Warhammer Astartes 2 Teases Epic Return

Games Workshop's highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000 animation, Astartes 2, has resurfaced with a stunning teaser trailer, captivating fans. However, a crucial detail has emerged: none of the footage in the teaser will appear in the final animation.

Astartes 2, a sequel to the acclaimed fan-made original by Syama Pedersen, is considered by many to be the pinnacle of Warhammer 40,000 animation. Its impact is undeniable, even inspiring Saber Interactive's successful Space Marine 2. Games Workshop subsequently hired Pedersen to create the sequel.

After years of silence, the teaser trailer dropped on January 29th, 2025, showcasing breathtaking visuals. The trailer hints at an unprecedented scale and quality, featuring intense melee combat, ranged firefights, vehicle warfare, and even epic spaceship battles. Various Space Marine Chapters clash across diverse environments, facing off against Tyranids, Orks, and Tau.

Despite the hype, Games Workshop clarified on the Warhammer Community website that the trailer is a compilation of shots representing the characters' pasts, rather than actual scenes from Astartes 2. The ending subtly hints at the overarching narrative.

While the teaser is undeniably impressive, its misleading nature is a concern. The lack of a disclaimer might lead viewers to expect the depicted scenes in the final product, especially those who don't see the clarifying Warhammer Community post.

Speculation is rife, with many believing the trailer depicts characters eventually joining an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad. The teaser's impact is already evident, with Space Marine 2 fans expressing envy and hoping some elements, perhaps even the capes, could be incorporated into the game. Given Saber Interactive's ongoing updates, this possibility remains open. Astartes has proven to be a significant source of inspiration for the game, and it's conceivable that this trend will continue.