The detailed lore ofWarhammer 40,000has made its way from tabletop games, to books, to card games, to online shows, and even to video games from time to time. While it can be intimidating to get involved in, there are a lot of great stories in 40k.
Regardless of which genre of game you like, there is probably a 40k video game you’d like, but two of the most well-received games in the universe have beenDarktideandSpace Marine 2. Shooters in their own right, each of them has their strengths and weaknesses. But which of them outclasses the other?
9Gameplay - Space Marine 2
Darktide’s gameplay is fast-paced, tense, and often overwhelming, as various hordesand specialist enemiesare thrown at you at random. Its tight confines add to this as you and the other three rejects try your best to survive.
Space Marine 2 also throws waves of enemies at you, but it is a masterclass at making you feel powerful. From gunning down hordes of tyranids to even the weight you feel as Titus moves around the map, it all makes you want to dive into chapter after chapter of the game.
8Plot - Space Marine 2
Darktide wasn’t meant to have too much of an overarching plot. Instead, you’re mostly stuck in an unending war in theunderhives of Tertium, which is pretty on par with how 40k can be tonally. You do get some new storylines in various seasons or through NPC dialogue.
Space Marine 2 does focus more on the game’s main plot, so much so that it actually ties into some of the established lore of the 41st and 42nd millenniums. You’ll see Titus move through the twists and turns of being a space marine in the Emperor’s service as you fight your way through mission after mission.
7Graphics - Space Marine 2
Both games are a visual treat to behold. Darktide establishes itself with a lot of dark hallways, grime, and sharp corners. It is almost a shock when a mission throws you into a space where you can see the sun for the first time.
Space Marine 2’s visuals are often times jaw-dropping, which is why it takes the lead in this facet. Each setting is beautiful in its own way, from dark mechanical hallways to lush alien swamps and even hallowed graveyards.
6Sound Design - Darktide
Each of the games has a fair amount of sound design to help bring excitement and emotion to the player. Space Marine 2 has some impressive moments where you can audibly hear the war around you, or the music swells as something grand happens.
Darktide’s soundtrack, though, is exceptional. Under Jesper Kyd, the music fits not only the tone of the world around you but also feels appropriate, with plenty of technological grittiness. You’ll find yourself moving with the music, even as waves of enemies approach you.
5Tone/lore - Tie
The Warhammer 40,000 universe isn’t the easiest to replicate in a video game. There are decades of established lore and a tone (known as grimdark) that has to be thought of in every aspect of designing the game.
That being said, both games have followed the tone and lore of 40k exceptionally well. Both are gritty, disconcerting, and unkind to the characters in them. If you want to see a visual equivalent of the books or tabletop, then either game is a good choice.
4Multiplayer/Coop - Darktide
Both games offer their own versions of playing with friends. Space Marine 2 has a great coop mode that ties into the main story and a versus mode to fight against other space marines, but Darktide comes out on top here.
Darktide, in its base form, is meant to be played with others. Sure, you can have an AI partner here and there, but it’s best when played with friends. You and the other three rejects will have plenty of fun times going from map to map, exploring the lore as you do.
3Customization - Space Marine 2
Darktide has a fair amount of customization. Each of the classes can unlock more weaponry and outfits for them to stand out from the rest of the survivors of the hive city. But, the bulk of it has been added over time.
Space Marine 2 has cornered the market on customization by tapping into one thing every 40k fan has wanted to do from the beginning:making their own space marine. From weaponry, to armor, all the way to iconography, you’re able to pretty much make most of the space marine legions you could ever want.
2Replayability - Darktide
Each of the two games won’t find you bored any time soon. Space Marine 2 has three modes, each with its own challenges and rewards, not to mention all of the various collectibles and achievements to get.
Darktide, though, is one of those games that you just keep coming back to. Fatshark keeps adding more and tweaking what is already there. That, on top of a game that is already made for a lot of replayability, makes it easy to sink hours of time into it.
1Results - Space Marine 2
All in all, Space Marine 2 comes out ahead, but just barely. Both games are great for newcomers and die-hard 40k fans, which makes them a great way for you and your friends to share their interest in 40k with those who haven’t been exposed to it.
Both games are well worth your time and money. Space Marine 2, though, has a lot going for it by continuing Titus' lore and letting players live out their space marine fantasies with their friends.
