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 worldwide. However, a crucial detail emerges: the trailer showcases scenes not included in the final animation.

Astartes 2 serves as the sequel to the acclaimed fan-made Astartes animation by Syama Pedersen, often hailed as the best Warhammer 40,000 animation to date. Its impact is undeniable, inspiring Saber Interactive's successful Space Marine 2 and leading to Games Workshop's recruitment of Pedersen for the sequel.

After years of silence, the teaser trailer's release on January 29th, 2025, generated significant excitement. The trailer boasts unprecedented scale and quality, featuring intense melee combat, ranged firefights, vehicle battles, and even space combat. 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' backstories, not actual footage from Astartes 2. The final shot hints at the narrative's direction, leaving fans to interpret the clues.

The lack of a disclaimer on the trailer itself is a potential issue, as viewers might reasonably assume the depicted scenes will appear in the final product. This omission could lead to disappointment.

Nevertheless, the teaser sparks speculation and excitement. The final image suggests the characters might form an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad. Space Marine 2 fans have already expressed envy, hoping elements from the teaser, such as capes, might find their way into the game. Given Saber Interactive's ongoing updates, this isn't entirely improbable. Astartes could once again inspire the game's development. Astartes 2 is set for an exclusive 2026 release on the Warhammer+ streaming service.