. There are even a few options that feel as though they were directly inspired by 40K, like a classic bolter ala the Skyburner's Oath Exotic and a chainsword via The Lament Exo??tic.

Destiny 2 players can optimize their Guardian's stats and upgrade their gear, emulating the strategic planning inherent to the Warhammer 40K tabletop game. Once players have equipped their Guardian the way they want, it's time to dive into Destiny 2's blend of PvE and PvP. The cooperative Raids and Strikes enable players to band together, reminiscent of weighty narrative moments and cataclysmic battles in Warhammer 40K. Meanwhile, competitive multiplayer offers a platform for players to test their mettle against each other, reflecting 40K's relentless and shortsighted conflicts. And while this content isn't updated as frequently as longtime community members would like, the live-servic??e title is constantly evolving and adding new content to explore??.

While Destiny 2 and Warhammer 40K originate from different creative visions, the two franchises share too much to ignore. Numerous parallels in lore, an extensive focus on wargear, and atmospheric design make Destiny 2 compelling for 40K enthusiasts. The simple fact is that Destiny 2 offers a similar setting at a scale that in-universe games? typ?ically do not. And with the flexibility to interact with the universe beyond a lone single-player campaign, it can provide much more mileage. Of course, it's all the better when some friends tag along for the ride.

The post Des?pite flaws, Desti??ny 2 is the best multiplayer Warhammer 40K game around appeared first on Destructoid.

Unclean armor is heresy

Futurlab has announced that their masterpiece cleaning game, PowerWash Simulator is getting its next themed DLC, this time crossing over to the grimdark Warhammer 40000 universe.

After playing Warhammer 40000: Boltgun, I certainly feel like I need a high-pressure blast of water. That game is one of the bloodier first-person shooters out ther?e. There are definitely some floors out there that need a good hose-down, which is to say nothing of the armor that probably stinks of rot and heresy.

//youtu.be/EGNJ4l1Jgkg

Unfortunately, right no??w, we ??only have a teaser to go off of. I’m taking a guess here, but we’re probably not just going to be cleaning the logo off. Although, if we were, I’d appreciate the brazen approach to crossover advertising.

Is it Warhammer 40000’s birthday? No? I’ve just suddenly been getting hit by all these Warhammer 40000 press releases this morning in particular. Maybe it’s just because I reviewed Boltgun, and now I’m on a list somewhere. Or maybe it’s just like when you learn the word “expectorate,�and suddenly you start heari??ng it everywhere. The Baader–Meinhof phenomenon. Internalize tha??t term, you’re about to notice it a lot more.

PowerWash Simulator is availa??ble for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, P?S5, and Switch.

The post PowerWash Simulator i??s getting a Warhammer 40000 crosso??ver challenge appeared first on Destructoid.

The Emperor demands your life

I don’t know a whole lot about the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Space guys in ostentatious armor. Orcs dressed like orcs. It’s a lot to take in. However, I do know a lot about first-person shooters, especially those created in the �0s, and since Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is ??designed to look like one of th??ose, it’s the perfect crossover.

However, the indie and small-budget market is pretty saturated in retro-inspired shooters right now, so without being a fan of Warhammer 40,000, does Boltgun still do enough to s??tand out to me??? No. But also very yes.

[caption id="attachment_381154" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (PC [Reviewed], PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch)
Developer: Auroch Digital
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Release: May 23, 2023
MSRP: $21.99

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is the story of�something happening. You’re an inquisitor sent to a planet to quell the chaos there. That d??oesn’t mean much to me, but it does mean that there’s lots of squishy t??hings to shoot.

You’re placed in a pair of stompy space boots and given a gun that is both entirely unremarkable and completely awesome at the same time. The titular boltgun is nothing more than an assault rifle, but it rips through smaller enemies and sounds like someone using a jackhammer on a bass drum. The first thing you should know about Boltgun is that it’s extremely explode-y. Everyone dies with enthusiasm, spraying blood and body parts everywhere, and it’s an awesome spect??acle.

