The highly anticipated Obelisk Update for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has arrived, bringing a wealth of new content and improvements to the popular third-person shooter. Available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, this update introduces a new Operation, a formidable enemy type, and a host of gameplay enhancements. Developer Saber Interactive continues its commitment to providing ongoing support and enriching the Space Marine 2 experience.
This substantial update, version 5.0, marks a significant step forward for the game since its launch in September. The centerpiece of this update is the new Obelisk Operation, accompanied by the introduction of the Tzaangor Enlightened enemy. Alongside these major additions, the update also addresses various aspects of the game, including UI/UX improvements, gameplay refinements, and weapon balancing adjustments.
Below are the complete patch notes detailing the extensive changes implemented in the Obelisk Update.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Update #5 Patch Notes
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New Features
Obelisk Operation
Deploy to Demerium in this new Operation where your mission is to manipulate a replica obelisk. By rotating this structure, you’ll disrupt the energy flow protecting the vital Aurora device. This operation unfolds concurrently with the climactic events of the main campaign storyline. Navigate the darkness-shrouded tomb to reach the obelisk’s control console and complete your objective.
Tzaangor Enlightened Enemy
Prepare to encounter the Tzaangor Enlightened, a new Majoris enemy type that can now appear in all Operations featuring the Thousand Sons faction. These formidable adversaries pose a significant threat, especially in larger numbers.
According to the Game Director, “The Tzaangor Enlightened is a disk-flying, melee/ranged hybrid unit. They are fearsome opponents, especially when met in greater numbers. However, capitalizing on their vulnerabilities after a parry or during a long animation presents an opportunity to eliminate them. Utilizing Target Lock is highly recommended when facing this enemy!”
Dark Angels Chapter Pack (Season Pass Content)
- New cosmetic options for Dark Angels Successor Chapters.
- New Dark Angels Champion skin (Bulwark).
- New Dark Angels-themed weapon skins for:
- Auto Bolt Rifle
- Plasma Pistol
- Power Sword
- Bulwark’s Storm Shield
Gameplay and Balancing Tweaks
Melee Combat Overhaul
The melee combat system has undergone significant revisions in this update. Recognizing the over-reliance on the “Parry -> Gun Strike” tactic on higher difficulties, the developers have implemented changes to diversify combat approaches.
Normal melee damage has received a substantial boost across the board, offering viable alternatives to the parry-gun strike combo. Blocking weapons have been reworked with the introduction of the Perfect Block and Adrenaline Surge mechanic. Perfectly timed blocks now grant up to three stacks of Adrenaline Surge, significantly amplifying melee damage. Attacking with three stacks unleashes a powerful AoE attack, staggers enemies, and restores one armor segment. These adjustments aim to create a more balanced and engaging melee experience.
Perfect Block and Weapon Adjustments
- Perfect Block: Perfectly timed blocks with blocking weapons now grant Adrenaline Surge stacks, enhancing subsequent melee attacks.
- Fencing Weapons: Parry AoE stagger radius slightly reduced.
- Balanced Weapons: Parry AoE stagger radius significantly increased; damage increased across Master-crafted, Artificer, and Relic versions.
- Blocking Weapons: Damage increased across Master-crafted, Artificer, and Relic versions.
- Unarmed/Firearm Melee: Stomps can now be chained indefinitely.
Firearms and Grenade Launcher
While most firearms are performing well, minor tweaks are planned for a future patch. Patch 7 will focus on reworking weapon perks, addressing their current underperformance compared to class perks. The Grenade Launcher will also receive attention in a future update, addressing bugs and balance concerns related to ammo restoration, damage output, and Auspex Scan interactions.
Volkite Weapon Adjustments
Volkite weapon damage sensitivity increased against specific enemy types, including Devourer, Barbed Strangler, and Venom Cannon Tyranid Warriors, as well as Rubric Marines and Zoanthropes.
Extermination Bonus and XP Gain
A new feature encourages thorough enemy elimination in Operations by awarding bonus XP based on the percentage of enemies killed. This incentivizes engaging with all encounters without penalizing players who prefer to bypass some. This change also prepares for future features like Prestige Ranks.
Gameplay Quality of Life Improvements
Several quality-of-life improvements enhance the overall gameplay experience. Dodge invulnerability is now client-sided for improved responsiveness, players are invulnerable during knockback animations, and jump pack launch animations have added invulnerability frames. Dodge and parry sound notifications are clearer, Heavy’s Barrier activation is more flexible, Vanguard’s Grapnel Launcher is more responsive, spawn protection has been added to PvP, and the Neo-Volkite Pistol is now available in PvP.
AI and Enemy Behavior
Shielded Zoanthropes now attack less frequently, and adjustments to the enemy spawn director prevent players from facing Extremis-level enemies immediately after mission start. Various minor animation fixes have also been implemented.
Customization Options
New lens color customization options have been added. Shading issues with Balthasar Gold and Ushabti Bone colors have been resolved, along with fixes for armor piece coloring bugs.
Operations and Level Adjustments
The Fall of Atreus operation has been streamlined for a shorter duration. The second Dreadnought sequence is now randomized, and the fusion battery only requires one charge in the final sequence. Numerous minor fixes address level geometry collision and enemy pathing issues.
Perks and Bug Fixes
Existing perk bugs have been addressed in this patch, with a more extensive perk rework planned for Patch 6.
General Fixes and Technical Improvements
Numerous fixes and improvements address issues such as XP rewards for kicked players, Turret Charging Wheel exit speed, achievement tracking, Combat Knife behavior, Heavy’s Primary Weapon functionality, party leader loading screens, enemy damage sensitivity, Heldrake behavior, Imurah damage vulnerability, PvP death screens, customization visibility, Neo-Volkite Pistol effects, block stance piercing, Bulwark’s Armour of Contempt perk, Vanguard’s Zone of Impact perk, charged attack buffs, and various UI and localization issues.
Tech Enhancements
Support for FSR 3 and DLSS 3 Frame Generation has been added. Crash fixes, stability improvements, connectivity enhancements, performance optimizations, texture streaming speed improvements, and Anti-Cheat enhancements are also included in this update.
Conclusion
The Obelisk Update significantly enhances Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 with its new content, gameplay refinements, and technical improvements. Saber Interactive’s ongoing dedication to supporting and expanding the game promises a richer and more engaging experience for players across all platforms. Jump back into the fray and experience the latest evolution of Space Marine 2.
