When and where does Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 take place?

The much anticipated Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 is releasing soon and the hype around the game is immeasurable. Following the success of the first game over a decade ago, the sequel promises even more intense battles and an epic storyline. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of 2024 to try out.

A lot of fans are probably not sure about when and where Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 takes place, and that is exactly what this article aims to cover.

Note: This article may contain potential spoilers, readers are advised to proceed at their discretion.

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Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 timeline and theme explained

Space Marine 2 takes place a long time after Space Marine 1 (Image via Focus Entertainment)

According to the lore, the Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 storyline is set during the Era Indomitus, a pivotal period in the 41st Millennium. This era follows the return of Roboute Guilliman, who leads the Imperium. The main objective of this crusade is to reclaim lost territories and save The Imperium from collapsing. You play the role of Captain Titus, one of The Imperium's key warriors.

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The specific campaign led by Guilliman during the Era Indomitus is called the Indomitus Crusade. During it, the Hive Fleet Leviathan emerged, which caught the Imperium off guard. The Hive Fleet Leviathan is one of the largest fleets of Tyranids, an alien species from outside the galaxy.

The story revolves around the mysterious Project Aurora, a powerful weapon that is capable of closing the Great Rift that has brought Chaos and devastation to countless worlds. As the game progresses, the implications of Project Aurora become more complex, intensifying the storyline.

The Ultramarines are fighting against two major issues throughout the game: The Tyranids and the Forces of Chaos from Space Marine 1. Captain Titus struggles with guilt and a quest for redemption following his experiences in the first game. His journey is defined by a sense of honor with orders and suspicions.

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Why was Captain Titus arrested in Space Marine 1?

Captain Titus (Image via Focus Entertainment)

Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 1 was set nearly a century before the sequel, in the Forge World Graia. Captain Titus was the commanding officer of the Ultramarines who were fighting against the Orks. During the same time, they also encountered Chaos, the enemy of all life in the universe that corrupted anyone with its force. Lord Nemeroth, the leader of Chaos in Graia is the antagonist.

Captain Titus was arrested by the Inquisition, a secret organization hunting the threats to humanity. The reason behind the arrest was the suspicion of him being affiliated with Chaos. He surrendered on the condition that the Inquisition would let the other Ultramarines go, to which they agreed. A century later, Captain Titus returned in Space Marine 2.

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Read more Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 articles here:

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• All classes in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2