Stellar 'Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2' on Steam Deck, But Hold Off for Now

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2: A Deep Dive Review (Steam Deck & PS5)

Many have eagerly awaited Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 for years. My own journey began with Total War: Warhammer, sparking an interest in the broader 40k universe and leading to adventures in Boltgun and Rogue Trader. This review covers my experience across Steam Deck and PS5, leveraging cross-progression and online play.

This review is ongoing. Firstly, a complete assessment requires thorough testing of cross-platform multiplayer and online functionality. Secondly, official Steam Deck support is promised by year's end.

Given Space Marine 2's cross-progression and the impressive visuals on Steam Deck, I was keen to see how it performed. The news is mixed, and this review will cover gameplay, online co-op, visuals, PC port features, PS5 performance, and more. Note: Screenshots with performance overlays are from my Steam Deck OLED; 16:9 shots are from my PS5 playthrough. Testing utilized Proton GE 9-9 and Proton Experimental.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a visceral third-person shooter. The tutorial effectively introduces combat and movement, leading to the Battle Barge hub for mission selection, cosmetic adjustments, and more.

Gameplay is exceptional. Controls and weaponry feel polished. While ranged combat is viable, the melee system is particularly satisfying. Executions are brutal and engaging. The campaign shines solo or in co-op, though defense missions are less compelling.

Playing with a friend overseas, the game felt like a high-budget evolution of Xbox 360-era co-op shooters, a genre rarely seen today. It's highly addictive, reminiscent of Earth Defense Force or Gundam Breaker 4.

My 40k knowledge comes primarily from Total War: Warhammer, Dawn of War, Boltgun, and Rogue Trader. Space Marine 2 provides a fresh experience, ranking among my favorite co-op games in years. Whether it surpasses my other favorite 40k titles remains to be seen.

While full launch testing with random players is pending, my co-op experience has been exceptional. I eagerly await testing the online functionality with a wider player base.

Visually, on PS5 and Steam Deck, the game is stunning. 4K on PS5 (played on a 1440p monitor) is breathtaking. Environments are detailed, and the sheer number of enemies adds to the immersion. Texture work, lighting, voice acting, and customization options all contribute to a high-quality presentation.

The single-player photo mode offers extensive customization. However, some effects suffer on Steam Deck with FSR 2 and lower resolutions. The PS5 photo mode is superior.

Audio is equally impressive. While the music isn't groundbreaking, the voice acting and sound design are top-tier. The music fits the game perfectly.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Graphics Options

The PC port (tested on Steam Deck) offers robust options: display mode, resolution, render resolution, quality presets, upscaling (TAA, FSR 2), dynamic resolution, v-sync, brightness, motion blur, and various quality settings. DLSS and FSR 2 are included, with FSR 3 planned. 16:10 support is absent but hopefully will be added.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Control Options

Keyboard and mouse controls, along with full controller support, are available. Initially, PlayStation button prompts were absent on Steam Deck, but disabling Steam Input resolved this. Adaptive triggers are supported wirelessly on PC.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Performance

While technically playable, the game pushes the Steam Deck's limits. Even at 1280x800 with low settings and FSR 2, maintaining a stable 30fps is challenging, with frequent dips. Dynamic upscaling helps, but frame rate still fluctuates. The game occasionally fails to exit cleanly.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Multiplayer

Online multiplayer functions flawlessly on Steam Deck, with no anti-cheat interference. Co-op sessions were smooth, though minor disconnections occurred on pre-release servers.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PS5 Features

Performance mode on PS5 is generally excellent, though dynamic resolution is evident in some intense battles. Load times are rapid, and PS5 Activity Cards are supported. Gyro support is currently absent.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Cross-Save Progression

Cross-save functionality between Steam and PS5 works well, with a two-day cooldown period between syncs.

Solo Play Value

A definitive judgment on solo play value awaits full launch and testing with random players.

Desired Updates and Patches

Future updates should prioritize Steam Deck performance optimization and HDR support. Haptic feedback would also be a welcome addition.

Conclusion

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a strong contender for Game of the Year. Gameplay is superb, and the visuals and audio are top-notch. While Steam Deck performance needs improvement, the PS5 experience is excellent. A full review with multiplayer scores will follow post-launch.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Review Score: TBA