Warhammer 40,000's Animation Resurrected; Astartes 2 Teaser Revives Hopes

Games Workshop's highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000 animation, Astartes 2, resurfaces with a breathtaking teaser trailer, captivating fans worldwide. However, a crucial detail emerges: the trailer showcases scenes not featured in the actual animation.

Astartes 2 serves as the sequel to the acclaimed fan-made original by Syama Pedersen, widely considered the pinnacle of Warhammer 40,000 animation. Its impact is undeniable, inspiring Saber Interactive's successful Space Marine 2 and leading to Games Workshop's recruitment of Pedersen.

After years of silence, the teaser trailer dropped on January 29th, 2025, generating immense excitement. It depicts spectacular large-scale battles, featuring melee combat, ranged firefights, vehicle engagements, and even spaceship clashes. Various Space Marine chapters face off against Tyranids, Orks, and Tau across diverse environments.

Despite the hype, Games Workshop's Warhammer Community website clarifies that the teaser is a compilation of shots representing the characters' past lives, not actual footage from Astartes 2. The final scene hints at the overall narrative, leaving fans to decipher the clues. The lack of a disclaimer on the trailer itself is a potential concern, as viewers might mistakenly assume the depicted scenes will appear in the final product.

The teaser strongly suggests the characters converge into an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad, fueling speculation. Meanwhile, Space Marine 2 fans express envy, hoping elements from the Astartes 2 teaser, particularly the capes, might find their way into the game. Given Saber Interactive's ongoing updates, this possibility remains intriguing.

Astartes 2 is slated for release in 2026, exclusively on Games Workshop's Warhammer+ streaming service.