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In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only Eternal War.Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’smultiplayer PvP component is a surprisingly fun diversion from the game’s action-packed PvE offerings, pitting two teams of Astartes against one another in objective-focused modes. The same classes from Operations are present here, although their progression systems and sandbox balance are entirely separate.
PvP combat in Space Marine 2 is much more methodical, encouraging group play and ability synergies to overthrow the opposition. But as with any class-focused game, some classes are a little stronger than others. Today, we’ll rank all six from worst to best.
How We Rank Classes
In this tier list, we rank each class based on theirease of useandoverall effectiveness against other classes.While Space Marine 2’s PvP balance is focused on class counters (rock paper scissors design), some classes are much easier to play than others. Here’s what the tiers represent:
To be clear,no class in Space Marine 2 is bad, at least in PvP. The lowest-rated classes can still dominate a PvP match in the hands of a skilled player, but you’ll be working harder for those kills than a higher-rated class.
Assault
S-Tier Classes
Both theTacticalandHeavyclasses are tied for best PvP classes in Space Marine 2. Tactical Marines have a solid dueling weapon with theBolt Rifle (with Grenade Launcher). Its primary fire has a solid TTK at medium range, while the underbarrel grenade launcher trivializes group fights. More importantly, they canhold two grenade charges.Use Shock Grenades to blind enemy targets, and you have the strongest loadout in the game. They even have team-wide wallhacks through theirAuspex Scanability.
The Heavy class doesn’t bring quite as much utility as the Tactical, but they have access to some of Space Marine 2’s strongest weapons. TheHeavy BolterandHeavy Plasma Incineratorchew through groups of unsuspecting players. You can even use yourIron Haloability to tank all incoming damage, although be aware of any Vanguards. Their grappling hook will stagger you temporarily, but this shouldn’t be an issue if you stick with your team.
Features a grenade launcher, multiple grenades, and a wallhack ability.
Highest DPS class if supported by allies.
Great selection of weapons and a strong survivability skill.
A-Tier Classes
Our A-tier classes are theBulwarkandVanguard. Both specs act as hard counters to other classes, although they usually have a small drawback. Bulwarks forgo a primary weapon for a strong off-hand shield. They’re effectively frontline tanks. Absorb enemy fire, use yourPlasma PistolandChainswordto damage nearby foes, and pop yourChapter Bannerto restore ally armor. They’re the ultimate close-range support class.
Vanguardstrade the versatility of the Tactical Marine for a powerfulGrapnel Launcher. This skill inflicts aguaranteed two-second staggeron your opponent. You’re also vulnerable during this animation, but coordinating this ability with your team can rake in tons of free kills. It’s the ultimate counter to Heavy and Bulwark players, but just be mindful of your subpar armor rating and close-range arsenal.
Bulwark
Tank/Support hybrid.
Trades a primary weapon for a physical shield, blocking enemy attacks.
Lacks ranged DPS, but has a potent class ability.
Low armor rating and CQC weapon selection.
B-Tier Classes
B-tier classes require strong game sense and team coordination to perform well.The Sniperis easily an A-tier class once you master itsCamo Cloakability, turning you invisible for a few seconds. It’s perfect for quickly repositioning or escaping a sticky situation. Run theBolt Sniper Riflefor rapid three-taps (two if you can land headshots), or use theBolt Carbineif you plan to fight up close. But when you’re first starting out, the Sniper will feel significantly worse. Practice makes perfect.
Assault has the worst weapon arsenal in the game, but they’re also the only class that can take advantage of a map’s vertical space. TheirJump Packability allows them to sour into the skies and even hover briefly. Doing this mid-fight is a death sentence in most lobbies, so you’ll mostly want to do this to reposition or clean up weaker foes. That’s convenient sinceyou don’t have a primary weapon.
You arenota class built for 1v1 duels or jumping into a group of enemies. Assault is meant forclean-ups, not raw damage. Your ground slam deals enough damage to kill weaker targets, and your melee weapons bypass armor entirely. Teamplay is a requirement to create these situations, but if you have a good squad and master each map, you can put in some serious work with that Jump Pack.
Cloak is great for repositioning but does nothing in duels.
Best class for mobility and enemy cleanups.
Trades a primary weapon for vertical maneuverability.
Awful class for 1v1 duels, but strong with a good team.
