Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 features a class-based PvP mode, artbook reveals

Merchandise leaks sometimes happen, but artbooks are also a trusted source of advance information if someone manages to get their hands on one before the game releases. That's exactly what happened with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.

The game doesn't come out until September, but as with all merchandise, the art book has to be made well in advance, and now it's been revealed that the game will feature a previously unmentioned competitive game mode, as well as a single-player and co-op story campaign.

Space Marine 2 is definitely an unexpected sequel, as the original came out in 2011 and wasn't a particularly big success. The sequel also comes from a completely different publisher and developer, now independent Saber Interactive and not Homeworld's Relic Entertainment.

Things have looked pretty good so far – basically Warhammer 40,000 is comparable to Gears Of War – but apparently the multiplayer is quite extensive, and although it only takes place between other Space Marines, there are multiple classes and a significant amount of customization options.

It remains to be seen how much competitive multiplayer will be pushed, but there is support for clans and unlockable banners, so it seems like a fair amount of work has been put into it.

While we don't think anyone would consider multiplayer details a spoiler (except perhaps the publisher), we would still caution against watching the video below as it goes through the entire artbook, which includes details on enemies, levels and items from the Story campaign that has not yet been announced.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 will be released on September 9th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC. It is a direct sequel to the original, but unfortunately Clive Standen (Bryan Mills from the TV series Taken) plays the role of Lieutenant Titus instead of Mark Strong.