Warhammer 40K Animation 'Astartes 2' Returns with Teaser

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 featured in the actual animation.

Astartes 2 follows the success of the fan-made original, created by Syama Pedersen, widely considered the best Warhammer 40,000 animation. Its impact is undeniable, inspiring Saber Interactive's successful Space Marine 2, and leading Games Workshop to bring Pedersen on board for the sequel.

After a long silence, the January 29th teaser trailer release surprised fans. It depicts epic-scale battles, showcasing melee combat, ranged firefights, vehicle clashes, and even space battles. Various Space Marine chapters, Tyranids, Orks, and Tau are featured in diverse environments.

It's not even February yet and the Ws for 2025 won't stop coming! Astartes is back, Brothers! pic.twitter.com/sYhu5LjwiC

— Champions of the Ice (@ChampionsOTIce2) January 29, 2025

The excitement is palpable, but the Warhammer Community website clarifies that the teaser is a compilation of shots representing the characters' pasts, not actual footage from Astartes 2. The final shot hints at the story's direction, leaving fans to speculate.

This lack of a clear disclaimer in the trailer itself is a potential issue, as many viewers might assume the depicted scenes will appear in the final product.

Despite this, the teaser fuels speculation. The final image suggests the characters may join an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad.

Meanwhile, Space Marine 2 fans are expressing envy, hoping elements from the Astartes 2 teaser, particularly the capes, might find their way into the game. Given Saber Interactive's ongoing updates, this isn't entirely improbable. Astartes could once again inspire the game's development. Astartes 2 is slated for a 2026 release exclusively on Games Workshop's Warhammer+ streaming service.