Finally, it’s here.Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, the long-anticipated sequel to the 2011 third-person shooter has arrived and we couldn’t be happier to step back into the world of40Kfor some Boltgun-blasting carnage. With such a long wait, it’s easy to say that gamers will be devouring this new installment in the series as hastily as they can.
Review: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Dig in deep against the Tyranid infestation. For the Emperor!
So what happens when it’s over? All campaigns come to an end and with only six total operations of the game, replayability is limited. Thankfully for you and your fellow Space Marines, there are plenty of similar titles that you (and your squad) can hop into and start playing.
10Remnant II
Vegetarians have some explaining to do
Part third-person looter-shooter, part souls-like,Remnant IIis a fresh take on multiple genres, splicing them together with full co-op integration and an addictive gameplay loop. With multiple classes to choose from, as well as tons of customization options to build with, there’s enough content here to keep you and your pals satisfied for a long time.
While it may be lacking in the originality and story departments (how manyreskinned bonfires and estus flasksare we going to see by the end of this year?), it makes up for it in gameplay and design, with an almost Lovecraftian atmosphere of horror looming over the game’s labyrinthian puzzles and levels.
9Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks
The wackiest game in the Warhammer franchise
If you’re looking for a completely new take on theWarhammer 40,000universe, look no further than the new free-to-play car battlerWarhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks. Twisted Metal gets an orcish twist in this free-to-play title, pitting teams ofWarhammerorcs against eachother in high-octane battles for supremacy.
The game is heavily inspired by theWarhammer 40Kspin-off tabletop game of the same name, switching from turn-based board game mechanics to a full-fledged demolition derby racing game. The game is currently available to play in early access for free on Steam, and is an absolute blast to play with friends (especially if you’re open to a goofier take on the world of 40k).
8Aliens: Fireteam Elite
For all of youRomulusfans out there
Aliens: Fireteam Elite
At the end of the day, we’re all here because we want to shoot some aliens with some big guns.Aliens: Fireteam Elitedelivers on this promise, allowing players to experience the world of theAlienuniverse with more firepower than previous games in the franchise. IfAlien: Isolationwas an homage to the helpless monster horror of the originalAlien, thenAliens: Fireteam Eliteis the homage to the guns-and-explosions-fillled sequelAliens(hence the name).
Fully playable in online-co-op,Aliens: Fireteam Eliteis a perfect choice for fans of theSpace Marineseries, mixing in elements of class-based shooters,Left 4 Deadmission structure and sci-fi horror for a killer time.
Explosive robot-on-robot action
If you’re looking for a fun solo adventure, check out the indie gameAkimbot, a third-person shooter that draws inspiration fromRatchet and Clankto create a colorful and explosive thrill ride. There are a variety of wild weapons to swap between as you take on brutal attacks from enemies, jumping and dodging out of the way as you unleash hails of bullets back at them.
Review: Akimbot
Akimbot isn’t just a Ratchet & Clank clone, it has its own merits to the sci-fi platformer genre.
At only $20,Akimbotis hard to say no to, with a refreshing take on the shooter-platformer that keeps players on their toes and laughing out loud. Blasting robots into pieces can never go wrong.
6World War Z
World War Z
The only game on the market that stands up to Space Marine 2’s massive crowds of enemies isWorld War Z, the third-person zombie shooter that brings a whole new meaning to “horde mode”. Zombies are as easy to defeat as a piece of paper, sure, but when those low-enemies are thrown at you by the hundreds, it makes for an extremely satisfying and challenging adventure.
The multiple campaigns are all playable in online co-op, taking heavy inspiration from games likeLeft 4 Deadand the originalSpace Marineto create a killer class-based zombie game. Mowing down waves of enemies has legitimately never felt this good.
5Gears of War
Brothers to the end!
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition
If you haven’t already played theGears of Warseries, consider this your sign from the universe to hop in. With the full series kicking major butt while being completely available to play in co-op, it’s no wonder theGearsfranchise is still kicking all these years later.
Fans ofSpace Marinewill love this third-person co-op shooter series for more than just its base genre similarities, though. Both franchises follow beefy soldiers built more like the Hulk than the Punisher, getting up close and personal with invading aliens (equipped with your futuristic chainsaw weapon) for some truly brutal melee and gunplay combat.
4Doom: Eternal
One hell of a game
DOOM Eternal
What did we say earlier in this list about shooting aliens with big guns? Well here’s another serving of intergalactic mayhem for you.Doom: Eternalcranks the classic shooter formula up to eleven, with enough gore and violence to please even the most sick and twisted horror fans.
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Not to say that this is a horror game (although the amount of times you may die by the hands of one enemy is truly terrifying), becauseDoom: Eternalis 110% action. And the best part? you’re able to easily grab it on sale nowadays for below $10, making it a masterpiece for your consoleandyour wallet.
3Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Don’t get cocky
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
For fans of theWarhammer 40Kuniverse looking for a deeper RPG experience, a must-play isRogue Trader, the turn-based role-playing game from Owlcat games that puts you into the shoes of an intergalactic smuggler in the world ofWarhammer. Lead your squad of companions to victory however you see fit, with aBaldur’s Gate 3-level of freedom to explore the universe with.
Fans of the 40K universe will be thrilled by the amount of references and lore in this 100+ hour campaign, but it’s also a great starting point for those looking to get into theWarhammeruniverse. If turn-based RPGs are your thing, do not overlookRogue Trader(especially since it’s fully playable in co-op).
2Helldivers 2
For liberty!
Helldivers 2
Shooting. Aliens. With. Big. Guns. you may’t have this conversation without mentioning 2024’s breakout hitHelldivers 2, the co-op shooter so chaotic that the mere act of respawning can spell certain death for your fellow squadmates. The game is brutally difficult, but the difficulty is easily balanced out by its audacity and enjoyability.
Laughs by the dozen are out there to be had with you and your friends inHelldivers 2, with aconstantly-updating collectionof weapons and missions being added to the game to battle various alien invaders. Be warned: these soldiers are not nearly as tanky as the Space Marines ofWarhammer 40K(and they tend to become easily separated from their arms, legs and heads).
1Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Shooting aliens with big guns, baby.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Left4Deadmeets theWarhammer 40Kuniverse? Yes please. One last underrated “shooting aliens with big guns”-like game for fans ofSpace Marine 2isWarhammer 40,000: Darktide, the co-op shooter from the creators of the hitWarhammer: Vermintideseries.Darktidetakes the formula of theVermintidegames and crosses it over to the40Kuniverse, swapping out swords and bows for Lasguns and grenades.
Blasting your way through levels with friends is a true delight, made even more fun with the class-system featuring archetypes from across the40Kuniverse banding together for brutal battles and epic adventures. In terms of recreating the exact feel and vibe ofSpace Marine 2, it’s hard to name a better title thanDarktideto take the throne.
