Jumping into the multiplayer mode of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 offers an exciting experience, but first, you’ll need to go through a few steps. Whether you’re looking to fight alongside friends in cooperative missions or face off against other players in PvP, the process for accessing multiplayer is fairly straightforward but requires a little bit of setup. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to get started with Space Marine 2’s multiplayer features.
1. Complete the Tutorial First
Before you can access multiplayer, you’ll need to complete a brief introduction to the game. The tutorial is essential for learning the basics of combat, both ranged and melee. You’ll meet Captain Acheran and complete a mission called “Skyfire” as part of this introduction. While you might be eager to skip this and jump straight into multiplayer, it’s highly recommended that you go through the tutorial to understand the controls and gameplay mechanics. If you’re already familiar with the basics, there is an option to skip the intro by pausing the game, but it’s best to complete it if you’re new
2. Unlocking Multiplayer Modes
Once you’ve completed the tutorial, multiplayer will be unlocked, allowing you to join other players. From here, you have two primary modes to choose from:
- PvE (Player vs. Environment): This mode, known as “Operations,” is a cooperative experience where you and your friends can fight together against AI enemies. It’s an extension of the main campaign, so if you want a more story-driven experience but with friends, this mode is perfect for you.
- PvP (Player vs. Player): This mode is called “Eternal War” and is where you can face off against other players in intense combat. If you’re more into competitive gameplay, this is where you’ll want to spend your time
3. Setting Up a Squad
After unlocking multiplayer, you can invite up to two other players to join your squad. The process is simple: go to the “Edit Squad” option, located in the upper right corner of your screen, and use randomly generated invite codes to add friends. Alternatively, you can invite friends directly through your platform’s friend system (PlayStation, Xbox, or PC). Once your squad is set, head to the Battle Map terminal on your ship (the Battle Barge) to select your desired mode—either Operations for PvE or Eternal War for PvP
4. Crossplay and Invite Codes
Space Marine 2 supports crossplay, meaning you can team up with friends across different platforms. To invite friends from another platform, use the invite code system found in the game’s squad setup screen. Make sure everyone on your team enters the correct code, and you’ll be ready to jump into action together, regardless of whether they’re playing on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC
5. Multiplayer Tips
- Choose Your Class Wisely: In multiplayer, each player can choose a different class, allowing for a variety of playstyles. Whether you want to focus on ranged combat or get up close and personal with melee attacks, work with your team to ensure a balanced squad that can tackle any situation.
- Communication is Key: As with any team-based multiplayer game, communication is crucial in Space Marine 2. Make use of voice chat or messaging systems to coordinate your attacks and ensure that your team is always working together.
- Stick with Your Squad: In PvP especially, sticking close to your teammates will give you a significant advantage. Lone wolves often find themselves overwhelmed, so stay close and support each other to secure victory
6. Troubleshooting Multiplayer Issues
Like many online games, Space Marine 2’s multiplayer launch has faced some technical issues, particularly with servers. Players may experience long load times, crashes, or difficulty connecting to matches, especially during early access periods. If you encounter problems, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Update Your Drivers: If you’re playing on PC, ensure that your GPU drivers and Windows are fully updated.
- Restart Your Console: A simple reboot can sometimes resolve connection issues on consoles.
- Disable Crossplay: Some players have found that turning off crossplay can reduce load times and help with matchmaking, though this solution doesn’t work for everyone
7. Future Updates and Improvements
The developers are aware of the current multiplayer issues and are actively working on patches to resolve server-related problems. As more players join, particularly after the full release, expect further updates to smooth out the multiplayer experience.
