10 Space Marine 2 tips we wish we knew before battling the Tyranids

GamesThird Person ShooterWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 210 Space Marine 2 tips we wish we knew before battling the TyranidsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. GamesThird Person ShooterWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 210 Space Marine 2 tips we wish we knew before battling the TyranidsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Focus Entertainment) With these Space Marine 2 tips, you’ll be an Adeptus Astartes veteran in no time, cleaving through Tyranids and Chaos forces with ease. Mastering the ways of bolter and melee combat is crucial in Space Marine 2, and there’s certainly a lot to master, with lots of little mechanics and useful tricks to remember to help you overcome Tyranid hordes. Although, with proper practice, good teamwork, and effective use of every tool available to you, you and your allies will be nigh unstoppable in the face of xenos and heretic foes. Steel yourself and remember these tips and tricks that we wish we knew before starting Space Marine 2. 1. Learn melee weapon combos to fight more effectively (Image credit: Focus Entertainment) While there are only five melee weapons in Space Marine 2, they all work quite differently and have their own mechanics on top of all the other combat systems. To get the most out of each melee weapon, I highly recommend learning the attack combos displayed on the pause menu, paying specific attention to which attacks can break an enemy’s guard. In short, don’t button-mash and attack with purpose! 2. Parry at every possible opportunity (Image credit: Focus Entertainment) Space Marine 2 guidesHow to unlock Space Marine 2 multiplayerSpace Marine 2 crossplayHow long is Space Marine 2?How to customize your Space Marine 2 armor Space Marine 2 guides How to unlock Space Marine 2 multiplayerSpace Marine 2 crossplayHow long is Space Marine 2?How to customize your Space Marine 2 armor How to unlock Space Marine 2 multiplayerSpace Marine 2 crossplayHow long is Space Marine 2?How to customize your Space Marine 2 armor Larger enemies are staggered when parried, often interrupting their attack patterns and leaving them vulnerable to a follow-up beating. You can also parry any melee attack from a larger enemy (not just attacks with the blue indicator) to stagger them and mark them for an easy Gun Strike. 3. Don’t panic dodge in hordes (Image credit: Focus Entertainment) When a ravenous horde of Tyranid Hormagaunts and Warriors is approaching, it’s often better to stand your ground and thin their numbers with constant attacks and parries. Hormagaunts are especially fast and agile, so outrunning them isn’t really an option and they can easily surround you no matter how much you roll away. Dodging is, however, perfect for evading ranged attacks and unblockable attacks telegraphed with a red indicator ring. Additionally, perfectly dodging any melee attack marks the attacker for a Gun Strike, letting you get an easy kill or tear a chunk of health out of an enemy. Bear this in mind when fighting bosses too. 4. Perform executions whenever you can (Image credit: Focus Entertainment) Never waste an opportunity to execute a dazed and enemy that’s flashing red. Each execution you perform provides a bar of armor for some additional protection, so if you chain executions together, you can easily regenerate your armor mid-battle. Additionally, you can initiate an execution from surprisingly far away – not just when the “Execute” prompt pops up – triggering a running animation that makes Titus completely invincible, which can help you avoid deadly attacks. The exception to this rule is to let your allies perform executions instead if they really need the armor and you don’t. 5. Change your primary weapon often, to match what’s coming (Image credit: Focus Entertainment) The enemy variety and constant changes in scenery in Space Marine 2 mean you always want to have the right tool for the job. While most primary weapons can perform capably in most encounters, it’s still a good idea to try something else if you’re about to head to new area or if you find a convenient weapon pod ahead. In the campaign, I noticed that the weapons in these pods often hinted at what was to come, providing long range weapons for open areas with lots of gun-toting Tyranids, or close-range carbine weapons or Melta Rifles for close-quarters fights. As for Operations, these weapon pods instead allow you to swap between the three loadouts for your currentSpace Marine 2 class, so it’s worth considering a switch depending on what’s ahead. 6. The Plasma Pistol is the best secondary weapon (Image credit: Focus Entertainment) 7. Don’t forget to use grenades (Image credit: Focus Entertainment) It’s always tempting to hold onto grenades for a big battle in the campaign and Operations, but they’re quite generously supplied, letting you toss them out often. Each type functions differently, so, as above, swapping out your grenades even if you’re not empty is often a good idea. Combat areas are often littered with them, so if you’re able to wander around as you fight, you might be able to collect more to explode some horrible bugs and daemons. 8. Healing is limited but fighting aggressively can save your life (Image credit: Focus Entertainment) Medicae Stimms are the main way you heal in Space Marine 2. Using this consumable item restores a modest chunk of your health bar, potentially saving you from going down for a short while. They’re also quite rare, so you need to be very careful about not using them unless you absolutely must – additionally, when playing Operations, make sure you don’t hog them! 9. Smash Imperium crates for extra supplies (Image credit: Focus Entertainment) As you charge through levels, you might come across stacks of dark green Imperium-branded wooden crates which just look like part of the scenery but can actually be smashed – roll into them rather than waste your ammo. Doing so usually uncovers small ammo packs to help you stay topped up, but occasionally you can find grenades and even Medicae Stimms. 10. Look off the beaten path for powerful weapons and items (Image credit: Focus Entertainment) While missions in Space Marine 2 are linear, there are plenty of hidden routes and nooks that hold valuable resources and interesting collectibles for you. Scouring areas can help you find dataslate collectibles and Medicae Stimms. If you’re playing the campaign, you can also find extremely powerful heavy weapons such as Heavy Bolters and Multi-Meltas, but if you’re in Operations, you’ll instead want to look forSpace Marine 2 Armory DataServo Skulls. Furthermore, one of the most important things to look out for during either mission type, particularly if you’re playing on a higher difficulty, is Guardian Relics, which give you a self-revive opportunity for when you get knocked down. You can hold one Guardian Relic at a time and using it removes a Mortal Wound and regenerates a significant amount of health. They’re very rare but well worth looking for to get yourself out of a bad situation.© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission. Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more CATEGORIESPC GamingXbox Series XPS5PlatformsXboxPlayStation CATEGORIES More about third person shooterAfter hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingMarvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the yearLatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest► More about third person shooterAfter hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingMarvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the yearLatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest► More about third person shooterAfter hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingMarvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year More about third person shooter After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingMarvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarming After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarming Marvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year Marvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year LatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest► Latest I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty See more latest► Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones Most Popular How to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzle How to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe code Where to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2 FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and Salah What is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get it Everything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansion Best Path of Exile 2 Ranger Build Where to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and key Everything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends Warbond Where to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana Jones How to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”