Space Marine 2 Classes: Your Ultimate Guide to Warhammer 40k’s Elite Warriors

Key Takeaways: Space Marine 2 classes, loadouts, abilities, customization options, gameplay strategies, multiplayer modes

The Emperor’s Finest

In the brutal universe of Warhammer 40k, Space Marines stand as humanity’s greatest defenders. Space Marine 2 brings these superhuman warriors to life like never before, offering

players the chance to step into the ceramite boots of these legendary heroes.

As part of the Warhammer Universe team, I’m excited to share our insights into the game’s class system, which promises to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience.

The Six Pillars of the Adeptus Astartes

Space Marine 2 features six distinct classes, each representing a different aspect of Space Marine combat doctrine. Let’s break down each class and explore what makes them unique:

1. Tactical: The Versatile Backbone

The Tactical Marine is the Swiss Army knife of Space Marine chapters, capable of adapting to any situation with ease.

Read our full guide here for the Tactical Class Guide

Default Loadout:

• Primary: Bolt Rifle
• Secondary: Bolt Pistol
• Melee: Chainsword

Special Equipment: Auspex Scanner

Key Abilities:

• Auspex Scan: Reveals hidden enemies and increases damage dealt to highlighted targets
• Adaptive Combat: Access to the widest variety of weapons, including 7 primary bolt weapon variants

The Tactical Squad forms the backbone of every Space Marine Chapter. These warriors are the direct descendants of the Legion Tactical Squads that won the Great Crusade for the Emperor ten thousand years ago. Armed with the iconic bolt rifle, a weapon that fires miniature rocket-propelled rounds, Tactical Marines can adapt to any battlefield situation.

Their Auspex Scanner, a relic of humanity’s lost technological golden age, allows them to detect hidden foes and guide their brothers’ fire with unerring accuracy.

In the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, it is the Tactical Marine who holds the line against the endless tides of xenos, heretics, and daemons that threaten mankind’s existence.

Tactical Tips: As a Tactical Marine, your strength lies in your versatility.

Use your Auspex Scanner to support your team by revealing enemy positions and coordinating attacks. Don’t be afraid to switch up your loadout mid-mission to adapt to changing battlefield conditions.

Want to read more about the Co-op modes? Read our full article on Space Marine 2 Co-op

2. Assault: The Emperor’s Wrath

Assault Marines are the shock troops of the Space Marines, designed to strike hard and fast.

Default Loadout:

• Primary: Heavy Bolt Pistol
• Melee: Thunderhammer

Special Equipment: Jump Pack

Key Abilities:

• Aerial Assault: Use your Jump Pack to quickly close distances and perform devastating aerial attacks
• Close Combat Specialist: Excels in melee combat with powerful weapons like the Thunderhammer

Assault Marines embody the shock assault doctrine that has served the Adeptus Astartes since the days of the Unification Wars on Terra. Their jump packs, roaring fusion-powered engines strapped to their backs, allow them to soar over battlefield obstacles and crash into enemy lines like living thunderbolts.

The Thunderhammer they wield is a masterpiece of artificer weaponry, capable of pulverizing tanks and monster alike with its disruptive energy field.

In Space Marine doctrine, Assault squads are often used to decapitate enemy command structures or to break the back of entrenched resistance. Their battle cry, amplified by their helmets’ vox casters, has been known to shatter the morale of even the most steadfast foes.

Tactical Tips: As an Assault Marine, you’re the tip of the spear.

Use your Jump Pack to outmaneuver enemies and strike from unexpected angles. Remember, your Heavy Bolt Pistol is no slouch in close quarters – use it to soften up targets before finishing them with your Thunderhammer.

Get a full read with our Assault Class Guide for Space Marine 2

3. Vanguard: The Precision Striker

Vanguard Marines blend stealth, mobility, and precision to devastating effect.

Default Loadout:

• Primary: Instigator Bolt Carbine
• Secondary: Bolt Pistol
• Melee: Combat Knife

Special Equipment: Grapnel Launcher

Key Abilities:

• Grapnel Strike: Use your Grapnel Launcher to perform devastating dive-kick attacks
• Hit-and-Run: Excels at surgical strikes and quick disengages

Vanguard Marines represent the pinnacle of Space Marine special operations doctrine. Their roots can be traced back to the Scout Marines, but where Scouts are neophytes, Vanguard are veterans of a hundred battles.

