Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 to Get Mod Support Post-Launch

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 fans have received fantastic news, as the developer has granted modders access to its powerful internal editor. This move has ignited hopes that the game could achieve a 'Skyrim-like' legacy, enduring for years through vibrant user-generated content.

Game director Dmitry Grigorenko made the announcement on the Space Marine 2 modding Discord, calling it "our biggest milestone yet in supporting the modding community."

Saber Interactive has now released its official Integration Studio for public use. This is the exact same editor the development team uses internally for all gameplay creation. This initial release empowers modders to work with level scenarios, game modes, AI behavior, abilities, melee combo logic, user interface, and HUD elements, significantly speeding up and simplifying the modding process for Space Marine 2.

"Not long ago, I promised we would support the modding scene — and we meant it," said Grigorenko. "Watching this community grow, push boundaries, and create incredible experiences has been both inspiring and humbling. We're excited to see what you build next — whether it's a cinematic campaign, a wild new game mode, or something we never imagined."

To kick things off, Grigorenko shared playful concept art for a potential "Fishing With Daddy Calgar" mini-game, which is now technically feasible with these new tools. Calgar refers to Marneus Calgar, the legendary Chapter Master of the Ultramarines.

To understand what the modding community plans to do, I spoke with Tom, also known as Warhammer Workshop, the creator behind the popular Space Marine 2 Astartes Overhaul. Fresh from releasing a 12-player co-op mod, Tom explained he now has access to all the scripting tools that control mission events, as well as components like weapons and abilities.

This opens up possibilities like a roguelite mode where players start with just a combat knife in a campaign swarm sequence, facing progressively tougher enemies with chances to find weapons, ammo, and health. "Killing a Carnifex might grant you a Heavy Bolter," Tom suggested.

Regarding a brand-new cinematic campaign, Tom noted that a Chaos campaign is "definitely" achievable. However, creating new cutscenes is more challenging, as modders currently lack access to the necessary animation tools.

Nevertheless, Tom is planning to add new factions like the Tau and Necrons to Space Marine 2, as the existing character rigs can accommodate them. Meanwhile, the modding community has taken up Grigorenko's challenge and is racing to create the actual "Fishing With Daddy Calgar" mini-game.

The fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, and for good reason. While Space Marine 2 has been well-received and is one of the best-selling Warhammer games ever, its official content is relatively focused, featuring only three factions: Space Marines, Chaos (a mix of Chaos Marines and Tzeentch Daemons), and the Tyranids. Players who hoped for DLC to expand the roster (the campaign teased the Necrons) can now take matters into their own hands.

"This is how you keep a game alive for years like Skyrim," commented Reddit user Mortwight.

This development is especially interesting, given that Saber Interactive and publisher Focus Entertainment have announced Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 is in development. Some fans have expressed concern about what this means for potential Space Marine 2 DLC, though both companies have insisted they are not abandoning the game. Regardless, Space Marine 2's future is now much brighter with these powerful tools in the hands of modders.