Boltgun lives for making you feel powerful. Beyond the eponymous boltgun, every weapon gives you the feeling of repeatedly slamming a car door on someone’s dick. There’s a taunt button, which is amazing because there is no multiplayer. The enemies have no feelings, so shouting at them is just something to do to feel awesome. Your space boots are constantly stomping around, and you can boost your health and armo?r up to 300%. Your melee attack is a chainsaw sword, and you bring down bigger enemies with it by revving it against their faces.

There are many first-person shooters out there with a philosophy built around making you feel powerful, but I don’t think any have nailed it quite like Boltgun.

//youtu.be/DJzGLICnZrg

Die heretic!

Though Boltgun ?is visibly inspired by �0s FPS games, most of the aesthetic is achieved through a filter that reduces color depth and increases pixelation. It’s a reasonably effective technique that creates a vintage look without having to compromise level geometry or complexity.

It also does a few new things that I haven’t really seen in an FPS before. Many of the enemies take quite a few bullets to put down, but rather than just allowing them to be damage sponges, each one displays a health bar that lets you know how close you are to dropping them. It’s a small detail, and Boltgun gets a lot of the small details very right. ??Like when your boltgun’s clip is running dry, and it starts to let out a mechanical rattle to accompany every shot. There’s a lot of care taken to get the experience feeling great.

[caption id="attachment_381150" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

The might of the Imperium will crush you

Unfortunately, the level design doesn’t support all of this, and it’s actually somewhat baffling. The levels can get confusing. Walkways ??will criss-cross overhead, and there’s no map to help you out. However, tha??t’s not the biggest issue.

The problem is that there’s a stunning lack of consistency. The first few levels seem to imply that Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun subscribes to a Doom Eternal f??ormula where you’re largely entering s??mall combat nodes that you clear before moving on, but it doesn’t stick to this. That’s fine because I prefer just wading through enemies the whole time, but it winds up trapped between these two approaches.

The issues that arise ?from this are twofold. First, i??t struggles with item placement. Second, it has problems with pacing.

The pacing is perhaps the strangest wrinkle. It’s not like perennial games such as Doom or Duke Nukem 3D didn’t have moments where you backtracked through empty rooms, it just feels extremely out of place with Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. Sto?mping around, taunting the walls, and hoovering ??up supplies just feels horrible when placed next to exploding dudes left and right.

However, item placement is the biggest issue. Typically, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun dumps ammunition and health on you. Little rotating models of crests and clips are everywhere. This mak??es it extremely noticeable whe??n you’re trapped in an arena, and they’re nowhere to be found.

[caption id="attachment_381155" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Your death is my glory

I remember a ??particular encounter late in the game where I actually came extremely close to running out of ammo and wound up taking down a Lord of Change with the chainsword. There were times when I got low on health and had to disengage entirely from combat in order to search for the smaller nooks and crannies where larger pick-ups w?ere hidden.

Part of that problem is that Boltgun is absolutely terrible with communication. The levels are busy, ?noisy places where it’s easy to overlook a locked door. Sometimes I’d finish arena moments only to find that I had missed an entire section of the ??area because the grey corridor was hidden amongst all the grey walls. There are yellow splotches of paint and candles in some areas to draw your attention to the intended path, but I feel like these were late additions. There was one area where I missed a row of candles entirely because they were hidden among the debris and glowing portals.

[caption id="attachment_381156" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

The Emperor's hand will touch you

It lends to this confused feeling I got playing Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. For the first 20-or-so minutes after picking it up anew, I’d be having a bla??st. I’d feel like I was playing the best game ever. But after that initial blast of endorphins wore off I’d start feeling frustrated. I’d forge ahead until I reached a decent quitting point, put it down, then I never felt compelled to pick it up again. The only thing that rea??lly kept me going was the deadline for this review; otherwise, I think I probably would have stopped partway through and forgotten it at the bottom of my library.

That’s not to say Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is bad. It’s definitely not. In fa?ct, it nails so many things that other games tend to fall short on. It manages to be this extremely impressive and u?nrelenting spectacle for huge swaths of time. It’s just there are parts of it that are needed to support these high points, and they’re all a bit rickety.

