The Space Marine video game series is a set of third-person action games set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It started with Relic Entertainment’s 2011 cult hit and grew into a full series with a 2024 sequel and a 2025 remaster.
What the series is
The series began with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, a third-person shooter and hack-and-slash game developed by Relic Entertainment and published by THQ. It launched in September 2011 for Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
A sequel, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, arrived in September 2024, developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment. A remaster of the original, called the Master Crafted Edition, came out in June 2025 for Windows and Xbox Series X/S.
Why it matters
The 2011 game was one of the first big-budget action games to put you directly in the boots of a Space Marine. That focus on the power fantasy and visceral combat helped define how the franchise could work outside of strategy games.
Its success laid the groundwork for the sequel, which became a major hit and brought a new wave of players into Warhammer 40k. The series is often praised for capturing the feel of the tabletop and novels: brutal, over-the-top, and steeped in lore.
Gameplay and characters
You play as Captain Demetrian Titus, an Ultramarine. The combat mixes ranged shooting with melee, and you regain health by performing executions on stunned enemies. Titus is joined by Sergeant Sidonus and Leandros for most of the first game.
The original game features Orks and Chaos as enemies, with a variety of weapons including the boltgun, chainsword, and thunder hammer. Multiplayer was included, letting you play as different classes.
- Play as Captain Titus of the Ultramarines.
- Hybrid shooting and melee with a focus on executions.
- Enemies include Orks and Chaos forces.
- Weapons range from boltguns to thunder hammers.
Connections to wider lore
The games are set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe created by Games Workshop. They focus on the Ultramarines chapter, one of the most iconic Space Marine factions.
The plot involves a Forge World under attack by Orks, and later a Chaos incursion. Characters like Inquisitor Drogan and Chaos Lord Nemeroth tie into broader 40k themes of corruption and heresy. The sequel continues Titus’s story, exploring his relationship with the Inquisition and the Ultramarines.
Key facts
- The series started with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine in 2011, developed by Relic Entertainment.
- A sequel, Space Marine 2, was released in September 2024.
- A remaster, the Master Crafted Edition, launched in June 2025.
- The games are third-person shooters with hack-and-slash melee combat.
- You play as Captain Titus, an Ultramarine, fighting Orks and Chaos.
FAQ
How many Space Marine video games are there?
There are two main games: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine (2011) and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (2024). A remaster of the first game, the Master Crafted Edition, was released in 2025.
Do I need to play the first game before Space Marine 2?
It’s not strictly required, but playing the first game helps you understand Titus’s backstory and his relationships with other characters. The sequel does recap key events.
What platforms is the series on?
The original game is on Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, with the Master Crafted Edition on Windows and Xbox Series X/S. Space Marine 2 is on Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.