Space Marine 2 Heavy Class Guide: Dominate the Battlefield with Unmatched Firepower
The Heavy Class in Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 is a powerful and versatile choice for players looking to dominate the battlefield with sheer firepower.
As the only class that can wield heavy two-handed weapons, the Heavy excels at dealing massive damage to hordes of enemies and taking down tough targets with ease. However, this raw power comes at a cost, as the Heavy Class sacrifices mobility and close-quarters combat capabilities for their devastating ranged attacks.
In this guide, we’ll get right in deep with the mechanics, weapons, perks, and strategies that make the Heavy Class a force to be reckoned with in Space Marine 2’s PvE and PvP modes.
Read here for our full Space Marine 2 Review
Introduction to the Heavy Class
The Heavy Class is one of six playable classes in Space Marine 2’s multiplayer content, which includes PvE Operations and PvP Eternal War.
As a Tank archetype, the Heavy is designed to soak up damage and dish out high sustained DPS with their powerful heavy weapons. Unique to the Heavy Class is their ability to equip heavy primary weapons, such as bolters, plasma guns.
These weapons are devastating against both infantry and armored targets, but they come with a significant drawback – the Heavy Class cannot equip melee weapons.
This means that if an enemy manages to close the distance, the Heavy Marine will be at a severe disadvantage in close-quarters combat. To compensate for this weakness, the Heavy Class has access to the Iron Halo ability, which deploys an energy shield around the Marine, mitigating all incoming damage for a short duration.
Upgrades to this skill can increase its effectiveness and uptime, making the Heavy Class more resilient in the face of enemy fire.
Learn more about all the classes with out Space Marine 2 Classes Guide
Heavy Class Mechanics
The Heavy Class in Space Marine 2 is defined by its unique mechanics that set it apart from the other classes:
Armor Class
The Heavy Class has an armor class of 3, which is on the higher end of the spectrum. This means that they can take more hits before going down compared to lighter classes like the Vanguard or Assault Marine.
Read here for the Space Marine 2 Assault Class Guide
Weapon Selection
As mentioned earlier, the Heavy Class is the only class that can equip heavy primary weapons. These weapons deal massive damage but have slower firing rates and higher recoil than their lighter counterparts.
The Heavy Class also has access to pistols, which can be used as a backup weapon in close-quarters situations.
Iron Halo Ability
The Iron Halo is the Heavy Class’s signature ability, which deploys an energy shield around the Marine for a short duration. This shield absorbs all incoming damage, making the Heavy Class temporarily invulnerable.
Upgrades to this ability can increase its effectiveness and uptime, allowing the Heavy to tank more damage and stay in the fight longer.
View our article for a full overview on Space Marine 2 Coop
Space Marine 2 Heavy Class Weapons and Perks
In Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2, the Heavy Class stands out as a tank-like character, specializing in heavy weaponry and offering substantial firepower on the battlefield.
Below is a detailed list of all the weapons available to the Heavy Class, as well as a comprehensive overview of the perks that enhance their combat effectiveness.
Interested in the future of Space Marine 2? Checkout the Space Marine 2 Roadmap
Heavy Class Weapons
The Heavy Class has access to a unique selection of weapons designed for maximum damage output:
Primary Weapons
- Heavy Bolter: A rapid-fire ballistic weapon that excels at mowing down infantry and dealing significant damage to armored targets.
- Heavy Plasma Incinerator: A powerful plasma weapon that can unleash devastating shots, effective against both infantry and tougher enemies.
- Multi-Melta: A short-range, high-damage weapon designed to obliterate heavily armored foes and vehicles.
Secondary Weapons
- Bolt Pistol: A standard sidearm for Space Marines, effective for close-quarters combat.
- Plasma Pistol: A high-energy sidearm that can deal significant damage to enemies at close range.
Melee Weapons
- The Heavy Class does not have a dedicated melee weapon but can use their primary weapons to perform melee attacks if enemies get too close.