It’s one of those moments where I may have my complaints about the game, and I feel it’s extremely necessary to voice them. However, I also think you should try Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. This isn’t a lukewarm recommendation; it’s a hot one. Because despite all its problems, it’s something that needs to be seen and celebrated. There’s a chance that you won’t even notice the problems I outlined, and this will be a big hit with you. You might not even notice the same issues that I do. I think Boltgun deserves its chance, and you should definitely give it one,?? even if you have no connection with the license.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

The post Review: Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun appeared first on Destructoid.

Role-playing in the 40K universe

A new Warhammer 40,000 game was announced today, with a bit more of a role-playing vibe. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a?? classical, isometric-style RPG from Owlcat Games.

The trailer, shown as part of today's annual Warhammer Skulls festival, is packed with RPG signposts. It's got an isometric style, and the trailer declares Rogue Trader is the first "classic CRPG" set in the Warhammer 40K universe.

Behind this RPG is Owlcat Games, a studio that's previously worked on several Pathfinder RPGs. Both Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Wrath of the Righteous seemed to do well by those who dig isometric games. And now, the team will tackle the 40K universe.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4VUmndj9rw

The story will follow a Rogue Trader, who controls their own merchant empire ?and is allowed to explore space wit?h the blessing of the Emperor. This means powers, the ability to go where you want, and a giant voidship.

The RPG side will let you meet potential allies and enemies, and make choices that will affect the lives of others. Companions can include the likes of a Space Marine, an Aeldari Ranger, or a Siste??r of Battle. And once battle kicks off, they'll play out in a tactical, turn-based format.

Playing the classics

It sounds like a pretty interesting universe for Owlcat Games to explore for its next RPG. While plenty of Warhammer games have been announced, especially over the course of today's festivities, many of them are a bit more action-oriented. While shooting, blasting, and Space Marine-ing through hordes is all good fun, sometimes you want to k??ick your feet up and play an RPG.

The potential for RPG storytelling in the Warhammer 40,000 universe seems ripe. Those who want to see what Owlcat does with it earlier can pre-order to get Alpha and/or Beta access to the game, depending on what tier you pre-order. No release date has been set yet for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, but it is targeting both PC and consoles.

The post Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trad???er is a new RPG coming from Pathfinder studio Owlcat appeared first on Destructoid.

"World premieres, new trailers, and behind the scenes sneak peeks" on June 1

Although there are many (too many?) chances to get into Warhammer and 40K these days when it comes to video game adaptations, two upcoming titles, in particular, are really speaking to me: the first-person co-op game Darktide from Vermintide developer Fatshark, and Space Marine 2, a long-awaited action sequel. We'll see more of both of them shortly, as Games Workshop is putting together a Warhammer Skulls showcase on June 1.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 are the showpiece games here �especially since they're new and they look cool �but the event will also cover the "latest updates and future plans" for some already released games, too. In its announcement, Games Workshop specifically pointed to Total War: Warhammer III, Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector, and Warhammer: Vermintide 2. We'll see what we get.

[caption id="attachment_323256" align="alignnone" width="1920"] _{That's a lot of logos!}[/caption]

When to show up

The Warhammer Skulls event will begin at 10:00 a.m. Pacific on Wednesday, June 1, with "week-long offers" and new game content to follow. You can catch it live on Twitch.

Even if you're only interested in seeing a new trailer or two, you may want to swing by for the wider showcase �Clive Standen (of Vikings fame) will be involved. (If you missed it, he's Captain Titus in Space Marine 2.) Considering how quickly our summer calendar is filling up, though, I don't fault anyone for bei??ng a bit more choosy with their tim?e.

Darktide isn't too far off with a September 13, 2022 release date, but Space Marine 2 feels much less tangible at this point �Saber Interactive is still listing a TBA launch.

I'm ready to cull the hordes in both of these games. Where are you at wit??h ??them?

The post June’s Warhammer Skulls event will have Space Marine 2 and Darktide updates appeared first on Destructoid.

