Astartes 2 Returns: Beloved Warhammer 40K Animation Resurrects

Games Workshop's highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000 animation, Astartes 2, has resurfaced with a breathtaking teaser trailer, captivating fans worldwide. However, a crucial detail emerges: the trailer showcases scenes not featured in the actual animation.

Astartes 2 serves as the sequel to the acclaimed fan-made original, created by Syama Pedersen. Considered by many as the pinnacle of Warhammer 40,000 animation, it arguably only trails Amazon's recent Space Marine 2 animation in Secret Level's anthology. Astartes' success even inspired Saber Interactive's popular Space Marine 2 video game, leading Games Workshop to recruit Pedersen for the sequel.

Years of silence surrounded Astartes 2, fueling cancellation rumors. The January 29th, 2025 teaser trailer release, however, shattered these speculations. The trailer is a visual spectacle, showcasing unprecedented scale and quality for a Warhammer 40,000 animation, featuring melee and ranged combat, vehicle warfare, and even space battles. Various Space Marine chapters clash across diverse environments, facing off against Tyranids, Orks, and Tau.

Despite the hype, Games Workshop's Warhammer Community website clarifies that the teaser footage is not from Astartes 2 itself. Instead, it's a compilation of shots representing the characters' past lives, hinting at the final storyline.

While visually stunning, the teaser's misleading nature is a concern. The lack of a disclaimer might lead to disappointment among viewers who expect the trailer's content to appear in the final product. The Warhammer Community post clarifying this is unlikely to reach all viewers.

Speculation is rife amongst fans. The final image suggests the characters form an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad. This exciting teaser has already sparked envy among Space Marine 2 fans, who hope to see elements, perhaps even capes, incorporated into the game. Given Saber Interactive's ongoing updates, this inspiration could be a real possibility. The wait for Astartes 2 continues, with its exclusive release on the Warhammer+ streaming service slated for 2026.