Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 Best Weapons Tier List

The bolter. The holy instrument of the God-Emperor's wrath. To wield it is to know the power of the Emperor Himself. Welcome to the WH40k Space Marine 2 weapons tier list. Here, we’ll have a look at all weapon types available in the game across all six classes. There are primary, secondary, and melee weapon slots with several weapon types for each of them.

The progression system in this game allows you to unlock more advanced weapons in the same category when you earn enough Exp. to pass a certain threshold. These, sort of, tiers are called:

• Standard – unlocked by default
• Master Crafted – unlocked by reaching 1500 Exp.
• Artificer – unlocked by reaching 7500 Exp.
• Relic – unlocked by reaching 17000 Exp.

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How Our Space Marine 2 Weapons Tier List Works

As we’ve said before, the game features three weapon slots and several weapon types within each of them. There isn’t much point in ranking each individual weapon, mainly because Relic weapons are much better than Standard weapons. But weapon types themselves are much more interesting. Each type is unique and suited for different tactical situations. Nevertheless, some weapon types are generally better than others. So, in order to determine the best weapons to use in WH40K SM2, we’re going to be using tiers where each tier means something different:

• S-Tier – the weapons in this tier are exceptional. They’re either perfect in any situation or have exceptional qualities – damage, ammo, or other properties.
• A-Tier – this tier is for meta weapons that are easy to use in both PvE and PvP. They’re the cream of the crop.
• B-Tier – a tier for good weapons, but they’re more for situational use.
• C-Tier – a tier for weapons that have better alternatives.

Let’s get a few things clear. If we’re talking about Space Marine 2 meta weapons, we’re talking about ranged weapons. While some classes are limited to melee weapons with some great and powerful options, you really can’t compare the advantage of ranged combat. That’s why we’re ranking primary, secondary, and melee slot weapons separately from each other. Also, please remember that no tier list can ever be ideal or complete. If you prefer a weapon that we placed in the D-tier over a weapon we put in the S-tier, that doesn’t mean that you’re wrong and we aren’t. At the end of the day, this game is a casual one, so you’re free to enjoy your favorite tools of destruction regardless of anyone’s tier list. With that out of the way, let’s get started.

Space Marine 2 Primary Weapons Tier List

We’ll start with the primary slot weapons because there are actually lots of them, and they’re made to be distinct and unique.

Now that you know what is the best weapon in Space Marine 2 by looking at our rankings, let’s explain our choices.

S-Tier

For this tier, we picked the best weapons in Space Marine 2 you can have in your primary slot. Just one thing to note – we’re not considering the class this weapon is available for, so if your favorite class doesn’t have a weapon from S-tier, then it's up to you – either switch to the class that has this weapon or stick to your favorites.

• Plasma Incinerator

This weapon shines due to its dual functionality: rapid firing for quick engagements and a charge-up option for delivering devastating single shots. Its adaptability makes it a top choice for any close-to-mid-range combat, where its high damage and versatility allow it to dominate the battlefield. Because of that, it has earned the title of the strongest weapon in Space Marine 2. BLOG20

• Stalker Bolt Rifle

While it may have a smaller magazine, the Stalker Bolt Rifle excels in mid-to-long-range encounters, acting much like a semi-automatic rifle, it's particularly effective against elite enemies, capable of dropping them in just a few shots, making it a lifesaver for fragile classes in tight situations.

• Las Fusil

An elite-tier sniper rifle, the Las Fusil offers exceptional power, capable of neutralizing or outright eliminating tough enemies with a single, fully-charged headshot. It is the best sniper in Space Marine 2. In the hands of a skilled sniper, this weapon can quickly thin out even the most formidable opponents, easing the pressure on frontline allies.

• Multi-Melta

A formidable upgrade over the Melta Rifle, the Multi-Melta combines shotgun-like functionality with a potent flame attack, perfect for crowd control and dealing substantial damage to larger foes. It is by far the best shotgun in Space Marine 2. Despite its limited ammo capacity, it offers a slightly better reserve than its predecessor, making it a deadly choice against mobs and elites alike.

A-Tier

These weapons are great no matter where you use them or when. They’ll be equally useful in Operations and Eternal War, provided that you take advantage of their special properties. You can even go as far as to call them current Space Marine 2 meta weapons despite the fact that they’re not perfect.

• Bolt Rifle

Straddling the line between the Stalker and Auto variants, the Bolt Rifle offers reliable performance in close-to-mid-range battles. Its balanced damage output and decent ammo reserves make it a dependable weapon for sustained combat scenarios.

• Heavy Bolt Rifle

For those preferring a higher rate of fire, the Heavy Bolt Rifle offers a solid alternative with its larger ammo capacity and quick firing speed. Though it deals slightly less damage per shot, it's excellent for mowing down hordes, though it may struggle a bit against tougher enemies.

• Melta Rifle

Operating like a short-range flamethrower, the Melta Rifle delivers incredible damage, ideal for melting through groups of enemies and dealing significant harm to larger targets. Its severe ammo limitations keep it out of the S tier, as the Multi-Melta generally outclasses it in performance.

• Instigator Bolt Carbine

With its three-round burst fire, the Instigator Bolt Carbine balances decent damage output and a high rate of fire, making it suitable for engagements across a variety of ranges. It provides consistent damage and has ample ammunition, making it a versatile choice.

B-Tier

Weapons in this tier are unironically the basic weapon types available by default to some of the classes. They get the job done, but there might be better options.

• Auto Bolt Rifle

The Auto Bolt Rifle sacrifices some stopping power for an impressive ammo capacity, excelling in crowd control but lacking punch against tougher enemies. Its ability to consistently pepper foes with bullets makes it a reliable, if not particularly flashy, option.

