Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Steam Deck Review (in Progress) – GOTY Contender, but Play It Elsewhere for Now

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2: A Deep Dive Review (Steam Deck & PS5)

For years, many anticipated Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. My own journey began with Total War: Warhammer, leading me to explore the broader 40k universe, including Boltgun and Rogue Trader. I initially sampled the first Space Marine on my Steam Deck, piquing my interest for the sequel. After its impressive reveal, I eagerly awaited my hands-on experience.

Over the past week, I've logged approximately 22 hours with Space Marine 2 across my Steam Deck and PS5, leveraging cross-progression and online multiplayer. This review is ongoing for two reasons: thorough evaluation requires extensive cross-platform multiplayer testing, and official Steam Deck support is slated for release by year's end.

Space Marine 2's Steam Deck Performance: A Mixed Bag

Witnessing Space Marine 2's stunning visuals and gameplay on the Steam Deck, coupled with cross-progression, fueled my curiosity about its handheld performance. The results are a blend of good and bad.

The game is technically playable on the Steam Deck without configuration changes. However, it currently pushes the handheld's capabilities. At 1280x800 with low settings and FSR 2.0 at Ultra Performance, maintaining a stable 30fps proves challenging, with frequent dips into the 20s, even at lower resolutions. Dynamic upscaling targeting 30fps yields similar results. While visually acceptable on the Deck's screen, the performance isn't ideal for such an action-packed title. I hope future optimization allows for consistent 30fps gameplay. Additionally, occasional improper exits sometimes necessitate manual closure.

Multiplayer on Steam Deck: A Positive Surprise

Despite performance concerns, online multiplayer functions flawlessly on the Steam Deck. Testing with a friend in Canada revealed smooth co-op sessions. Internet-related disconnections occurred, but these were expected given the pre-release server status. Further testing with random players post-launch is needed for a complete assessment.

PS5 Experience: A Polished Performance

My PS5 playthrough in Performance Mode provided a largely positive experience. While a locked 60fps wasn't achieved, and some dynamic resolution/upscaling seemed apparent (resulting in occasional blurriness during intense combat), the overall performance was excellent. Fast load times and PS5 Activity Card support enhance the experience. Gyro controls, however, were absent.

Cross-Save Progression: Seamless Transition

Cross-save functionality between Steam and PS5 worked seamlessly during my testing, though a two-day cooldown period existed between platform syncs. Confirmation on whether this cooldown persists in the final release is pending.

Gameplay and Visuals: A Masterclass in Brutal Beauty

Space Marine 2 excels in its moment-to-moment gameplay. Controls and weaponry feel precise, with visceral melee combat a particular highlight. The campaign is enjoyable solo or in co-op, though defense missions are less engaging. The game evokes a high-budget co-op shooter reminiscent of the Xbox 360 era.

Visually, Space Marine 2 is stunning on PS5 (4K mode on a 1440p monitor), with detailed environments and impressive enemy swarms. The character voice acting, gear, and customization options are top-notch. A photo mode offers extensive customization options, though some effects appear less polished on the Steam Deck using FSR 2 and lower resolutions. On PS5, however, the photo mode shines.

Audio: A Symphony of War

The audio design is exceptional. While the music is good, it doesn't stand out as particularly memorable outside the game context. However, the voice acting and sound design are top-tier.

PC Port Features: Robust Options

The PC port offers extensive graphics settings, including resolution scaling (TAA, FSR 2), quality presets, and individual setting adjustments. DLSS and FSR 2 support are present at launch, with FSR 3 planned post-launch. Full controller support, including adaptive triggers (even wirelessly on PC), is a welcome addition. Keyboard and mouse controls are also fully implemented.

Desired Future Enhancements

Future updates should prioritize Steam Deck performance optimization, HDR support, and haptic feedback on PS5.

Final Verdict: A Strong Contender, But With Caveats

Space Marine 2 is a strong Game of the Year contender. The gameplay is superb, and the visuals and audio are exceptional. However, current Steam Deck performance necessitates a hold on recommendation for that platform. The PS5 version, on the other hand, is highly recommended. A full review with a final score will follow after further multiplayer testing and patch releases.

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

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PS5 Review Score: Highly Recommended (pending full online testing)