Space Marine 2 Adds Mods, Tau, Necrons, and Fishing

Fans of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 are thrilled after the developer gave modders access to its internal editor, raising hopes that the game could 'follow in Skyrim's footsteps' and enjoy a long lifespan through user-generated content.

Game director Dmitry Grigorenko announced the news on the Space Marine 2 modding Discord, calling it "our most significant step yet in backing the modding community."

Saber Interactive has made its official Integration Studio available to the public. This is the same internal editor used by the developers for all gameplay development. With this initial release, modders can work on everything from level scenarios and game modes to modifying AI behavior, abilities, melee combo logic, and user interface/HUD elements. The tools also streamline and simplify much of the general modding work for Space Marine 2.

“Not long ago, I promised we would support the modding scene — and we meant it,” Grigorenko stated. “Watching this community grow, push boundaries, and create incredible experiences has been both inspiring and humbling. We’re excited to see what you build next — whether it’s a cinematic campaign, wild new game mode, or something we never saw coming.”

To spark creativity, Grigorenko shared a humorous concept for a "Fishing With Daddy Calgar" mini-game, showcased below, which is now technically achievable with these new tools. Calgar refers to Marneus Calgar, the leader of the Ultramarines chapter.

To learn what the Space Marine 2 modding community intends to create with this editor, I spoke briefly with Tom, also known as Warhammer Workshop, the creator behind Space Marine 2’s excellent Astartes Overhaul. Fresh from releasing a mod that enables 12-player co-op in Space Marine 2, Tom explained he now has access to all the scripting tools that govern mission events and various game components like weapons and abilities.

This unlocks possibilities such as a Space Marine 2 roguelite mode. Modders could start players in a campaign swarm sequence armed only with a combat knife, then progressively introduce stronger enemies, with chances to spawn weapons, ammo, and health drops upon defeating them. “Taking down a Carnifex might reward you with a Heavy Bolter,” Tom proposed.

Regarding creating a completely new cinematic campaign, Tom noted that while a Chaos-focused campaign is “definitely” feasible, cutscenes present a greater challenge because modders currently lack access to the necessary animation tools.

However, Tom's current plans involve adding new factions like the Tau and Necrons to Space Marine 2, as the existing character rigs can accommodate them. Meanwhile, the modding community is actively racing to bring Grigorenko's "Fishing With Daddy Calgar" mini-game challenge to life.

The reaction from Space Marine 2 fans has been overwhelmingly positive, and for good reason. While the game has been well-received and ranks among the best-selling Warhammer video games ever, its official content is somewhat limited, featuring only three factions: Space Marines, Chaos (a combination of Chaos Marines and Tzeentch Daemons), and the Tyrannids. Players had anticipated DLC to expand the faction roster (the campaign hinted at the Necrons), but now they can take expansion into their own hands.

“This is how you sustain a game for years, just like Skyrim,” commented Reddit user Mortwight.

This development is especially noteworthy given the recent announcement from Saber and publisher Focus Entertainment that Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 is in development. Some fans have expressed concerns about what this means for potential DLC for the second game, though both companies have reassured players they are not abandoning it. Regardless, Space Marine 2 is in a much stronger position now that modders have the official editor.