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 that has captivated fans. However, a crucial detail has emerged: none of the footage in the teaser will actually appear in the final animation.

Astartes 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the fan-made original Astartes, created by Syama Pedersen, widely considered the pinnacle of Warhammer 40,000 animation. Its impact is undeniable, even inspiring Saber Interactive's successful Space Marine 2. Games Workshop subsequently hired Pedersen to work on the sequel.

Years of silence surrounding Astartes 2 fueled speculation of cancellation, until the surprise January 29th release of the teaser trailer. This trailer showcases breathtaking visuals, featuring intense melee combat, ranged firefights, vehicle warfare, and even space battles, all rendered with exceptional quality. Various Space Marine chapters clash across diverse environments against formidable foes, including Tyranids, Orks, and Tau.

The trailer effectively generates hype, but Games Workshop's Warhammer Community website revealed a significant caveat: the footage is not from the animation itself. Instead, it's a compilation of shots representing the characters' past lives, with a subtle hint at the final storyline.

While the teaser is visually impressive, its deceptive nature is a concern. The lack of a disclaimer might lead to disappointment among viewers who expect the trailer's content to be in the final product. Many fans may not see the clarifying Warhammer Community post.

Despite this, the teaser fuels speculation. The final image suggests the characters will form an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad.

The teaser has already sparked envy among Space Marine 2 fans, who hope some elements, particularly the capes, might be incorporated into the game. With Saber Interactive continuing to update Space Marine 2, further inspiration from Astartes 2 remains a possibility. Astartes 2 is slated for release in 2026 exclusively on Games Workshop's Warhammer+ streaming service.