Long-Awaited Warhammer 40,000 Animation Astartes 2 Is Back From the Dead With Incredible Teaser Trailer — but There’s a Catch

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

Astartes 2, a sequel to the acclaimed fan-made original by Syama Pedersen, is considered a landmark achievement in Warhammer 40,000 animation. Its impact is undeniable, even inspiring Saber Interactive's successful Space Marine 2. Games Workshop subsequently hired Pedersen to helm the sequel.

After a prolonged silence, the teaser trailer dropped on January 29th, 2025, generating significant excitement. The trailer boasts breathtaking visuals, showcasing intense melee combat, ranged firefights, vehicle warfare, and even spaceship battles. Various Space Marine chapters clash across diverse environments, facing off against Tyranids, Orks, and Tau.

Despite the hype, Games Workshop clarified on the Warhammer Community website that the teaser is a compilation of shots representing the characters' pasts, not actual scenes from Astartes 2. The final shot subtly hints at the overarching narrative.

While the trailer is visually impressive, its misleading nature is a concern. The lack of a disclaimer might lead viewers to expect the depicted scenes in the final product, especially those who don't see the Warhammer Community post.

Speculation is rife, with many believing the characters will eventually form an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad. The teaser's impact is already evident, with Space Marine 2 fans expressing envy and hoping for some of the visuals to be incorporated into the game, particularly the capes. Given Saber Interactive's ongoing updates, this cross-pollination of inspiration seems plausible.

Astartes 2 is slated for release in 2026 exclusively on Games Workshop's Warhammer+ streaming service.