Revealed: Warhammer 40k Astartes 2 Resurrected

Games Workshop's highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000 animation, Astartes 2, has resurfaced with a stunning teaser trailer, captivating fans worldwide. However, a crucial detail emerges: the trailer showcases scenes that won't actually 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 helm the sequel.

Years of silence surrounding Astartes 2 fueled speculation of cancellation, until the surprise January 29th trailer release. The teaser boasts an unprecedented scale and visual quality, featuring intense melee and ranged combat, vehicle warfare, and epic spaceship battles. Various Space Marine chapters clash across diverse environments, facing off against Tyranids, Orks, and Tau.

The excitement is palpable, but Games Workshop's Warhammer Community post reveals a twist: the trailer is a compilation of "former lives" of the characters featured in the actual animation, slated for a 2026 release exclusively on the Warhammer+ streaming service. The post hints at the final storyline, leaving fans to decipher the clues.

The lack of a disclaimer on the trailer itself is a potential issue, as viewers may reasonably assume the depicted scenes will be in the final product. Many may miss the clarification on the Warhammer Community website.

Despite this, the teaser's impact is undeniable. Speculation abounds, with many believing the final shot suggests the characters' eventual inclusion in an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad.

Meanwhile, the Astartes 2 teaser has sparked envy among Space Marine 2 fans, with many hoping elements, particularly the capes, will be incorporated into the game. Given Saber Interactive's ongoing updates, this cross-inspiration isn't entirely improbable.