PC and Xbox Series X/S release date locked in

It's coming later than expected, but Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has a (probably final) release date in mind: September 13, 2022. The horde-chopping squad action game will initially be playable on Steam and Xbox Series X/S, and on that front, its inclusion in Game Pass ?will be a big help in con?vincing three friends to join up for a bit of grimdark fun.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi87A9EK37o

Admittedly, this release date trailer is very subdued. But at this point, many of us are already "in," given the developer's past games. Vermintide was an absolutely amazing co-op vibe for Warhammer fans �and, honestly non-fans, too. I tend to stay in the 40K lane, but I got really into Vermintide 2; the Left 4 Dead-style co-o??p format can still pack a punch when it's veering off in wil?d directions. Carving through rat-men with pals is a pleasure.

Coming off of the Vermintide series, expectations are certainly high. "Darktide introduces a deep and balanced gunplay to ??the mix," according to Fatshark. "Master the balance between ranged and melee combat as you fight through a slew of enemies, feeling the im??pact of each swing of your chainsword or blazing gunfire from your lasgun."

Fatshark seems to be going even harder with Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, and I'd put it up there next to Saber Interactive's Space Marine 2 as one of the main Games Workshop adaptations I'm most stoked to see. A new Dawn of War would make quite the trio.

Stick around until the end of the video for a snippet of gameplay, or poke around the Steam page for a refresher. ??Otherwise??, see you on Tertium this September.

The post Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is out this September, so g??o tell your crew appeared first on Destructoid.

In development at Saber Interactive

Our minds may be turning to mush as the night drags on, but there's still an occasional spark of life. Announced at the 2021 Game Awards, in between dozens upon dozens of other Warhammer 40,000 video game adaptations in recent years, we're actually getting Space Marine 2. This one is such a long time coming. I mean, it's been a decade!

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgxVQRTXtz0

Captain Titus is back for Space Marine 2, and he's ready to cut down some Tyranid. The teaser trailer doesn't tell us anything more than w??e need to know. It's cathartic af. And before you click away, ma?ke sure you stick around for a gameplay snippet at the end.

"Hold at bay the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles on ?far-flung planets. Uncover da?rk secrets and drive back the everlasting night to prove your ultimate loyalty to humanity."

For those of you who missed the original Ork-blasting action-shooter, at the time, it was easily one of the better 40K adaptations �and it's still fondly remembered to this day. If you're curious, the old PC version recently got an Anniversary Edition upgrade on Steam.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is in development at Saber Interactive and Focus Home with plans for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. The companies haven't shared many details yet, and on that note, the release date is listed as "TBA" �but just bas?ed on the brief footage, this is exactly in line with what I'd want from a sequel. Let me be un??hinged.

Now, if only we could get a return to form for Dawn of War...

The post Long overdue Warhammer 40K: Space Ma?rine 2 f??????????????????????????inally announced appeared first on Destructoid.

The DLC packs are now included and there's some neat bonus materials like an artbook and guide

I genuinely believe that Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine deserves a sequel, and after the dozens upon dozens of licensed Games Workshop video games that have come out in the last decade, some far better realized than others, that feeling has not wavered. Will it ever happen? If not, I feel like we'll at least get a?nother game that tries to capture its same spirit one day �or maybe a remaster, if and when time allows. That'd be nice too.

For now, there's just a small development in the Space Marine saga. The PC version on Steam has been updated to an Anniversary Edition to celebrate 10 years since the original launch on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360. If you own Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine on Steam ??(which I kind of forgot I did!), you don't need to do anything �it should've auto-upgraded.

"Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine puts players in the heart of the fight, showing what it truly means to be a Space Marine, and it's still beloved by fans to this day," reads the announcement post on Steam. "We're excited to release this iconic game along with all its DLC, as well as some am??azing extra content for players to enjoy."

With Space Marine Anniversary Edition, you're getting a lot of DLC:

• Chaos Unleashed Map Pack
• Dreadnought Assault DLC
• Iron Hand Veteran Chapter Pack DLC
• Death Guard Champion Chapter Pack DLC
• Golden Relic Bolter
• Golden Relic Chainsword
• Power Sword
• Blood Angels Veteran Armour Set
• Salamanders Veteran Armour Set
• Alpha Legion Champion Armour Set
• Legion of the Damned Armour Set
• Emperor's Elite Pack
• Traitor Legions Pack

And th??ere's also some neat but not exactly groundbreaking ?additions:

• The full soundtrack for the game
• Classic and brand-new wallpapers
• The original manual (pdf)
• The Official Strategy Guide (pdf)
• Ringtone (!!!)
• The Collector’s Edition Artbook (pdf)
• Collector’s cards (pdfs)
• The original launch trailer

Basically, it's content that would be har?d to justify buying in 2021 combined with bonus materials for fans to reminisce about. I wish more games got this treatment!

