Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2's Deck Debut Impresses Initial Testing

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

For years, anticipation has built for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. While I wasn't initially familiar with the original, my exploration of the Warhammer 40,000 universe through titles like Total War: Warhammer, Boltgun, and Rogue Trader piqued my interest. I even sampled the first Space Marine on my Steam Deck months ago. The recent, stunning reveal of the sequel left me eager to experience it.

Over the past week, I've logged approximately 22 hours with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, leveraging cross-progression across my Steam Deck and PS5, and testing the online functionality. This review is ongoing for two key reasons: a complete assessment requires thorough cross-platform multiplayer testing and verification of the online experience on public servers. Secondly, Focus and Saber are actively developing official Steam Deck support, aiming for release by year's end.

Given the impressive visuals and gameplay of Space Marine 2 on Steam Deck, coupled with cross-progression, I was keen to see its performance on Valve's handheld. The results are a mixed bag, and this review will cover all aspects: gameplay, online co-op, visuals, PC port features, PS5 performance, and more. Note: Screenshots with performance overlays are from my Steam Deck OLED; 16:9 screenshots are from my PS5 playthrough. Testing was conducted using Proton GE 9-9 and Proton Experimental.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a third-person action shooter that masterfully blends brutality, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay, making it accessible even to Warhammer 40,000 newcomers. The concise yet effective tutorial introduces combat and movement basics, leading you to the Battle Barge hub. Here, you select missions, game modes, customize your appearance, and more.

The core gameplay loop is exceptional. Controls and weaponry feel perfectly implemented. While some may favor ranged combat, I found immense satisfaction in visceral melee combat. The execution animations are consistently rewarding, and mowing down hordes of enemies before facing tougher opponents remains endlessly entertaining. The campaign shines in both solo and co-op modes (with one or two friends), although defense missions aren't as compelling.

Playing with a friend overseas, Space Marine 2 felt like a high-budget take on Xbox 360-era co-op shooters—a genre rarely seen today. It captivated me as much as Earth Defense Force or Gundam Breaker 4, and I hope Saber and Focus collaborate with SEGA to modernize the original game's campaign.

My Warhammer 40,000 knowledge stems primarily from Total War: Warhammer, Dawn of War, Boltgun, and Rogue Trader. Despite this, Space Marine 2 offers a refreshing experience and ranks among my favorite co-op games in years. While it's premature to declare it my favorite Warhammer 40,000 title, the addictive nature of Operations mode with a friend, coupled with class progression and unlocks, has me hooked.

While I need to further test online play with random players after the full launch, my initial co-op experience is outstanding. I eagerly anticipate testing the online features extensively this week, once cross-progression and cross-platform online are fully live.

Visually, on both PS5 and Steam Deck, the game is a stunner. The PS5's 4K mode (played on my 1440p monitor) is breathtaking. The environments are beautifully rendered, and the game's "alive" feel is palpable, thanks to massive enemy swarms, detailed textures, and impressive lighting. This is further enhanced by excellent voice acting and extensive customization options, allowing players to showcase their creativity.

A photo mode, accessible in single-player, offers adjustments to frames, expressions, visible characters, FOV, and more. However, on the Steam Deck, some effects don't render optimally with FSR 2 and lower resolutions. The PS5 version's photo mode, however, is exceptional.

The audio design is equally impressive. While the music is good, it doesn't quite reach the heights of Bolt Thrower's "Realm of Chaos" (a personal wish!). Nevertheless, the voice acting and sound design are top-tier. The music fits the game perfectly.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Graphics Options

The PC port, tested on Steam Deck, boasts comprehensive graphics settings. Upon launch, Epic Online Services installs, but account linking isn't mandatory. Settings include display mode, resolution, render resolution, quality presets (quality, balanced, performance, ultra performance), resolution upscaling (TAA, FSR 2 on Steam Deck), dynamic resolution target, v-sync, brightness, motion blur, FPS limit, and various quality-related options.

Four presets adjust texture filtering, resolution, shadows, ambient occlusion, reflections, volumetrics, effects, details, and cloth simulation. DLSS and FSR 2 are included, with FSR 3 planned post-launch. I anticipate significant Steam Deck performance improvements with FSR 3. The addition of 16:10 support would also be welcome.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Control Options

The game supports keyboard and mouse, as well as full controller support. Initially, PlayStation button prompts didn't display correctly on Steam Deck, but disabling Steam Input resolved this. Adaptive trigger support is present, further enhanced by disabling Steam Input. Keyboard and mouse remapping are also available. My DualSense controller (Bluetooth) displayed PlayStation prompts and even supported adaptive triggers wirelessly—a noteworthy feature.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Performance

On Steam Deck, I experienced some initial freezing (only during boot-up) with default Proton and Experimental, but Proton GE 9-9 ran smoothly. While technically playable without configuration changes, the game pushes the Steam Deck's limits.

At 1280x800 (16:9), using the low preset with FSR 2.0 at Ultra Performance, a locked 30fps is unattainable. Frequent dips into the mid-20s, and even lower, occur during intense combat. Even at lower resolutions, frame rates fall below 30fps. For this type of game, this isn't ideal. I hope future optimization allows for consistent 30fps performance.

Dynamic upscaling targeting 30fps, with the low preset, results in frame rates in the 30s, but frequent drops to the low 20s persist. The visuals remain good, but the game currently overtaxes the Steam Deck. The game also occasionally fails to exit cleanly, requiring manual closure.

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

Online multiplayer functions flawlessly on Steam Deck. Co-op sessions with a friend in Canada were smooth and enjoyable. Internet-related disconnections occurred, but this is expected on pre-release servers. Further testing with random players and friends will follow the full launch.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PS5 Features – DualSense, Activity Cards, and Performance Mode

On PS5 (performance mode), the game performs well, although a locked 60fps isn't achieved. Dynamic resolution/upscaling seems present, as noticeable blurring occurred in some large battles. Load times are fast, and PS5 Activity Card support is included. Gyro support is currently absent.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Cross-Save Progression

Cross-save progression between Steam and PS5 works well (currently), with a two-day cooldown period between platform syncs. I'm awaiting confirmation on whether this cooldown remains in the final build.

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

A definitive answer requires more testing with random players after launch. I will update this section after assessing matchmaking in Operations (PvE) and Eternal War (PvP) modes. Eternal War remains untested at this time.

Desired Features for Future Updates

Post-launch support is expected, and my main wish is for proper HDR support. The game's visuals would benefit greatly. Haptic feedback on DualSense would also be a welcome addition (it's not present at launch).

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a strong Game of the Year contender. While online multiplayer testing with cross-play is pending, the gameplay is superb, and the visuals and audio are exceptional across both platforms. I currently don't recommend it for Steam Deck, but the PS5 version is highly recommended. A full review with a final score will follow after extensive multiplayer testing and any post-launch patches.

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