• Bolt Sniper Rifle

While not as powerful as the Las Fusil, the Bolt Sniper Rifle delivers substantial damage without the need to charge, making it a more straightforward and reliable option for mid-to-long-range sniping. It's particularly useful for traditional snipers who prefer quick, precise shots.

• Bolt Carbine

Functioning like a submachine gun, the Bolt Carbine offers high ammo capacity and rapid fire at the expense of lower damage and accuracy. With upgrades, it can become more precise, but it generally falls short in long-range engagements compared to other rifles.

• Heavy Bolter

Essentially an LMG, the Heavy Bolter packs a punch with a high ammo reserve but suffers from poor accuracy during sustained fire. While it can clear hordes efficiently, its unwieldiness makes it less appealing in precision situations. It is still the best lmg in Space Marine 2 and another iconic weapon preferred by the Devastator Marines.

C-Tier

These guns are just too clunky to use and thus cannot be in the Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2 weapons meta. However, this could all potentially change in future updates.

• Occulus Bolt Carbine

The Occulus Bolt Carbine struggles to stand out due to its lower accuracy and less effective upgrades compared to the standard Bolt Carbine, making it a hard sell for most loadouts.

• Heavy Plasma Incinerator

Challenging to use effectively, the Heavy Plasma Incinerator is hampered by a low ammo reserve and high consumption when charging shots. It's best reserved for elite targets in crowded scenarios but generally falls short compared to other heavy options.

Space Marine 2 Secondary Weapons Tier List

For your secondary weapon slot, also known as the sidearm, you only have three weapon types to pick from. Our Space Marine 2 gun tier list wouldn’t be complete without these sidearms.

All three options have their uses, but one of these sidearms is class-locked, while the other is too basic.

S-Tier

Plasma Pistol is the best pistol in Space Marine 2 because it is just the better variant of the standard Bolt Pistol in both damage and the added ability to charge your shots to deal way more damage, which is especially useful against elite enemies. If your class has access to it, use it.

A-Tier

Heavy Bolt Pistol is also the better version of the standard Bolt Pistol, but sadly, it’s only available to the Assault class.

B-Tier

Bolt Pistol is not useless. It will save your life whenever your primary weapon is out of ammo. It’s just a standard semi-auto life-saver, so don’t ignore it by switching to your melee whenever you are out of primary ammo.

Sidearms, in general, are used when your primary ranged weapon is out of ammo, which happens very often in this game. Ammo reserves for most ranged weapons are too limited, and many players tend to waste all of them in the first minutes of a mission. When that happens to you, whip out your trusty Bolter or Plasma Pistol and keep purging! BLOG20

Space Marine 2 Melee Weapons Tier List

Melee weapons are unique in more ways than one. So, we can’t get all Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2 weapons ranked without them. Bulwark and Assault classes can only use melee weapons and don’t have access to a ranged primary. Therefore, the emphasis on the effective use of a melee weapon is very high. Some weapons in this list are limited to one class, while others can be used as the last-stand weapon when there’s no more ammo in your primary and sidearm reserves.

S-Tier

The Thunder Hammer is the pinnacle of melee weaponry, offering immense power with every swing. Its high area-of-effect (AoE) damage allows it to clear mobs with ease, and its synergy with the Assault’s Jetpack for devastating Ground Pounds adds a unique mobility advantage. This combination of sheer damage, range, and versatility makes it the best choice for any close-quarters combat scenario.

A-Tier

A classic melee weapon, the Chainsword is dependable in one-on-one fights and performs admirably against elites. However, it falls short in crowd control compared to other melee options, limiting its effectiveness in dealing with large groups of enemies. Despite this, it remains a reliable choice that won’t let you down in standard combat situations.

The Power Sword distinguishes itself through its adaptability in combat. It can slice through elite enemies efficiently in its base form, and gains enhanced AoE capabilities when charged, making it particularly effective against large groups. This versatility makes it a formidable choice in a variety of melee engagements.

For those wondering, the Power Sword is the same as Chainsword, with the only difference being that it has a slightly different combo of attacks.

B-Tier

The Combat Knife is the weakest among the melee weapons, with limited cleaving and multi-target capabilities. Its small size and low damage make it challenging to manage large hordes effectively. However, it can be useful in specialized situations, such as executing perfect parries when adapted into a Fencing weapon, though it generally lacks the power needed for broader combat applications.

The Power Fist is designed to be an alternative to the Thunder Hammer, but it lacks both range and speed of attacks, making it extremely awkward to use. Its best-case scenario is when you’re surrounded and the enemies are in melee range. With the Power Fist you can make quick work of enemies thanks to explosive AoE attacks.

Overall, when in doubt, use the iconic Chainsword. If you have access to it, switch to the Power Sword or Thunder Hammer if you’re an Assault. Otherwise, you’re stuck using the Combat Knife, which will be your very last resort.

Conclusion

Adeptus Astartes have always had an arsenal of iconic weapons, and all of them got faithfully recreated in this game. Hopefully, our Space Marine 2 best weapons tier list 2024 highlighted the importance of adaptability and specialization in combat. While S-tier weapons often dominate due to their sheer power and versatility, it’s crucial to recognize that each weapon's effectiveness is highly context-dependent. The diverse array of primary, secondary, and melee weapons offers players the freedom to tailor their loadout to their playstyle and tactical needs, whether that means prioritizing raw damage, crowd control, or mobility.

The game's design encourages experimentation and strategic thinking; no single weapon is universally superior in every scenario. This nuanced balance ensures that even lower-tier weapons can find their place in the hands of a player who understands their strengths and limitations. Ultimately, the tier list serves as a guide, but the true key to success lies in mastering the tools at your disposal, adapting to ever-changing battlefield conditions, and making deliberate choices that align with your role within the squad.

F.A.Q.