Did you think Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2’s campaign was too short? If you did, then you need a reality check.
The release of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 was a big milestone for the Warhammer franchise as it quickly became the biggest and most successful game it had. But despite overwhelming success with sales and players, there is one part of the game that has been the first point of criticism for many.
What a win for the Warhammer franchise. | Image Credit: Saber Interactive
Clocking in at approximately 12 hours, some players argue that the game’s campaign is too short. But this complaint feels out of place when you take the history of the action-shooter genre into account. In reality, Space Marine 2 delivers a well-paced, action-packed experience that rivals and even surpasses some of the biggest names in the genre.
Space Marine 2 campaign is the perfect amount of length
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For shooter campaigns, length isn’t everything. Pacing, engagement, and replayability matter far more. At 12 hours, Space Marine 2 surpasses the original game’s campaign length of 7.5 hours and is longer than the campaigns of iconic franchises like Halo and Gears of War.
For instance, popular franchises like Halo and Gears of War average between 7 and 11 hours per campaign. Even the first Space Marine delivered a solid 7.5 hours of gameplay. By these metrics, Space Marine 2’s 12-hour runtime is generous, particularly when considering the density of its action and narrative.
In gaming, more hours don’t necessarily translate to better experiences. Some sprawling games lose players in repetitive tasks and uneven pacing. By keeping its narrative tight and its gameplay engaging, Saber managed to avoid these pitfalls.
Space Marine 2 is a must play game if you’re into Gears of War or just feeling like a badass. Killing hundreds of bugs with a huge rifle and then splitting an alien in half with a chainsaw sword is so fucking fun. Just pure fun gameplay. And it looks amazing! pic.twitter.com/NXzziWoYTj
— mcquack306 (@mcquack306) December 18, 2024
As fans on Reddit have pointed out, the time taken to savor every detail and explore environments naturally extends the playtime for patient gamers. Moreover, with PvE endgame content and multiplayer modes, Space Marine 2 offers replayability that stretches far beyond the campaign.
Saber Interactive did an amazing job with the game
We love what the devs made and can’t wait for more. | Image Credit: Saber Interactive
What truly sets Space Marine 2 apart isn’t the raw length of its campaign but the depth and intensity of its gameplay. The game combines visceral melee combat with dynamic gunplay, all set against the backdrop of massive battles that feel like genuine warfare. Saber’s proprietary Swarm Engine technology brings the Tyranid hordes to life on a breathtaking scale, creating moments of chaos and immersion that few games can match.
TWO MILLION Space Marines have joined the fight to protect the Imperium in #SpaceMarine2. ⚔️
We’re so grateful!!💙 pic.twitter.com/ptHVxRKhWQ
— Focus Entertainment (@Focus_entmt) September 10, 2024
The numbers don’t lie. Upon its release, Space Marine 2 quickly became the most-played Warhammer video game ever, surpassing 225,000 concurrent players on Steam, and currently sits at a Very Positive rating on Steam from over 115,000 user reviews. So the campaign length really hasn’t been a problem.
The game’s success has already sparked discussions of a sequel. Saber Interactive’s Chief Creative Officer, Tim Willits, confirmed that the overwhelming reception has paved the way for potential story DLC and even Space Marine 3. This success shows how thoughtful design and passionate development are all you need.
The success of Space Marine 2 represents more than just another hit game; it’s a watershed moment for the studio and the Warhammer video game franchise. The studio’s innovative swarm tech and commitment to the Warhammer universe have set a new standard for action games. And us gamers can’t wait for what Saber cooks up next.
What did you think of Space Marine 2‘s campaign? Let us know in the comments!