This was one of those pretty good to potentially even great games in the Xbox 360 and PS3 era that fans remember fondly, even now. I remember it having a short but engaging shooter campaign, multiplayer that I never fully invested in, and generally feeling like it captured lightning in a bottle. Between Space Marine and Dawn of War II, I was set.

If you don't own Space Marine, on Steam, it's currently $20.39. A little high, given i??ts age.

According to my Steam stats, it's been a decade since I've played the game, and I have a bunch of partially completed multiplayer achievements. Out of curiosity, I reinstalled Space Marine, hit "continue," and was thrown into the final boss fight in all its (very of the time) QTE glory.?? I also poked my head into the multiplayer matchmaking, and ??a couple of potential matches popped up, so clearly someone had the same idea. Boost it!

The post Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine got a free ??Anniversary Edition upgrade on Steam to celebrate 10 years of fans wishing for a sequel appeared first on Destructoid.

A bounty-hunting FPS from Streum On Studio and Focus Home

[Update: Following yesterday's leak, Focus Home Interactive announced Necromunda: Hired Gun for PC (Steam and Epic), PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. It's not going to be for everyone, but I'm on-board – it looks fast. And the store page had the date right. Hired Gun is coming out on June 1, 2021.]

There are arguably too many Games Workshop-based video games vying for our attention, but when so many ideas are thrown at the wall, some of them are bound to stick. Streum On Studio, the team behind E.Y.E. and Space Hulk: Deathwing, is back with a first-person shooter called Necromunda: Hired Gun.

I don't always like to bring up Microsoft Store leaks – sometimes, the store pages are too sparse or the games are too uninteresting for me to justify coverage – but that's decidedly not the case here.

This game looks sick as hell. You can take on bounties as a merc with a Cyber?-Mastiff by your side.

The unannounced game will be published by Focus Home Interactive, and the Microsoft Store lists the Xbox versions of Necromunda: Hired Gun for June 1, 2021. (In case t??he page is pulled down before the official reveal, yes, there's an "Optimized for Xbox S?eries X/S" badge.) PC should be a no-brainer.

Even without seeing a trailer, I'm much more into this hive-city joyride than prior attempts. That said, it's ?too sunny outside for me to be tumbl??ing down wiki lore rabbit-holes again. Release me!

[Thanks, Vesalius]

The post (Update) Necro?munda: Hired Gun already looks like one of the good ones appeared first on Destructoid.

He's hackin' and wackin' and smackin'

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a far-future follow-up to Vermintide, and that's pretty much all it needed to get a foot in the door – but gameplay footage, especially with so many CG-only reveals at The Game Awards, is appreciated. After last night's showing, Fatshark released an extended trailer.

This should be a damn good time in co-op. That's it: that's my ?takeaway. Let me at 'em.

Darktide is going to throw four players (who's calling dibs on the Ogryn?) into a bustling hive city, and unlike the mostly-melee-centric Vermintide, guns are plentiful. I'm curious to see how they balance melee and ranged combat in such a wa??y that both feel powerful depending on the situation at hand.

As much as I fell off Vermintide and missed a bunch of the DLC, I dug the feel of that game. Between the 40K setting, crunchy combat, and the class/gear progression, I'm all the way in on Darktide.

As the trailer says, this is a 2021 release on Steam and Xbox Series X/S – it's skipping last-gen.

The post Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has an extended ga?meplay trailer wit??h a bit more meat appeared first on Destructoid.

Moar shooters

I may not know much about the Warhammer franchise, but this is certainly not what I picture when people mention the property. Either way, I think I'm down for a four-player co-op shooter on next-gen systems. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide comes to us from the developers of Vermintide and takes place in the city of Tertium. Darktide will launch on Xbox consoles in 2021.