Heavy Class Perks
The Heavy Class features a variety of perks that enhance their abilities and gameplay style. These perks are divided into several categories:
Core Perks
| Perk | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Restoration | Grants +1 Armor Segment after killing 15 enemies. | 2 |
| Thermal Boost | Increases ranged damage by 15% when the ranged weapon is 50% overheated. | 3 |
| Overcharge | Increases charged attack damage by 20%. | 4 |
| Multi-Kill | Grants +1 Ammo after killing 5 enemies. | 10 |
| Overwhelming Power | Increases ranged damage by 10% when Iron Halo is active. | 12 |
| Fortitude | Increases maximum health by 20%. | 17 |
| Auxiliary Ammunition | Increases ammo reserve by 20% after killing 15 enemies. | 18 |
| Strategic Stand | While in Heavy Stance, dealing damage restores 75% of contested health. | 19 |
| Versatility | Increases damage for secondary weapon by 20%. | 20 |
Gear Perks
| Perk | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Adamant Will | Reduces health damage taken by 20% for 5 seconds. | 6 |
| Obdurate Bastion | Increases Iron Halo durability by 20%. | 7 |
| Saving Grace | Reviving teammates restores Iron Halo’s charge. | 8 |
| Consecutive Execution | Killing 15 enemies restores equipment charge. | 14 |
| Field Adjustment | Increases recharge speed for Iron Halo by 20%. | 15 |
| Brute Force | Increases ranged damage by 15% when Iron Halo is on cooldown. | 16 |
| Emperor’s Protection | Grants +1 Armor Segment when Iron Halo has no energy. | 22 |
| Power Regulator | Iron Halo loses energy 15% slower. | 23 |
| Wrath of the Imperium | Enemies take damage when Iron Halo has no energy. | 24 |
Team Perks
| Perk | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Encompassing Aegis | Reduces damage from ranged attacks by 20%. | 5 |
| Additional Supplies | Increases ammo capacity by 25%. | 13 |
| Bonds of Brotherhood | Reviving a teammate restores their full health. | 21 |
Signature Perks
| Perk | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Capability | Iron Halo deals damage over time. | 9 |
| Coolant Reserve | Primary weapon doesn’t overheat if your teammates are dead. | 17 |
| Conversion Field | Increases ability charge recovery speed by 50% when Iron Halo is active. | 25 |
Skill Tree (PvE Only)
In PvE Operations, the Heavy Class boasts an extensive skill tree that allows players to tailor their Marine’s abilities to their preferred playstyle. This skill tree is divided into three main branches:
- Devastator: Focuses on enhancing the Heavy’s damage output and weapon efficiency.
- Bulwark: Emphasizes survivability and defensive capabilities.
- Support: Improves team synergy and utility.
Each branch contains a variety of powerful boons and ability augments that can be unlocked and upgraded as players progress. These upgrades can dramatically alter the Heavy’s performance on the battlefield, allowing for diverse and specialized builds. Key features of the skill tree include:
- Weapon Mastery: Upgrades that enhance specific weapon types, such as increased accuracy for Heavy Bolters or reduced heat generation for Plasma weapons.
- Armor Enhancements: Improvements to the Heavy’s durability, including increased health regeneration and damage resistance.
- Ability Augments: Modifications to the Iron Halo and other class-specific abilities, such as increased duration or added offensive capabilities.
- Team Synergy: Skills that benefit nearby allies, like providing an armor boost or increasing their damage output.
By carefully selecting and combining these upgrades, players can create a Heavy Marine that excels in their chosen role, whether it’s as a frontline tank, a long-range fire support specialist, or a team-oriented buffer.
Get a full overview with the Space Marine 2 Co-op guide
Building the Best Heavy Class
To create an optimal Heavy Class in Space Marine 2, players should focus on synergizing their weapon choices, perks, and playstyle:
- Weapon Specialization: Choose a primary weapon that suits your preferred engagement range and enemy type. For example, the Heavy Bolter for sustained fire against infantry, or the Multi-Melta for anti-armor duties.
