Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 Campaign Playtime is Hilariously Short: “It all depends on how you play it”

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war, and with the release of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, fans are diving back into the intense, brutal world of the Imperium. The highly anticipated sequel to the 2011 cult classic has finally landed in the hands of eager fans who pre-ordered the Gold or Ultimate editions.

The campaign’s length may disappoint some fans. | Image Credit: Saber Interactive

As the game receives critical acclaim for its faithful adaptation of the beloved universe, some players are beginning to wonder about the length of the campaign. But before you grab your chainsword and start revving it in anticipation, let’s take a closer look at what Space Marine 2 has to offer.

A Campaign That Doesn’t Overstay Its Welcome

Tim Willits, the Chief Creative Officer at Saber Interactive, recently shed some light on the campaign’s length in an interview with Wccftech:

It took me 12 hours to complete it, but it all depends on how you play it, on the difficulty, whether you are with your human buddies or by yourself, etc.

Now, 12 hours might seem “hilariously short” compared to the sprawling adventures found in single-player-focused games like Elden Ring or the recent hit Black Myth: Wukong. But as we highlighted in our review, despite appearing to be a multiplayer-focused title, Space Marine 2‘s campaign—although it appears to be a multiplayer-focused title—doesn’t feel hastily put together or tacked on as an afterthought.

Instead, it’s a focused, engaging experience that immerses you in the grim, dark universe of Warhammer 40K.

From the moment you step into the ceramite boots of Lieutenant Titus, masterfully voiced by Clive Standen (of Vikings fame), you feel like a true Ultramarine. The campaign takes you on a thrilling journey across three distinct planets—each with its own unique challenges and enemies. Whether you’re facing off against the relentless Tyranid swarms or the insidious forces of Chaos, Space Marine 2 succeeds in making you feel like an unstoppable force of the Imperium.

More Than Just a Campaign

A thoughtfully designed love letter to all Warhammer 40K fans. | Image Credit: Saber Interactive

It’s important to remember that Space Marine 2 is more than just its single-player story. The game follows a live-service model, with Saber Interactive already revealing a robust post-launch roadmap. Microtransactions will be limited to cosmetic items, and all new gameplay features and content will be available to all players at no additional cost.

But even beyond the promise of future content, Space Marine 2 offers plenty to sink your teeth into at launch. The PvE “Operations” mode, which some might dismiss as a series of Helldivers 2-style repetitive co-op missions, actually serves as an extension of the campaign.

Playing as a different squad of Space Marines, you’ll tackle objectives that directly impact Titus and his team’s progress in the main story. It’s a clever way to flesh out the narrative and make the world feel more interconnected.

And let’s not forget about the “Eternal War” PvP mode, which promises to keep players engaged long after they’ve completed the campaign. With a variety of classes to master and weapons to unlock, there’s no shortage of ways to prove your mettle against other players.

At the end of the day, what makes Space Marine 2 special is its unwavering commitment to the Warhammer 40K universe. From the meticulously detailed environments to the faithful representations of iconic units and factions, it’s clear that Saber Interactive has a deep respect for the source material.

So, whether you’re a die-hard Warhammer 40K fan or just someone looking for a thrilling action game, Space Marine 2 is definitely worth your time. Sure, some players might wish for a longer single-player story, but Space Marine 2 proves that sometimes, less can be more.

What do you think about the game’s campaign length? Is 12 hours enough for a game like this, or were you hoping for a longer single-player experience? Let us know in the comments below!