Warhammer 40,000 has built an immense and dedicated fanbase over the years, with many enthusiasts taking it upon themselves to contribute creatively to its universe. Among the numerous fan-made projects, few have gained as much admiration as “Astartes,” a captivating YouTube series created by Syama Pedersen. This series focuses on the Retributors Chapter launching an assault on an enemy vessel. Remarkably, it tells its story almost entirely without dialogue, relying instead on the intense action of the Space Marines and the enigmatic alien artifacts they come across.
The popularity of “Astartes” was undeniable, so much so that Games Workshop decided to bring Pedersen on board. Just this past Wednesday, they surprised fans with a new teaser trailer for “Astartes 2.”
In this thrilling trailer, fans are treated to a montage of dynamic action sequences featuring an array of Space Marine Chapters. The familiar faces of the Retributors make a comeback from the original series, but this time they’re joined by the Blood Angels, Mortifactors, Sons of Medusa, and Scythes of the Emperor. According to a post from the Warhammer Community, these clips don’t directly come from the upcoming series. Instead, they serve as intriguing glimpses into the history and legacy of each Chapter. The presence of a Deathwatch Terminator towards the trailer’s end hints that these Space Marines might unite under the banner of the Deathwatch, an elite force dedicated to combating alien threats using warriors from various Chapters.
We’ll need to be patient, as “Astartes 2” is set to release in 2026. It looks set to capture the same spirit as its predecessor, with minimal dialogue but plenty of action-packed sequences and looming alien threats. Interestingly, Pedersen has also contributed to “And They Shall Know No Fear,” part of Amazon’s Secret Level anthology linked to Space Marine 2. Fans can look forward to catching “Astartes 2” on Warhammer Plus, a streaming service offering a diverse collection of animations, tutorials, and additional content for both 40K enthusiasts and Age of Sigmar devotees.