- Perk Synergy: Select perks that complement your weapon choice and playstyle. For instance, if using a heat-based weapon like the Plasma Incinerator, prioritize perks like Thermal Boost and Coolant Reserve.
- Defensive Strategy: Invest in perks that enhance your survivability, such as Fortitude and Obdurate Bastion, to maximize your staying power on the battlefield.
- Ability Enhancement: Focus on perks that improve your Iron Halo ability, like Power Regulator and Offensive Capability, to make the most of this crucial defensive tool.
- Team Consideration: If playing in a squad, consider perks like Bonds of Brotherhood and Encompassing Aegis to support your teammates.
Playstyle
The Heavy Class thrives as a mobile firebase, providing sustained firepower from advantageous positions:
- Positioning: Utilize cover and elevated positions to maximize your field of fire while minimizing exposure.
- Target Prioritization: Focus on high-threat enemies like elite units or heavy weapons teams that pose the greatest danger to your squad.
- Suppression Tactics: Use your high rate of fire to suppress enemy positions, allowing your teammates to advance or flank.
- Defensive Use of Iron Halo: Activate your Iron Halo proactively when facing heavy incoming fire or to cover your repositioning.
- Close-Quarters Management: While not ideal for close combat, use your Iron Halo and secondary weapon to create space when enemies close in.
Teamplay
The Heavy Class shines brightest when integrated into a coordinated squad:
- Fire Support: Provide covering fire for advancing teammates, suppressing enemy positions and eliminating threats.
- Area Denial: Use your sustained firepower to lock down chokepoints or objectives, allowing your team to control the battlefield.
- Tank Synergy: Coordinate with Bulwark Marines to create an impenetrable defense. They can absorb damage with their shields while you deliver punishing fire from behind.
- Assault Support: Work in tandem with Assault Marines, suppressing enemies as they close in for melee combat.
- Tactical Coordination: Communicate your field of fire and status of your Iron Halo to your squad, ensuring they can plan around your strengths and limitations.
By mastering these aspects of the Heavy Class, players can become an indispensable asset to their team, capable of turning the tide of battle with their overwhelming firepower and strategic presence.
Summary
The Heavy Class in Space Marine 2 stands as a pillar of strength on the battlefield, armed with devastating weapons and a versatile array of perks. Its unique skill tree in PvE operations allows for deep customization, enabling players to craft a Marine tailored to their preferred combat style.
Tips for Effective Gameplay
Here are some additional tips for playing the Heavy Class effectively in Space Marine 2:
- Always maintain a safe distance from enemies to maximize your damage output and minimize the risk of being overwhelmed in close-quarters combat.
- Use the Iron Halo ability strategically to tank damage and create space when needed. Don’t be afraid to use it frequently, as its cooldown is relatively short.
- Prioritize high-value targets like enemy heavy weapons teams, psykers, and elites to maximize your impact on the battlefield.
- Stay mobile and reposition frequently to avoid being pinned down and overwhelmed by enemy fire.
- Coordinate with your team to provide fire support and suppress enemies while your allies move in for the kill.
- Manage your ammo carefully, as running out of ammunition can leave you vulnerable. Use the Multi-Kill perk to replenish your ammo more frequently.
- Experiment with different weapon combinations and perk builds to find the playstyle that suits you best. The Heavy Class has a lot of flexibility in terms of customization.
Conclusion
The Heavy Class in Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 is a powerful and versatile choice for players looking to dominate the battlefield with sheer firepower. With access to devastating heavy weapons, high armor, and the Iron Halo ability, the Heavy can soak up damage and dish out massive DPS to enemy hordes and tough targets alike.
By mastering the Heavy Class’s unique mechanics, weapons, and perks, players can create powerful builds that cater to different playstyles and situations. Whether you prefer to lay down a hail of fire from a safe distance or tank damage and push the objective, the Heavy Class has something to offer.
So, if you’re ready to bring the pain to the enemies of the Imperium, consider picking the Heavy Class in Space Marine 2. With the right build and playstyle, you’ll be unstoppable on the battlefield.
