Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Review (WIP): A GOTY Frontrunner, Play on Other Platforms

A Deep Dive into Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – A Steam Deck and PS5 Review in Progress

For years, many gamers anticipated Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, a sequel to the original Space Marine. My journey began later, sparked by Total War: Warhammer, leading me to explore the broader 40k game universe, including favorites like Boltgun and Rogue Trader. Months ago, I sampled the original Space Marine on my Steam Deck. Now, having extensively played various 40k titles across PC and console, I eagerly awaited Space Marine 2's release.

Over the past week, I've logged approximately 22 hours with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, utilizing cross-progression between my Steam Deck and PS5, and testing online functionality. This review is ongoing for two key reasons: a complete assessment requires thorough cross-platform multiplayer testing and comprehensive evaluation of public servers; and Focus and Saber are actively developing official Steam Deck support, targeting release by year's end.

Given Space Marine 2's stunning visuals and gameplay on Steam Deck, coupled with cross-progression, I was keen to see its Steam Deck performance. The news is mixed, and this review will cover all aspects: gameplay, online co-op, visuals, PC port features, PS5 performance, and more. Screenshots with performance overlays are from my Steam Deck OLED; 16:9 screenshots are from my PS5 playthrough. Testing was conducted on Proton GE 9-9 and Proton Experimental.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a third-person action shooter that's brutal, visually impressive, and incredibly fun, even for 40k newcomers. A concise yet effective tutorial introduces combat and movement mechanics before leading you to the Battle Barge hub, where missions, game modes, cosmetics, and more are managed.

The moment-to-moment gameplay is exceptional. Controls and weapons feel perfectly balanced. While some might favor ranged combat, I relished the visceral melee combat and brutal executions. The campaign is engaging solo or with friends in co-op, although defense missions felt somewhat less compelling.

Playing with a friend overseas, Space Marine 2 felt like a high-budget, co-op shooter reminiscent of the Xbox 360 era – a style rarely seen today. It's highly addictive, similar to Earth Defense Force or Gundam Breaker 4. I hope Saber and Focus collaborate with SEGA to modernize the original game's campaign.

My Warhammer 40,000 knowledge stems primarily from Total War: Warhammer, Dawn of War, Boltgun, and Rogue Trader. Despite this, Space Marine 2 is a refreshing and enjoyable co-op experience, ranking among my favorites in years. Whether it surpasses my other 40k favorites remains to be seen.

My co-op experience thus far has been excellent, though a definitive judgment awaits full launch and testing with random players. I'm eager to fully explore online play once cross-platform functionality is live.

Visually, on PS5 and Steam Deck, the game is stunning, particularly in 4K on PS5 with a 1440p monitor. The environments are breathtaking, and the sheer number of enemies, detailed textures, and dynamic lighting create a truly immersive experience. This is further enhanced by superb voice acting and extensive customization options.

A photo mode, accessible in single-player, allows for adjustments to frames, expressions, characters, FOV, and more. However, on Steam Deck, using FSR 2 and lower resolutions impacts some effects. The PS5 photo mode, however, is exceptional.

The audio is equally impressive. While the music, while good, isn't memorable outside the game, the voice acting and sound design are top-tier.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Graphics Options

The PC port, tested on Steam Deck, offers extensive graphical settings. Epic Online Services integration is present but doesn't require account linking. Options include display mode, resolution, render resolution, quality presets (Balanced, Performance, Ultra Performance), upscaling (TAA, FSR 2), dynamic resolution targeting, V-sync, brightness, motion blur, and FPS limits. Individual settings for textures, shadows, ambient occlusion, reflections, and more are also adjustable. DLSS and FSR 2 are included at launch, with FSR 3 planned post-launch. I hope for future 16:10 support.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Control Options

The game supports keyboard and mouse, along with full controller support. Initially, PlayStation button prompts weren't displayed on Steam Deck by default, but disabling Steam Input resolved this. Adaptive trigger support is available, further enhanced by disabling Steam Input. Keyboard and mouse remapping is also supported. My DualSense controller, used wirelessly, displayed PlayStation prompts and even supported adaptive triggers.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Performance

While technically playable on Steam Deck without configuration changes, performance is suboptimal. At 1280x800 with low settings and FSR 2.0 at Ultra Performance, maintaining a locked 30fps is challenging, with frequent dips into the 20s. Even at lower resolutions, frame rates fall below 30fps. Dynamic upscaling for a 30fps target helps but still results in occasional drops. The game sometimes fails to exit cleanly, requiring manual closure.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Multiplayer Impressions

Online multiplayer functions correctly on Steam Deck, despite potential anti-cheat concerns. Co-op play with a friend in Canada was smooth, aside from some internet-related disconnections (likely pre-release server issues).

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PS5 Features

On PS5, using performance mode, the game runs well, though a locked 60fps isn't consistently achieved. Dynamic resolution or upscaling seems present. Load times are fast, and PS5 Activity Cards are supported. Gyro support is currently absent.

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

Cross-progression between Steam and PS5 is functional, with a two-day cooldown period between syncs.

Is Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Worth It for Solo Play?

A definitive answer requires further testing with random players and the Eternal War (PvP) mode.

Desired Features for Future Updates

Post-launch updates should prioritize Steam Deck performance improvements and HDR support. Haptic feedback on PS5 would also be a welcome addition.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a strong contender for Game of the Year. While online multiplayer testing needs completion, the gameplay is superb, and the visuals and audio are top-notch. I don't recommend Steam Deck play currently, but PS5 performance is excellent. A final score will follow comprehensive multiplayer testing and post-launch patches.

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