Astartes 2: Beloved Warhammer Animation Returns With Teaser Amidst Uncertainty

Games Workshop's highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000 animation, Astartes 2, has resurfaced with a stunning teaser trailer, captivating fans worldwide. However, a crucial detail emerges: the trailer showcases footage entirely unrelated to the final animation.

Astartes 2 serves as a 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. Its success even inspired Saber Interactive's popular Space Marine 2 game, leading Games Workshop to recruit Pedersen for the sequel.

After years of silence, the January 29th teaser trailer release surprised fans. It depicts breathtaking visuals, showcasing melee combat, ranged firefights, vehicle warfare, and even space battles, featuring various Space Marine chapters, Tyranids, Orks, and Tau.

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 Warhammer Community website clarified that the trailer is a compilation of shots representing the characters' pasts, not actual scenes from Astartes 2, which is slated for a 2026 release exclusively on the Warhammer+ streaming service. The final image hints at the characters' eventual roles in an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad.

This lack of a disclaimer on the trailer itself is a potential misstep, as fans viewing the teaser might reasonably expect the depicted content to appear in the final product.

Despite this revelation, the trailer's impressive visuals have sparked excitement and speculation. Space Marine 2 fans are already expressing envy, hoping some elements, particularly the capes, might find their way into the game. Given Saber Interactive's ongoing updates, this isn't entirely improbable. Astartes' influence on the gaming world may continue.