The Instigator Bolt Carbine they carry is a marvel of Imperial engineering, combining the stopping power of bolt ammunition with a precision optic suite that can pick out a target’s weak spots at extreme ranges.

Their grapnel launchers, originally designed for void warfare, allow Vanguard Marines to scale hive spires or strike from above with equal ease. In many chapters, Vanguard squads are used for special operations deemed too critical to fail, from assassinations to sabotage deep behind enemy lines.

Tactical Tips: As a Vanguard Marine, you’re all about precision and mobility. Use your Grapnel Launcher to quickly reposition and catch enemies off guard. Your Instigator Bolt Carbine is perfect for medium-range engagements, while your Combat Knife allows for quick, silent takedowns.

Make sure your PC is ready to go with our  Space Marine 2 System Requirements

4. Bulwark: The Unyielding Shield

Bulwark Marines are the living fortresses of the Space Marine chapters, able to withstand tremendous punishment.

Read our full Bulwark Class Guide for Space Marine 2

Default Loadout:

• Primary: Plasma Pistol
• Melee: Power Sword

Special Equipment: Storm Shield

Key Abilities:

• Unbreakable Defense: Use your Storm Shield to protect yourself and nearby allies
• Close Combat Specialist: Excels in melee combat with the deadly Power Sword

The Bulwark Marines draw their lineage from the Breacher Squads of the Horus Heresy era.

These warriors are often found at the forefront of siege operations, whether attacking or defending. Their storm shields are marvels of energy field technology, capable of turning aside cannon fire or dissipating the baleful energies of xenos weaponry.

The power sword they wield is a badge of office as much as a weapon, its energy field capable of slicing through the toughest armor. Bulwark Marines often form the core of a Chapter’s Terminator corps, their tactical acumen honed by years of front-line combat.

In desperate last stands or daring assaults, it is often the Bulwark Marines who form the unbreakable core of Space Marine battle lines.

Tactical Tips: As a Bulwark Marine, you’re the anvil to your team’s hammer. Use your Storm Shield to create defensive positions and protect your allies. Your Plasma Pistol packs a punch at close range, while your Power Sword allows you to dish out serious melee damage.

Make sure to check out the future of Space Marine 2 with the Space Marine 2 Roadmap

5. Sniper: The Silent Executioner

Sniper Marines are the long-range specialists, able to eliminate high-value targets with precision.

Read our full Sniper Class Guide for Space Marine 2

Default Loadout:

• Primary: Bolt Sniper Rifle
• Secondary: Bolt Pistol
• Melee: Combat Knife

Special Equipment: Camo Cloak

Key Abilities:

• Stealth: Use your Camo Cloak to remain hidden from enemy detection
• Precision Shots: Excels at long-range engagements and weakening enemy forces

While some Chapters frown upon the use of stealth and precision elimination, many recognize the tactical necessity of the Sniper Marine. These warriors often begin their careers in Scout squads, honing their marksmanship skills before earning their power armor.

The bolt sniper rifle they carry is a work of art, hand-crafted by the finest artificers of the Chapter’s Techmarines.

Its specialized ammunition can be tailored to the target, from armor-piercing rounds for heavily armored foes to explosive tips for light infantry. The camo cloak, woven with thermo-optic fibers and blessed by the Chapter’s Librarians, can bend light around the wearer, rendering them all but invisible.

In many engagements, it is the silent shot from a Sniper Marine that turns the tide, eliminating enemy leaders or destroying vital equipment before the main assault begins.

Tactical Tips: As a Sniper Marine, patience is your greatest virtue. Use your Camo Cloak to find advantageous positions and pick off high-value targets. Your Bolt Sniper Rifle is perfect for long-range engagements, but don’t forget your Bolt Pistol and Combat Knife for close-quarters defense.

6. Heavy: The Walking Tank

Heavy Marines bring unparalleled firepower to the battlefield, able to suppress entire enemy formations.

