Games Workshop's highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000 animation, Astartes 2, has resurfaced with a stunning teaser trailer, captivating fans of the franchise. However, a crucial detail has emerged: none of the footage in the teaser will actually appear in the final animation.
Astartes 2 serves as the sequel to the acclaimed fan-made original, created by Syama Pedersen. Widely considered the pinnacle of Warhammer 40,000 animation, it's only rivaled by Amazon's recent Space Marine 2 animation. Astartes' success even inspired Saber Interactive's popular Space Marine 2 video game, leading Games Workshop to recruit Pedersen for the sequel.
The years of silence surrounding Astartes 2 had fueled speculation of its cancellation. The January 29th release of the teaser trailer, however, proved otherwise, showcasing breathtaking visuals.
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 trailer depicts unprecedented scale and quality for a Warhammer 40,000 animation, featuring intense melee combat, ranged firefights, vehicle warfare, and even space battles. Various Space Marine chapters clash across diverse environments against multiple enemy factions, including Tyranids, Orks, and Tau.
Despite the hype, Games Workshop's Warhammer Community website clarified that the teaser is a compilation of shots representing the characters' past lives, not actual scenes from Astartes 2. The final shot hints at the story's direction, leaving fans to speculate.
The omission of a disclaimer on the trailer is a potential concern, as viewers may mistakenly assume the teaser footage will be in the final product. Many may not see the clarifying post on the Warhammer Community website.
Nevertheless, the teaser sparks excitement and speculation. The final image suggests the characters will eventually form an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad.
Meanwhile, Space Marine 2 fans have expressed interest in seeing elements from the Astartes 2 teaser incorporated into the game, particularly the capes. With Saber Interactive continuing to update the game, the possibility of further inspiration from Astartes remains.
