Understanding the Timeline and Lore of Warhammer 40k: When Does Space Marine 2 Occur?

<p>As Space Marine 2 is set nearly two hundred years after the 2011 installment, this article outlines how the sequel integrates into the Warhammer 40k timeline.

After 13 long years, Captain Titus has made his much-anticipated return in the latest Space Marine adventure. However, a few elements have changed since his last appearance.

Initially voiced by Mark Strong, the character has been recast for this installment. Clive Standen now lends his voice to Titus, giving him a rugged tone that reflects decades of intense interrogation by the Inquisition.

The first game concluded with Titus saving the forge world of Graia as a Captain, only to be detained by the Inquisition due to suspected corruption. For more than a hundred years, he remained in stasis, periodically released for questioning.

Following an assessment that cleared him of Chaos corruption, Titus became a member of the elite Deathwatch, serving faithfully until the prologue of Space Marine 2. But what significant battles do the Ultramarines face as Titus returns? Here’s what players need to be aware of.

What Timeframe Does Space Marine 2 Occupy?

space marine 2 prologue scene — Focus Entertainment

Titus in Deathwatch armor during the prologue of Space Marine 2.

The storyline of Space Marine 2 unfolds during the Era Indomitus in the 41st Millennium, commonly referred to as the Age of the Dark Imperium. This era followed the Fall of Cadia, which was marked by the emergence of the Great Rift that split the Imperium in half.

With the return and leadership of Lord Commander Roboute Guilliman, the Ultramarines are now engaged in the arduous task of reconnecting the Imperium and reclaiming lost territories.

Space Marine 2 arrives amidst the ongoing battles of the Fourth Tyrannic War, occurring deep within the Indomitus Crusade.

Integration of Space Marine 2 into the Warhammer 40k Timeline

space marine 2 warhammer 40k scene — Focus Entertainment

Titus combats numerous Tyranid forces in Space Marine 2.

Importantly, Space Marine 2 is set during the Fourth Tyrannic War, which commenced with the largest Tyranid fleet ever, Hive Fleet Leviathan, launching an offensive against the Western Reaches of the Segmentum Pacificus.

This sector of the galaxy was inadequately defended, particularly because the Imperium’s forces were focused on addressing the ramifications of the Great Rift.

Despite the Tyranids operating under a hive mind, their coordinated assault on Imperial space has resulted in them splintering into waves attacking various planets. This strategy has complicated the Ultramarines’ efforts, dividing the attention of their Cadian allies.

Lieutenant Titus leads his team through various missions aimed at repelling the Tyranid forces, safeguarding critical Imperial assets, and countering the persistent threats from Chaos. During these missions, Titus confronts a menace reminiscent of the powers he overcame two centuries earlier on Graia.

The conclusion of Space Marine 2 holds significant implications for the Warhammer 40k lore, making it essential for players to familiarize themselves with. Additionally, the Year One roadmap indicates that developer Saber Interactive plans to explore the Warhammer universe further through ongoing support for this sequel.

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