Read our full Heavy Class Guide 

Default Loadout:

• Primary: Heavy Bolter
• Secondary: Bolt Pistol

Special Equipment: Iron Halo

Key Abilities:

• Sustained Fire: Use your Heavy Bolter to lay down suppressing fire and control the battlefield
• Iron Halo: Provides additional protection, allowing you to withstand heavy enemy fire

The Heavy Marine harkens back to the Destroyer Squads of old, warriors who wielded the most devastating weapons in the Space Marine arsenal. The heavy bolter they carry is a fearsome weapon, capable of unleashing a storm of mass-reactive bolts that can shred infantry and light vehicles alike.

This weapon’s machine spirit is particularly belligerent, and it takes a Marine of exceptional strength and will to master it fully.

The Iron Halo is a badge of honor usually reserved for officers, its conversion field technology providing an energy shield that can turn aside all but the most powerful attacks. Heavy Marines are often seen as the embodiment of the Emperor’s wrath, their relentless firepower breaking enemy formations and providing covering fire for their brothers’ advances. In defense, a squad of Heavy Marines can hold a chokepoint against impossible odds, their unceasing fire and indomitable spirit becoming stuff of legend.

Tactical Tips: As a Heavy Marine, you’re the team’s mobile firebase. Use your Heavy Bolter to control chokepoints and provide covering fire for your allies. Your Iron Halo allows you to weather significant enemy fire, but don’t forget to use cover when reloading or repositioning.

Interested in building your own table top army? Checkout our article for the Best Starter Sets for Warhammer 40k

Customization: Forging Your Own Legend

One of the most exciting aspects of Space Marine 2 is the extensive customization options available to players. Here’s how you can make your Space Marine truly unique:

1. Chapter Presets: Unlock different Chapter color schemes and heraldry to represent your favorite Space Marine Chapter.
2. Weapon Loadouts: Experiment with different weapon combinations to find the perfect loadout for your playstyle.
3. Armor Customization: Personalize your armor with different patterns, markings, and battle honors.
4. Skill Trees: As you progress, unlock new abilities and perks to further specialize your chosen class.

Remember, at Warhammer Universe, we’re always excited to see how players customize their Space Marines. Share your creations with us on our YouTube channel!

Multiplayer Mayhem: Eternal War and Operations Mode

Space Marine 2 offers a rich multiplayer experience that allows you to put your class mastery to the test:

1. Eternal War: This 12-player versus mode pits Space Marines against Chaos Space Marines in intense battles. Coordinate with your team and use your class abilities to secure victory for the Emperor!
2. Operations Mode: Team up with two other players in this cooperative mode to take on challenging missions and fearsome enemies like the Tyranid Carnifex.
3. Co-op Campaign: Experience the full narrative of Space Marine 2 with up to three players, each bringing their unique class abilities to the fight.

Future Prospects: The Evolution of Space Marine Warfare

Potential Future Classes

While Space Marine 2 launches with six formidable classes, the rich lore of Warhammer 40k offers numerous possibilities for future expansions. Here at Warhammer Universe, we’re excited about the potential for these additional classes:

Techmarine: Techmarines are the bridge between the Adeptus Astartes and the Adeptus Mechanicus.

Sent to Mars for training, they return as masters of the machine spirit. In battle, a Techmarine’s mechadendrites writhe like mechanical tentacles, interfacing with damaged vehicles and fortifications, beseeching the machine spirits within to fight on.

Their servo-harnesses carry an array of tools and weapons, allowing them to repair a Rhino transport or construct a defense turret in the heat of battle.

Librarian: Wielding the terrible powers of the Warp, Librarians are both revered and feared within their Chapters. Their psychic hoods glow with eldritch energy as they unleash devastating psychic attacks or foresee enemy movements. In some Chapters, like the Blood Angels, Librarians form the Lexicanum – keepers of the Chapter’s history and lore.

Their presence on the battlefield can turn the tide, as they shield their brothers from enemy psykers or smite foes with bolts of pure psychic energy.

Chaplain: Clad in black armor adorned with skulls and purity seals, Chaplains are the spiritual heart of their Chapters.

Their skull helmets strike fear into the enemy while inspiring courage in their battle-brothers. Armed with the Crozius Arcanum, a master-crafted power maul that serves as both weapon and badge of office, Chaplains lead from the front.

Their litanies of hate and devotion echo across the vox, steeling the resolve of their brothers against even the most terrifying foes.

Apothecary: Apothecaries are the guardians of their Chapter’s gene-seed, the very future of their genetic line. In battle, their white armor stands out as a beacon of hope.

