Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Beginners Class Guide

Combat in Space Marine 2
Credit: Saber Interactive

Combat in Space Marine 2
Credit: Saber Interactive

In Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, selecting a proper class is vital in the beginning as a new player.

Whether you're playing solo, co-op Operations, or PvP, each class has unique abilities that offer distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Your choice of class allows you to adapt to the challenges of the battlefield and optimize your gameplay based on your preferred playstyle.

Depending on whether you are a fan of close combat, sniping, or supporting your teammates, there is a class for everyone.

In this guide, you will get to know each of the six main classes in Space Marine 2, the features that make them stand out, their recommended weapons, and unique perks to help you find the one that best suits your playstyle.

All Classes in Space Marine 2

Tactical Class: The All-Rounder

Space marine shooting with a weapon
expand image

Tactical classes are the best option for beginners because they combine Assault and Support classes. It offers everything you can use according to the situation, whether close combat with the Chainsword or ranged combat with any type of gun.

The tactical class is a general all-rounder class in both attacking and defending. It suits solo players or players who prefer to play with a team.

Unique Skill: Auspex Scan reveals enemies nearby and increases the damage you and your squad inflict on them. It is especially useful in co-op as it reveals hidden enemies such as Lictors to keep the team informed of the presence of such enemies.

Best Weapons:

  • Bolt Rifle: Good for mid-range combat and has a fair amount of damage output.
  • Heavy Bolt Rifle: Ideal for clearing a lot of opponents from the playing field.
  • Chainsword: Most effective in close-quarters combat when the enemies get close to your character.

Assault Class: Master of Melee

The Assault class is designed to offer you flexibility along with powerful melee combat mechanics. This class allows you to engage in combat using jump packs and attack enemies with strong AoE (area of effect). It also allows you to flee from the scene easily. The Assault class is most suitable for those who like a lot of action and prefer to fight the enemy within closed range.

Unique Skill: Jetpack Slam – Allows you to leap into the air and then crash down on the ground to deal damage to all enemies.

Best Weapons:

  • Chainsword: A classic choice for situations where you need to clear the field of enemies at close range.
  • Thunder Hammer: Hit a large area of the path, which makes it useful when fighting many enemies at once.
  • Bolt Pistol: A good backup weapon for when you are in mid-air or jumping off the ground.

Bulwark Class: The Tank

Bulwark class is extremely strong in defense and in supporting the team. Its permanent shield on the left arm enables the Bulwark to absorb incoming damage while continuing to attack, making it a key player on the front line. This class suits players who like to be at the forefront and take powerful attacks from enemies while protecting their allies.

Unique Skill: Chapter Banner places a shield that regenerates the armor of all nearby friends, which is very useful for your squad during challenging fights.

Best Weapons:

  • Power Sword: Able to perform both melee attacks and AoE simultaneously.
  • Plasma Pistol: It is useful for stunning elite enemies with charged shots.
  • Bolt Pistol: Efficient in the mid-range.

Vanguard Class: The Aggressor

Space Marine holding a melee weapon
expand image

The Vanguard class focuses on attacking and quickly getting close to enemies. With the Grapnel Launcher, this class allows you to move fast across the battlefield and strike enemies with a powerful kick. It is excellent for players who like to stay on the move and quickly take down targets.

Unique Skill: Grapnel Launcher allows you to zip toward enemies and hit them with a strong kick, which makes it great for defeating elite enemies or moving fast in battle.

Best Weapons:

  • Instigator Bolt Carbine: A burst-fire rifle that's accurate and ideal for medium-range fights.
  • Combat Knife: Fast and deadly, perfect for quick, close-range attacks.
  • Melta Rifle: Best for taking down heavily armored enemies.

Sniper Class: The Long-Range Specialist

The Sniper class is great at taking down enemies from a long distance. With the ability to turn invisible and shoot powerful shots from far away, this class is perfect for players who like to stay hidden and deal significant damage from a safe spot.

Unique Skill: Camo Cloak makes you invisible and helps you move to a better position or attack from stealth with a powerful first shot.

Best Weapons:

  • Stalker Bolt Rifle: A semi-automatic rifle with great range and accuracy, perfect for long-range combat.
  • Bolt Sniper Rifle: Deals high damage with headshots, great for taking down elite enemies.
  • Combat Knife: Useful for quick kills when enemies get too close.

Heavy Class: The Ranged Powerhouse

A space marine taking on enemies in Space Marine 2
expand image

The Heavy class is designed to deliver powerful ranged attacks while maintaining strong defense. Its powerful guns and the Iron Halo ability make it perfect for players who prefer to unleash a barrage of bullets while shielding their team from incoming damage.

Unique Skill: Iron Halo creates a shield that blocks incoming ranged attacks, making the Heavy class a strong frontline defender in ranged battles.

Best Weapons:

  • Heavy Bolter: Fires continuously without overheating, perfect for wiping out large groups of enemies.
  • Multi-Melta: Deals heavy damage and can pierce through enemies; great for taking down big targets.
  • Plasma Pistol: Best for mid-range fights and dealing with heavily armored enemies.