Long-Awaited Warhammer 40,000 Animation Astartes 2 Is Back From the Dead With Incredible Teaser Trailer — but There’s a Catch

Games Workshop's highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000 animation, Astartes 2, has resurfaced with a stunning teaser trailer, captivating fans. However, a crucial detail emerges: the trailer showcases scenes not included in the actual animation.

Astartes 2, a sequel to the acclaimed fan-made original by Syama Pedersen, is considered a landmark achievement in Warhammer 40,000 animation. Its impact is undeniable, inspiring Saber Interactive's successful Space Marine 2. Games Workshop subsequently hired Pedersen to helm the sequel.

Years of silence surrounding Astartes 2 fueled speculation of cancellation, until the January 29th, 2025 surprise trailer release. The teaser is a visual spectacle, showcasing unprecedented scale and quality, featuring melee combat, ranged firefights, vehicle warfare, and even space battles. Various Space Marine chapters clash across diverse environments, facing off against Tyranids, Orks, and Tau.

Despite the hype, Games Workshop clarified on the Warhammer Community website that the trailer is a compilation of shots representing the characters' pasts, not actual footage from Astartes 2. A subtle clue at the trailer's end hints at the overarching narrative.

While the teaser is visually impressive, its misleading nature is a concern. The lack of a disclaimer might lead viewers to expect the depicted scenes in the final product, especially those who don't access the Warhammer Community post.

The trailer's imagery suggests the characters' eventual unification in an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad. Speculation is rife among fans, and Space Marine 2 players are already expressing envy, hoping for some of the visuals—particularly the capes—to be incorporated into the game. Given Saber Interactive's ongoing updates to Space Marine 2, this is a distinct possibility. Astartes, once again, may inspire future game development.