Space Marine 2 Modders to Add Tau, Necrons, and More, Including a Fishing Mini-Game

Fans of *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* are thrilled following a groundbreaking move by the developer, who has opened up its internal editor to modders, igniting hopes that the game could enjoy a prolonged lifespan fueled by user-generated content, much like the iconic *Skyrim*.

Game director Dmitry Grigorenko took to the *Space Marine 2* modding Discord to announce what he termed “our biggest milestone yet in supporting the modding community.” Saber Interactive, the developer, has now released the official Integration Studio for public use, the very tool they employ for all their gameplay development. This initial release allows modders to dive into everything from crafting level scenarios to designing new game modes, tweaking AI behavior, abilities, and melee combo logic, adjusting user interfaces and HUD elements, and generally speeding up and simplifying modding work on *Space Marine 2*.

“Not long ago, I promised we would support the modding scene — and we meant it,” Grigorenko stated. “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, wild new game mode, or something we never saw coming.”

To kick things off, Grigorenko shared humorous concept art for a "Fishing With Daddy Calgar" mini-game, featuring Marneus Calgar, leader of the Ultramarines chapter, which is now technically feasible with these new tools.

The race is on to create Space Marine 2's first fishing mini-game mod. Image credit: Saber Interactive / Discord.

To gauge the modding community's plans for the editor, I spoke with Tom, known as *Warhammer Workshop*, the creative force behind *Space Marine 2’s Astartes Overhaul*. Having just released a mod that enables 12-player co-op in *Space Marine 2*, Tom now has access to all the scripting tools that govern mission dynamics and various game components such as weapons and abilities.

This means modders can now experiment with innovative game modes, such as a roguelite mode where players start with just a combat knife amidst campaign swarm sequences, facing progressively tougher enemies with chances to gain weapons, ammo, and health upon defeating foes. “Killing a Carnifex might grant you a Heavy Bolter,” Tom proposed.

While a new cinematic campaign featuring Chaos is within reach, Tom noted that creating cutscenes remains challenging due to the absence of animation tools for modders. However, he is currently working on adding new factions like the Tau and Necrons, utilizing available rigs. Meanwhile, the *Space Marine 2* modding community is enthusiastically working on the "Fishing With Daddy Calgar" mini-game mod as challenged by Grigorenko.

The response from *Space Marine 2* fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Although the game is well-received and among the top-selling Warhammer video games, it initially offered only three factions: Space Marines, Chaos (including Chaos Marines and Tzeentch Daemons), and the Tyrannids. While fans had hoped for DLC to expand the faction roster, the new modding tools empower them to take the game's development into their own hands.

“This is how you keep a game alive for years like Skyrim,” remarked redditor Mortwight, highlighting the potential longevity the modding community could bring to *Space Marine 2*.

This development comes at a particularly interesting time, as Saber and publisher Focus Entertainment have announced that *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3* is in development. Some fans have voiced concerns over the implications for potential DLC for *Space Marine 2*, but both Saber and Focus have reassured the community that they are not abandoning the game. With modders now wielding the editor, *Space Marine 2* is poised for a bright future.