Space Marine 2 Modders to Add Tau, Necrons, and More; Start with Fishing Mini-Game

Fans of *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* are thrilled as developer Saber Interactive has opened up its internal editor to modders, igniting hopes that the game could have a long-lasting legacy akin to *Skyrim* through user-generated content. Game director Dmitry Grigorenko took to the Space Marine 2 modding Discord to share what he calls "our biggest milestone yet in supporting the modding community."

Saber Interactive has released the official Integration Studio for public use, the same tool used by the developers for all aspects of gameplay development. This initial release allows modders to dive into everything from level scenarios and game modes to AI behavior, abilities, melee combo logic, user interface, and HUD elements. This move makes modding for Space Marine 2 much more accessible and efficient.

Grigorenko reiterated his commitment to supporting the modding scene, saying, "Not long ago, I promised we would support the modding scene — and we meant it. Watching this community grow, push boundaries, and create incredible experiences has been both inspiring and humbling. We’re excited to see what you build next — whether it’s a cinematic campaign, wild new game mode, or something we never saw coming."

To kick things off, Grigorenko shared humorous concept art for a "Fishing With Daddy Calgar" mini-game, featuring Marneus Calgar, the leader of the Ultramarines chapter of Space Marines. This playful challenge has sparked a race among modders to create the first fishing mini-game mod for Space Marine 2.

To understand the modding community's plans, I spoke with Tom, known as Warhammer Workshop, the creator of the acclaimed Space Marine 2’s Astartes Overhaul mod. Fresh from enabling 12-player co-op in the game, Tom now has access to all the scripting tools that control mission dynamics and game components like weapons and abilities.

This access opens up possibilities such as creating a roguelite mode where players start with just a combat knife and face progressively tougher enemies, with chances to gain weapons, ammo, and health upon defeating foes. Tom suggested, "Killing a Carnifex might grant you a Heavy Bolter."

While a new cinematic campaign, such as a Chaos campaign, is feasible, Tom noted that creating cutscenes remains challenging due to the lack of animation tools. However, he is currently working on adding new factions like the Tau and Necrons, as the necessary rigs are available.

The Space Marine 2 modding community is also racing to bring the "Fishing With Daddy Calgar" mini-game to life, as challenged by Grigorenko.

The reaction from Space Marine 2 fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite the game's success and status as one of the best-selling Warhammer video games, it initially offered only three factions: Space Marines, Chaos, and the Tyrannids. With the modding tools now available, fans can expand the game's universe themselves, especially since the campaign hinted at the inclusion of the Necrons.

Redditor Mortwight commented, "This is how you keep a game alive for years like Skyrim," highlighting the potential longevity of Space Marine 2 through modding.

This development comes at an interesting time, as Saber and publisher Focus Entertainment have announced that *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3* is in development. Some fans have expressed concerns about the future of Space Marine 2's DLC, but both Saber and Focus have reassured that they are not abandoning the game. With modders now equipped with the editor, Space Marine 2 is poised for a vibrant future.