"Space Marine 2 Public Test Server Launches with Major Update 7.0 Changes"

The first public test server for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is now live, offering an early glimpse into the much-anticipated Update 7.0 and its patch notes. Publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Saber Interactive have shared that the preliminary patch notes for the PTS version encompass "most" of the features planned for Update 7.0. However, they cautioned that the final patch notes may vary as the team continues to work on bug fixes.

For PC players participating in the PTS, which is currently exclusive to this platform, Update 7.0 brings a wealth of new content and enhancements. This includes a new PvE mission called Exfiltration, a new secondary weapon—the Inferno Pistol—available for the Vanguard, Sniper, and Heavy classes, endgame-focused prestige ranks in PvE, and the introduction of private PvP lobbies.

Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts will appreciate the new customization options, which include fresh colors like Volupus Pink and Thousand Sons Blue, as well as the ability to recolor Bulwark cloth and hands. Additionally, rewards in PvP have been boosted by 50%. Exclusive skins such as the Imperial Fists Champion for the Tactical class and the Space Wolves Champion for the Vanguard class are also available in the PTS.

Significant balance changes are another highlight of Update 7.0. An extended weapon arsenal in PvE now allows all classes to access a broader range of weapons. Notably, the Assault class can now use the Power Sword without needing mods. Players are encouraged to review the detailed patch notes to understand the full scope of weapon adjustments.

A welcome gameplay change addresses the issue of griefing in the Inferno Operation. If a player reaches the assembly area in the final stage of the level, other players will be automatically teleported there after a short period, receiving a notification 1 minute and 30 seconds before teleportation, and being moved 15 seconds later. This update aims to prevent players from stalling progress by remaining outside the assembly area.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Update 7.0 PTS Patch Notes:

New Features

• New PvE mission: Exfiltration
• New Secondary Weapon (PvP & PvE): Inferno Pistol for the Vanguard, Sniper, and Heavy classes.
• Prestige ranks in PvE.
• PvP Private lobbies.
• Customization:
  • New Colors (Volupus Pink and Thousand Sons Blue)
  • Bulwark Cloth Recoloring
  • Hands Recoloring
  • Rewards increased by 50% in PvP.

Balancing

• Extended Weapon arsenal in PvE: All classes now have a larger weapon choice:

  • Heavy: Heavy Bolt Rifle | Heavy Bolt Pistol
  • Tactical: Combat Knife | Plasma Pistol | Heavy Bolt Pistol
  • Assault: Power Sword | Plasma Pistol
  • Bulwark: Heavy Bolt Pistol
  • Sniper: Heavy Bolt Pistol | Instigator Bolt Carbine
  • Vanguard: Heavy Bolt Pistol | Bolt Carbine

• Heavy Bolt Rifle: Reworked the 2 Artificer & 2 Relic versions.

• Added a maximum cap to restore fade HP per action and a max target to restore health per action to specific weapons.

Weapon Perks Update

Extensive updates to various weapon perks have been made to enhance gameplay and balance. Key changes include increased durations, reworked perks for better synergy, and adjustments to damage and health restoration mechanics across multiple weapons.

Bolt Weapons Buffs

• Bolt Rifle (all versions): Base damage increased by 5%.
• Auto Bolt Rifle: Base damage increased by 5%.
• Instigator Bolt Carbine: Base damage increased by 5%.
• Bolt Carbine (Marksman versions only): Ammo Reserve increased by one magazine size (+20).

Operations

• Obelisk: Added new voiceovers for clearer final gameplay sequence objectives.
• Inferno: Players reaching the assembly area will teleport other players after a set time, with notifications provided.

Bug Fixes

Several bugs have been addressed, including issues with the Occulus Bolt Carbine, Multi-Melta rate-of-fire, incorrect stacking of Sniper perks, and unintended health regeneration in trials. Additionally, a notification sound fix for multiple special enemy spawns has been implemented.

In recent communications, the Space Marine 2 developers have also hinted at an upcoming Horde mode and addressed community concerns about the game's live service model and content updates. As the game continues to evolve, players can look forward to more engaging and polished experiences in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.