Space Marine 2’s Missed Opportunity: Why Chaos Marines Should Be Playable in PVE

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Summary

  • Space Marine 2 needs a big update to bring players back to the game, which could be done by making Chaos Space Marines playable in Operations.
  • Chaos Space Marines offer unique perks and weapon options, adding variety and enhancing gameplay experience.
  • Adding Chaos-specific PVE missions would expand storytelling, introduce new enemies, and allow for more customization.

Space Marine 2, released in 2024, was highly praised as one of the top cooperative games that year, even when matched against Helldivers 2. Since then, developer Saber Interactive has consistently provided updates for the game, introducing new PVE missions and a PVP map. However, the relatively small size of these updates has led to a decrease in the game’s player base. As a result, Space Marine 2 might benefit from introducing something significant, such as another playable faction.

There’s been a lot of discussion about how incorporating more factions could enhance enemy diversity in games like Space Marine 2, for instance by including Necrons. However, Saber Interactive has another method to revamp the PVE experience in their game. To encourage players to keep returning, Saber could allow them to choose from a variety of characters, not just the Emperor’s Finest, but also their dark counterparts.

Space Marine 2 Should Make Chaos Space Marines Playable in PVE

As a gamer, it’s satisfying to share the Emperor’s teachings against filthy xenos and Tzeentchian heretics, but sometimes, the whispers of the Dark Gods are just too enticing to ignore. So, I can’t help but be tempted by the opportunity to embody Chaos in the Operations mode of Space Marine 2.

Chaos Space Marines represent the polar opposite of the Emperor’s Angels of Death. They are warped by the Warp, twisted, and frequently older than their loyalist counterparts by millennia. These warriors, once conditioned to fight eternally for an indifferent regime, have come to understand their role as nothing more than a pawn executing a thankless task. Be it through questioning the Imperium or a yearning for power above all else, these beings are demigods with the capability and drive to cause destruction in the name of new masters who can offer them everything they desire.

It’s not surprising that many players are eager for Saber to introduce Chaos as a playable faction, as the current classes are excellent but the absence of Chaos leaves a noticeable gap. The game seems incomplete without the diversity that Chaos could bring. While the PVE mode in the previous game was smaller than that of Space Marine 2, the original game did feature Chaos-specific PVE maps with unique enemies like Killa Kans and loyalist Space Marines. This time around, Saber should not only create new missions for Chaos but also establish a distinct identity for this faction to make it feel more complete.

Chaos Space Marines Would Have Their Own Weapons and Unique Perks

A fantastic opportunity for Saber to experiment with some exciting concepts presents itself amidst the chaos. Building upon existing classes as a foundation, similar to how Chaos Space Marines are utilized in PVP, there’s ample space to develop unique and entertaining new abilities that embody the essence of Chaos. For instance, one could enhance teamwork synergy perks for loyalist classes, but offer selfish perks to Chaos players – for example, rather than a perk that boosts headshot damage for all, a Chaos Marine could gradually escalate their headshot damage, yet the multiplier would reset every time they score a body shot.

The characteristics of Chaos abilities can become even more unpredictable. Saber seems willing to tip the scales in PVE for the sake of excitement, and Chaos should epitomize this. Allow an Alpha Legion operative to momentarily convert foes into allies, or a Death Guard Bulwark to spread contagion via banner auras. If a Sorcerer class were introduced, it could encompass an entire specialization dedicated to summoning and managing demonic entities.

In a revised approach, weapon attributes might receive comparable enhancements, encouraging aggressive gameplay and recognizing players who capitalize on their class’s abilities. For instance, Chainswords could provide a health boost to players with high kill counts, while Multi-Meltas could replenish ammo upon eliminating an Extremis enemy or higher tier foe. Sabers could embody the 40K daemon weapon concept, offering perks that amplify weapons with potent passive traits; however, these weapons might revolt and stagger the user if they’re not content, requiring careful management.

Chaos Space Marines Could Get Their Own PVE Missions

Incorporating Chaos-themed missions into the game would offer an exciting opportunity to reveal a fresh aspect of Saber’s character. Players might choose to aid the invasion of Demerium or merely scavenge in the wreckage left by the Thousand Sons following their conflict. It is feasible to integrate Chaos into the existing mission framework, but crafting unique missions tailored specifically for them would add an element of variety. If all goes well, these new missions could be introduced in significant updates prior to the launch of Space Marine 3.

Incorporating chaotic missions into the narrative would add depth and complexity to the storyline. The initial missions, where the Thousand Sons are victorious in their campaign, could serve as a reflection of the Imperium of Mankind’s vulnerabilities. The defeat of the Thousand Sons can illustrate the precarious state of affairs that Chaos Marines face, forcing them to scavenge for resources and escape from the planet as quickly as possible. Saber should emphasize the variety within Chaos, depicting different cults thriving in the chaos of fiery worlds, blurring the boundaries between the warp and reality.

In addition, Space Marine 2 allows Saber to reuse factions from the campaign. Previously Loyalist Space Marines and Imperial Guard were allies, but now they become enemies with distinct gameplay dynamics. Hordes of Guardsmen can divert teams, providing cover for heavy weapon teams or Imperial Guard Leman Russ tanks to bombard from a distance. Since Tanks have not been integrated into the game in Space Marine 2, this presents a unique challenge only found in Chaos missions, making these encounters feel distinct and exciting.

Enemy Loyalist Space Marines possess great potential for challenging encounters. They might serve as a formidable adversary, perhaps appearing only sporadically, one for every hundred Guardsmen. Known for their quick adaptability, they could employ advanced technology such as auspex scans to outmaneuver players, and they would effectively deter nearby soldiers from retreating. In combat, these Space Marines would almost match the skill level of the players, thus highlighting the immense power and reputation that the Emperor’s Angels rightfully deserve according to their rich lore.

New PVE Missions Would Be an Excuse to Add More Chaos Customization

It appears that Space Marine 2 has been lacking cosmetic customization options for Chaos characters since its launch. Given the repeated leaks of Chaos customization over the past few months, it seems logical that PVE missions could provide Saber with the opportunity to fully develop and implement these features. There’s a lot of potential for expanding Chaos content, so here’s hoping that future updates will address this issue.

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2025-04-23 14:34