Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is set to launch for fans shortly, following over a decade of fervent anticipation. This long-awaited action sequel has significant expectations riding on its shoulders. Fortunately, across its three main modes, it manages to fulfill those expectations, offering a substantial amount of content for players to explore. The game has numerous elements working in tandem to create a captivating core action loop. To help you better understand this loop, we’ve compiled some essential pointers to consider as you embark on your Space Marine 2 adventure.
MELEE COMBAT
Space Marine 2 primarily operates as a third-person shooter, drawing some inspiration from the Gears of War series (though it lacks the heavy focus on cover-based mechanics). However, it incorporates a significant hack-and-slash element that is vital to the gameplay experience. No matter which of Space Marine 2’s various melee weapons you possess, it is crucial to utilize them effectively—whether to clear space against large enemy hordes with powerful strikes or simply to conserve ammunition, which the game encourages players to manage carefully. Engaging in melee is not only encouraged but also essential in certain scenarios, so remember to fall back on this mechanic when situations get tough.
DODGES AND PARRIES
Another factor that elevates melee combat in Space Marine 2 is the focus on dodging and parrying. You will frequently face foes that prefer close-quarters combat, and the ideal tactic to counter them is often to parry their attacks. Correctly timing a parry can leave enemies vulnerable, creating brief opportunities for you to inflict damage or, if surrounded, to create some distance. Be aware, however, that not every attack can be parried—those marked with red flashing circles indicate unavoidable strikes—but you can still dodge them, so keep this in mind during combat.
FOLLOW UP AFTER DODGES AND PARRIES
Given that you play as a Space Marine in Space Marine 2, it makes sense that the gameplay is aggressively paced, even during defensive maneuvers like dodging and parrying. This is enhanced by allowing players to perform special follow-up actions after successful parries or dodges, which notably encourages precision in timing. Executing a perfect parry or dodge enables you to quickly shoot nearby enemies in the head or, for a more brutal touch, execute downed foes using the R3 button, which also restores one armor slot.
USING THE ENVIRONMENT
Space Marine 2 frequently presents players with formidable challenges, often featuring overwhelming hordes of enemies. Staying mobile and balancing your use of long-range and melee attacks is essential, but leveraging the environment can also prove invaluable. You’ll encounter classic exploding red barrels, blue barrels that stun enemies, and various other hazards throughout the game. It’s worthwhile to identify chokepoints that can be used to control and funnel enemy swarms when necessary.
GRENADES
Space Marine 2 enjoys clustering enemies together, so when you see a grouping, it’s time to toss a grenade. However, grenades are more than just a quick fix; they will become a central part of your strategy. Since the game doesn’t supply grenades liberally, it’s crucial to be tactical about when to use them. You’ll have access to various grenade types, ranging from standard frags and shock grenades to sticky and remote-detonated grenades, each serving its own purpose in combat.
HEALTH STIMS
Even on the standard difficulty setting, it’s wise to conserve your health stims more diligently than your grenades. These items are quite rare, and using one when your health is merely halfway drained isn’t the best strategy. Given the tight situations that arise frequently, being shrewd with your health stim usage can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
SMASHING BOXES
This is a simple tip, yet it’s easy to overlook since the game doesn’t highlight this mechanic explicitly. Throughout your journey in Space Marine 2, you’ll find boxes that can be destroyed, often rewarding you with ammo, health stims, and grenades. So, whenever you spot a box, don’t hesitate to smash it open.
ITEMS IN CO-OP MODE
The co-op mode, Operations, in Space Marine 2 presents players with genuinely challenging encounters. While Missions in this mode maintain a similar linearity to the campaign, they offer opportunities for exploration. Look for branching paths, hidden routes, and more, as these can yield crucial pickups for health and ammo, alongside rare items that provide unique buffs—such as the Relic, which revives you once upon being downed.
DATA SLATES
While the story may not take center stage in Space Marine 2, there are engaging narrative components to discover even beyond the main plot, true to the Warhammer universe. Players can uncover data slates scattered throughout the environments during both the campaign and Operations mode, which serve as audio logs that reveal additional storyline details and background information. This aspect provides further incentive to explore your surroundings thoroughly.
CLASS ABILITIES
Players can select from six different classes in Eternal War and Operations, while the campaign features three unique characters for co-op play, each possessing unique specializations and abilities. For example, Titus’ Righteous Fury ability boosts damage and regenerates health, while the Assault class can use the Iron Halo ability to create a temporary shield against projectiles. Understanding when to deploy these abilities strategically can greatly impact your success in battle.
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