With narthecium in one hand to heal the wounded and reductor in the other to recover the precious gene-seed of the fallen, Apothecaries ensure that even in death, a Space Marine’s service continues.

Some Chapters, like the Blood Angels, rely heavily on their Sanguinary Priests (their version of Apothecaries) to help control the genetic curses within their bloodline.

Devastator: While all Space Marines are weapons of the Emperor, Devastators embody this truth in its purest form. Often serving as fire support, these warriors wield the Chapter’s heaviest armaments

From the searing beams of lascannons that can punch through tank armor to frag cannons that turn swarms of lightly armored foes into bloody mist, Devastators reshape the battlefield with each pull of the trigger. In Chapters like the Imperial Fists, known for their siege warfare expertise, Devastators hold a place of particular honor.

Interested in 3D printing but don’t know where to start? Read our guide on the Best 3D Printers for Miniatures

Terminator Armor: The Ultimate Battleplate

While not a class in itself, Terminator Armor represents the pinnacle of Space Marine wargear. In future updates or expansions, we might see Terminator Armor as an option for experienced players:

• Indomitable Defense: Terminator Armor offers unparalleled protection, allowing wearers to shrug off attacks that would fell a normal Space Marine.
• Weapon Versatility: Terminators can wield devastating weapon combinations, from storm bolters and power fists to assault cannons and chainfists.
• Tactical Limitations: The bulk of Terminator Armor limits mobility, making it ideal for close-quarters combat or teleport assaults, but less suited for prolonged tactical engagements.

Terminator Armor is a direct link to the Dark Age of Technology, each suit a priceless relic that has seen thousands of years of service.

Originally designed for spaceship maintenance in highly radioactive areas, these suits were repurposed for zone mortalis operations – the claustrophobic ship-to-ship boarding actions where every corridor could hide death.

The distinctive hunched posture of a Terminator is due to the layers of ceramite and adamantium plating, bonded to a framework of plasteel and protected by overlapping energy fields. Each suit is a work of art, lovingly maintained by the Chapter’s Techmarines and often adorned with honors from past campaigns.

To wear Terminator Armor is to become a walking tank. Veterans speak of how time seems to slow in the heat of battle, the suit’s advanced targeting systems and enhanced strength allowing for devastating close-quarters combat. However, this power comes at a cost – the limited mobility means that Terminator assaults must be precisely planned and executed.

Expanded Game Modes: Beyond the Battle

Horde Mode: Stand Against the Tide

A staple of many action games, a Horde Mode in Space Marine 2 could offer intense, wave-based combat against the numerous enemies of the Imperium:

• Endless Waves: Face increasingly difficult waves of enemies, from Tyranid gaunts to Necron warriors.
• Fortification: Between waves, reinforce your position with barricades, turrets, or orbital support options.
• Class Synergy: Coordinate with your team to create the perfect defensive formation, combining the strengths of different Space Marine classes.

In the vastness of the galaxy, there are countless scenarios where a small group of Space Marines must hold out against overwhelming odds. Perhaps it’s a vital shrine world being overrun by a Tyranid splinter fleet, or a strategic starfort beset by waves of Necron attackers awakening from their tomb world below.

In these desperate hours, battle-brothers from different Chapters might find themselves fighting side by side. Imagine an Ultramarine Tactical Marine coordinating fire patterns with a Space Wolves Long Fang, while a Salamanders Assault Marine uses his flamers to create chokepoints, and a Black Templars Crusader stands resolute at the barricades.

As the battle wears on, orbital support might arrive – a Lance strike from a Battle Barge in orbit, or reinforcements via drop pod. Every wave of xenos or heretics beaten back is another hour won for the Imperium, another chance for reinforcements to arrive.

Chapter Wars: Competitive Multiplayer

While Space Marines typically fight together against common foes, the Chapter Wars mode could explore the competitive side of Adeptus Astartes combat:

• Chapter vs Chapter: Represent your chosen Chapter in competitive matches against other Space Marine forces.
• Objective-Based Gameplay: Complete mission objectives while opposing the enemy Chapter, simulating training exercises or rare instances of inter-Chapter conflict.
• Unique Chapter Abilities: Each Chapter could have unique bonuses or abilities, encouraging players to master different playstyles.