The post Warhammer 40,000: Dark??tide may be your nex??t co-op shooter obsession appeared first on Destructoid.

It's warhammer time

In today's contest you can win Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus for Switch, PS4, or Xbox One!

If you've been reading my work for a while (sorry about that), you know I'm woefully inept at strategy titles. Hell, I'm bad at strategizing pretty much all around. My planning ahead usually consists ??of forgetting about the event until the last minute, winging it, and hopi??ng for the best.

So, I'm out of my element here! If you're not, you can win Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus to live out you??r turn-based strategic fantasies. Just don't rely on me fo?r any help.

Read words.

Taking ?control of Adeptus Mechanicus forces, players must lead their Tech-Priests and troops on a tactical qu?est to salvage ancient technologies from the mysterious Necron tombs of the planet Silva Tenebris.

The console release of Mechanicus builds on the critically acclaimed PC version with the addition of the Heretek DLC which exposes the dark underbelly of the Adeptus Mechanicus faction like never before. Players will face frighteningly familiar ??foes in a cohort of heretek Tech-Priests over five new missions using new disciplines, troops and unlockable firepower.

The console package is completed with the special Omnissiah Edition content which adds the atmospheric soundtrack, short story ‘Deus Ex Mechanicus’ by Andy Cha?mbers, the stunning digital artbook, as well as the hard-hitting melee weapon, the Arc Scourge.

I think just by reading the title of the post you pretty much k??now if you wan?t this or not.

To enter t?o win your copy, comment below telling us your platform and region??, and a time you made a plan or strategized. I'd give an example, but considering my plan to be a millionaire hasn't yet panned out I don't think I'm cut out for it.

We have three Switch?? keys (NA and EU), five PS4 (NA and EU), and five Xbox One (region-free) keys to give out. Winners will be drawn Monday, July 28. Make sure to comment using a Dtoid account with your?? current email address on file. If you're new, sign up here to talk about your life's plans with us!

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus is available now for Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.

The post Contest: Win Warhammer 40,0??00: Mechanicus for Switch, PS4, or Xbox One appeared first on Destructoid.

Fight for Your Rites (To Warhammer)

Anyone looking for the latest and greatest in the vast Warhammer 40K collection won't be interested in this ??giveaway. However, anyone looking to not spend a single cent might want to pay attention.

GOG's giving away 1999's Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War this weekend. I'd be lying to you if I said I know much of anything about this game. I just learned of its existence today, and I know that it's an RTS. If you want to roll the dice on a freebie, here's the link.

That's not the extent of Warhammer's weekend presence on GOG. There's also a sale with cheap older games and discounted newer games. Go sift through that if you've got the itch for even more Warhammer. 

The post The?re are 40,000 Warhammer games and one of them i??s free on GOG appeared first on Destructoid.

Hammer Time

During yesterday's Nacon Connect presentation, the publisher revealed that Eko Interactive's hack 'n' slash title Warhammer: Chaosbane will be making the leap to the next-gen, receiving a port on both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X platform?s.

Already available on PS4, PC, and Xbox One, Warhammer: Chaosbane allows up to four players to choose from a selection of five distinct classes, (Soldier, Dwarf, Dwarf Engineer, High Elf, and Wood Elf), before charging into violent battle with the forces of Chaos. Warhammer: Chaosbane blends the loot-gathering, dungeon-crawling gameplay of titles such as Diablo III with the characters?? and worlds of Games Workshop's legendary tablet?op franchise.

Warhammer: Chaosbane received mediocre reviews on launch, with many critics and fans finding the gameplay a little generic when compared to its contemporaries. Whether these next-gen editions will be direct ports, or whether Eko Interactive will take the opportunity to address some of these concerns remains to be seen.

Warhammer: Chaosbane is currently in development for PS5 and Xbox Series X.? It is available now on PS4, PC, and Xbox One.

Warhammer: Chaosbane is coming to Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5â„¢, stay tuned for more information. #NaconConnect pic.twitter.com/AZA3uN18VL

— Nacon (@Nacon) July 7, 2020

The post Warham??mer: Chaosbane to receive PS5 and Xbox Series X ??port appeared first on Destructoid.