Games Workshop's highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000 animation, Astartes 2, has resurfaced with a stunning teaser trailer, captivating fans worldwide. However, a crucial detail has emerged: the trailer showcases footage not included in the actual animation.

Astartes 2, a sequel to the acclaimed fan-made original by Syama Pedersen, is considered a landmark achievement in Warhammer 40,000 animation. Its predecessor's success even influenced Saber Interactive's Space Marine 2. Games Workshop subsequently hired Pedersen to helm the sequel.

After a prolonged silence, the teaser trailer dropped on January 29th, 2025, generating significant buzz. The trailer boasts unprecedented scale and visual fidelity, depicting intense melee combat, ranged firefights, vehicle warfare, and even epic spaceship battles. Various Space Marine chapters clash across diverse landscapes, facing off against Tyranids, Orks, and Tau.

Despite the impressive visuals, Games Workshop clarified on the Warhammer Community website that the teaser is a compilation of shots representing the characters' past lives, not actual scenes from Astartes 2. The trailer subtly hints at the final storyline, leaving fans to decipher the clues.

The lack of a disclaimer on the trailer itself is a potential misstep, as many viewers might mistakenly assume the footage is from the upcoming animation. This omission could lead to disappointment upon the animation's release.

The teaser's final image suggests the characters ultimately join an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad, sparking much speculation among fans. The impressive visuals have already ignited interest from Space Marine 2 players, who are hoping some of the showcased elements, particularly the capes, might find their way into the game. Given Saber Interactive's ongoing updates, this possibility remains a tantalizing prospect. Astartes 2 is slated for release in 2026 exclusively on Games Workshop's Warhammer+ streaming service.