The campaign of Space Marine 2 is a straightforward stint. However, the real Astartes fantasy is experienced in the Space Marine 2 Operations mode, with six unique classes to choose from and an extensive level of customization that would bring back memories of painting Warhammer armies. This mode is by far the biggest draw for any franchise fan.
As a fan, it is the Space Marine oath to stand your ground against the Emperor’s foes even when the challenge is unsurmountable, thus the desire to increase difficulty in Operations. Not to mention, the rewards at higher difficulty are worthy of the suffering endured. But don’t be fooled, for the challenge ahead on higher difficulties will take everything the Adeptus Astartes could muster.
Operations Difficulties in Space Marnie 2
Each of the missions in Operations mode in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has four difficulties to pick from:
| Threat: Minimal | Threat: Average | Threat: Substantial | Threat: Ruthless |
| Recommended Level 1 | Recommended Level 5 | Recommended Level 10 | Recommended Level 15 |
| Equipment drops are generous | Equipment drops are reduced | Equipment drops are reduced | Respawn time is increased |
| Enemies are moderately dangerous | Enemies are challenging | Enemies are formidable | Enemies are deadly |
| Your second incapacitation inflicts a Mortal Wound | Medical Stims are less effective | Medical Stims are less effective | Medical Stims are less effective |
| Armory data: Master-crafted | Your second incapacitation inflicts a Mortal Wound | Your first Incapacitation inflicts a Mortal Wound | Your first Incapacitation inflicts a Mortal Wound |
| 630 XP | Armory data: Master-crafted | Armory data: Artificer | Armory data: Relic |
| 35 Armory Data | 945 XP | 1260 XP | 1890 XP |
| – | 55 Armory Data | 95 Armory Data | 165 Armory Data |
As seen above, the difficulty level that reaps the best rewards for the Space Marine’s war efforts is the Ruthless. But do not take it lightly; this difficulty will unleash hell’s gates with ruthless hordes of enemies rushing relentlessly to rip the Emperor’s armies into pieces. Only the players with the most hardened builds can survive this and live to tell the tale with their new shiny parts of armor, equipment, and skills.
Surviving Substantial and Ruthless difficulties requires an advanced level of playstyle, tactics, approach, and mindset, which every Space Marine should strive toward.
1) Put Together The Right Marine Build
Needless to say, the Astartes class for this difficulty mode needs to be above level 15 and has a proper build that could withstand the challenge ahead. Each class serves a different purpose on the battlefield and should play to their strengths rather than choosing to go all lone wolf. Going alone is the mistake players make in this game.
For example, the Assault class should charge in headfirst to pummel Tyranid mobs with its jet pack and Thunder Hammer, while the Sniper class stays back to pop elite enemies’ heads. Make sure the class is built to synergize with the team.
Classes and builds that elevate the entire team are likely to succeed in reaching the end of a Ruthless mission. Synergistic builds make or break higher difficulties in Space Marine 2 Operations.
2) Know the Squad’s Team Abilities
When playing with randoms or a dedicated team, every member should be aware of the team composition, which refers to the classes present in the team. This adds to the previous point; with this knowledge, every member will stick to their purpose in the war.
Not only that, by holding the Select/TouchPad button, the objective screen will pop up. Press the RB/R1 button from this screen to go to the Team Perk section. This equipable skill will provide a passive bonus to the entire fire team. Knowing the passive effect can impact the way combat should be engaged.
For example, the Unyielding Ceramite skill reduces the time it takes for armor to regenerate by 5 seconds for the whole squad. This will help inspire the crew to push quickly rather than wait for those armor bars to fill up before proceeding.
3) Take Out The Majoris Enemies First
Whenever an elite or Majoris enemy is on the field, like the Tyranid Warriors, make sure to leave the drones alone and beeline toward them. There is an indicator on the top of the HUD that will show the presence of an elite enemy on the field.
Teams waste a ton of time picking off the mob when they could just rush the elite enemy, kill it quickly, and watch as the rest of the swarm either dies instantly or cowers away.
It’s not just good practice to take out the more challenging enemies as early as possible; the added advantage of dispersing entire packs in one fell swoop is invaluable when the chances of being overrun are always looming in these higher difficulties.
4) Ambush Rather Than Rush
In many instances, enemies can be seen patrolling or standing guard in the middle of the road while progressing through the Operation. Instead of bum-rushing them and attracting unwanted attention, a better strategy is to stay back and let the bullets do the talking.
At higher difficulties, the odds of enemies overpowering the squad are exceptionally high, so its best to whittle them away a bit before they ever reach you. A well-placed grenade into a pack of Tyranids will send the little ones flying while the bigger ones are weakened, becoming easy fodder for the Chainsword.
It’s not necessary to engage in melee combat all the time; even the least long-range classes, like the Bulwark, have pistols to take out enemies from afar.
5) Capitalize On Melee Combat
Even though Space Marine 2 is a third-person shooter, it is just as much a hack-and-slash. Melee plays a pivotal role in combat because there is no stopping the enemies from getting up close and personal.
Much like the souls-like genre, an Astrates who knows how to time dodges and parry at the right window will receive the boons at the end of the mission. Or get ready to turn into biomass for the hive mind to devour.
Parry executions not only take out multiple enemies at once but also regenerate armor and provide safety frames when being overrun by Tyranids. At higher levels, melee and parrying are the only ways to top up armor and HP, making it a vital part of the playstyle.
6) Preserve Guardian Relics
At higher difficulties, Medicae Stimms are harder to come by. On top of that, the sheer amount of damage the Space Marine has to endure on these missions is bonkers. Relying on these tiny health packs is futile. Thus, their usage should only be considered when no other options exist.
If a player thinks they will die and their teammate is right beside them, take the fall. Let the brother-in-arms revive the player. This will allow the player to conserve the Med Stimms for when they are truly needed, like when all of the team is dead and they are the only ones left to turn the tide of war.
The same applies to the Guardian relics. These free get-out-of-jail cards should be kept for situations where the whole team is wiped. With the press of a button, a hero rises from the dead to bring back life to the entire team.
7) Actively Utilize Abilities
It’s a common occurrence where players hoard their abilities for some special moment that never comes. These abilities are the bread and butter of any class and should be availed as often as possible. Abilities like the Bulwark’s Chapter Banner benefit the whole squad by replenishing their armor, which is invaluable for their survival.
While other classes won’t provide the same level of team convenience but their consistent use won’t be wasted. For example, the Vanguard’s Grapnel Launcher could easily annihilate elite enemies. With a perk setup that heightens the ability timer, the team’s Vanguard will be zipping around the battlefield, assassinating any Majoris enemy and thinning the herd in the process.
Don’t be selfish; build abilities right and use them regularly.
With this knowledge and the Emperor’s blessing at your side, you will crush all who dare stand against HIS will in Space Marine 2. Higher Difficulties mean nothing to the hardened Angels of Death when a team of well-oiled Adeptus Astartes is sent to deliver divine wrath!