While open warfare between Space Marine Chapters is rare, there are historical precedents. The Badab War saw nearly a dozen Chapters embroiled in a bitter civil war. More common, however, are the ritual combat competitions and war games that Chapters use to hone their skills and settle disputes.

Picture the Blood Angels and the Flesh Tearers, both successors of Sanguinius, engaging in a brutal melee contest to determine who best honors their Primarch’s legacy. Or the Imperial Fists and their successors participating in the Feast of Blades, a tournament where champions duel for glory and ancient relics.

These ‘Chapter Wars’ could even represent joint training exercises. The Ultramarines, masters of tactical flexibility, might test their doctrines against the guerilla warfare expertise of the Raven Guard. Each Chapter would bring its unique combat doctrine and chapter tactics to the fore, creating a constantly evolving meta-game.

Crusade Campaign: Persistent Character Growth

Drawing inspiration from the tabletop game’s Crusade mode, this could offer a persistent campaign experience:

• Character Progression: Develop your Space Marine over multiple missions, gaining experience, wargear, and battle honors.
• Narrative Choices: Make decisions that affect the course of your Crusade, potentially unlocking unique wargear or abilities.
• Cross-Class Development: Start as one class and gradually unlock abilities from others, creating a truly unique veteran Space Marine.

The concept of Crusade is deeply ingrained in Space Marine culture. From the Black Templars‘ Never-ending Crusade to avenge the Emperor, to the Dark Angels’ secret hunt for the Fallen, many Chapters send out long-term expeditionary forces to achieve specific goals.

In this mode, you might start as a battle-brother fresh from your Scout service, assigned to a Crusade fleet. As you progress through missions, you’ll face moral choices that shape your Marine’s development. Will you show mercy to human collaborators, or purge them alongside the xenos they aided?

Will you risk mutation by using warp-touched weaponry to defeat a greater daemon?

Your choices could lead to specializations. Consistently leading from the front might see you on the path to becoming a Sergeant or even a Captain. Focusing on recovering archeotech could lead you to Techmarine training on Mars.

Displaying psychic potential might set you on the arduous path of the Librarius.

Each victory and defeat would be recorded in your Service Studs – small metal rivets embedded in a Space Marine’s skull to mark decades of service. As your legend grows, you might attract the attention of specialist organizations within your Chapter, or even forge bonds with other Imperial forces like the Inquisition or Adeptus Mechanicus.

Through it all, the weight of ten thousand years of tradition and the ever-present threat of corruption would hang over every decision. For in the grim darkness of the far future, even humanity’s greatest heroes must constantly prove their worth and loyalty.

FAQ: Answering the Call of Duty

Q: Can I switch classes mid-mission?

A: In most multiplayer modes, you’ll need to choose your class before the mission starts. However, some game modes may allow for mid-mission loadout changes at specific points.

Q: Are there plans for additional classes in the future?

A: While nothing has been officially announced, there’s always the possibility of new classes being added in future updates. Keep an eye on our Warhammer Universe channel for the latest news!

Q: How do I unlock new weapons and equipment?

A: You can unlock new gear by progressing through the game, completing challenges, and earning experience points. Some special items may be tied to specific achievements or events.

Q: Can I play as different Space Marine Chapters?

A: Yes! You can customize your Space Marine’s appearance to represent different Chapters, each with their own unique color schemes and heraldry.

Q: How does the game balance the different classes in multiplayer?

A: Each class has its strengths and weaknesses, encouraging teamwork and strategic play. Regular updates and balancing patches ensure that no single class dominates the battlefield.

Conclusion: For the Emperor!

Space Marine 2 promises to be an incredible addition to the Warhammer 40k video game universe, offering players unprecedented depth and customization in their Space Marine experience. Whether you prefer the versatility of the Tactical Marine, the close-combat prowess of the Assault Marine, or the long-range lethality of the Sniper, there’s a class to suit every playstyle.

As we at Warhammer Universe eagerly await the game’s release, we’re excited to see how players will use these classes to create epic moments on the battlefield. Remember to check out our YouTube channel for more in-depth guides, gameplay tips, and the latest Warhammer 40k news.

Now, battle-brother, it’s time to don your power armor, choose your class, and join the fight for humanity’s survival in the grim darkness of the far future. The Emperor protects!