Space Marine 2 Anniversary Update II: Chaos Siege, Crucible and the Year 3 Roadmap
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is back in Steam's weekly top 20 sellers, two years after launch. The reason is Anniversary Update II , a free patch from Sa...
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is back in Steam's weekly top 20 sellers, two years after launch. The reason is Anniversary Update II, a free patch from Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment that arrived in early October 2026. It lets you play as Chaos Space Marines for the first time, adds a new risk-and-reward Crucible system and kicks off the game's third year of content. Here is everything in the update, what is coming next and how to get the game cheaply.
Anniversary Update II at a Glance
Price: Free for all players on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Headline mode: Chaos Siege, a PvE mode where you play as Chaos Space Marines.
New system: The Crucible, which lets you add Penances (debuffs) for better rewards.
New weapon: One-Handed Thunder Hammer for four classes.
Class changes: A reworked Tactical class with more flexible perks.
Paid extras: Two new cosmetic packs, one included with Season Pass 3.
Chaos Siege: Play as the Traitors
Chaos Siege is a new take on the wave-based Siege mode. For the first time in PvE, you control Chaos Space Marines and fight Tyranids, Cadian Guardsmen and loyalist Space Marines across two new Siege sectors set on the world of Avarax. It is the biggest change to Space Marine 2's co-op since launch and the main reason lapsed players are coming back.
The Crucible System
The Crucible lets you equip Penances, which are negative modifiers that make missions harder. Every successful run with Penances active moves you toward exclusive rewards, including a full Lamenters armour set. It gives veteran players a reason to replay operations at higher difficulty without waiting for new missions.
New Weapon, Heroic Variants and Tactical Rework
One-Handed Thunder Hammer: Usable by the Tactical, Assault, Bulwark and Techmarine classes.
Heroic variants: New versions of the Power Axe, Auto Bolt Rifle and One-Handed Thunder Hammer, plus two new pauldrons and an Iron Halo in the Armoury.
Tactical rework: Reworked perks support two primary weapons, Gun Strike builds and stronger melee options.
For the full patch notes, see the official Anniversary Update announcement on Warhammer Community.
Paid Cosmetic Packs
Space Wolves Champion Pack: A Wolf Guard Champion skin for the Bulwark, with a Space Wolves shield and a unique hammer. It is included with Season Pass 3.
Exorcists Cosmetic Pack: Six armour pieces inspired by the Imperium's daemon hunters, sold separately.
All gameplay content in the update, including Chaos Siege and the Crucible, is free. The packs are cosmetic only.
Year 3 Roadmap and Switch 2 Version
Rest of 2026: More cosmetic packs for Season Pass 3 holders.
2027: A free new class, the Apothecary, plus more weapons and operations.
Nintendo Switch 2: Space Marine 2 was announced for Switch 2 in a Nintendo Direct and is due this holiday season, with the full campaign, three-player co-op and PvE and PvP modes.
Should You Buy Space Marine 2 Now?
With two years of free updates, seven classes and a new Chaos mode, Space Marine 2 now offers far more than it did at launch. It is also in the PS Plus Extra catalog, so PS5 subscribers can try it at no extra cost. If you want to own it, compare Space Marine 2 key prices on CDKeyCompares. Most PC keys activate on Steam, so check the platform and region on each offer before you buy.
More Warhammer 40,000 Games to Play
Space Marine - Master Crafted Edition: The 2025 remaster of the original 2011 game, where Titus' story begins. Compare Master Crafted Edition prices.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun: A fast, retro-style boomer shooter starring a lone Space Marine. Compare Boltgun prices.
You can read about the Switch 2 version on Focus Entertainment's official news page.
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FAQ
Is Space Marine 2 Anniversary Update II free?
Yes. Chaos Siege, the Crucible system, the One-Handed Thunder Hammer and the Tactical rework are free for every player. Only the two cosmetic packs cost extra.
Can you play as Chaos in Space Marine 2?
Yes. The new Chaos Siege mode lets you play as Chaos Space Marines in PvE, fighting Tyranids, Cadians and loyalist Space Marines on Avarax.
What is the Crucible in Space Marine 2?
The Crucible lets you add Penances, which are debuffs that make missions harder. Completing missions with Penances active earns rewards such as a Lamenters armour set.
Is Space Marine 2 coming to Switch 2?
Yes. Focus Entertainment confirmed a Switch 2 version for the 2026 holiday season, including the campaign, three-player co-op and PvE and PvP modes.
What is coming to Space Marine 2 in 2027?
The Year 3 roadmap includes a free new Apothecary class, plus more weapons and operations, arriving in 2027.