The Space Marine Tactical 2 loadout is the classic look and equipment of the Emperor’s Angels of Death. Here’s how to assemble the loadout and use it effectively.
Those who have played the Warhammer 40K roleplaying game will know that a Tactical Marine is the standard model of the Adeptus Astartes. Although the term has been largely replaced by Primaris in the current setting, the term Tactical is still used to describe the default and most versatile equipment of the Space Marines.
Space Marine 2 also uses it to describe this style of combat in the game’s story campaign, Operations, and PvP mode. So here’s how to put together the classic tactical build to become a Tyranid-slaying beast.
Recommended build for tactics
Here are the best weapons, items, and perks for the Tactical Build:
Best Weapons Explained
Primary Weapon – Bolt-action Rifle
Focus EntertainmentThis rifle is perfect for taking down those Tyranids.
While you can use more, here are the best advantages of the bolt-action rifle:
These benefits will help you do more damage to all enemies while ensuring your the armor remains filled at any time. We have also targeted benefits that help you reload faster and carry more ammo so you can stay in the fight longer.
Secondary Weapon – Bolt-Action Pistol
Focus EntertainmentA Bolt Pistol is the perfect reinforcement in Space Marine 2.
The Bolt Pistol is the perfect secondary weapon for the tactical build, use the following perks:
The Bolt Pistol is meant to be your backup weapon, but it has some perks that make it much more deadly. Making sure it reloads instantly, does more damage, and can carry more ammo will make the weapon feel like more than just a sidearm.
The Elite Hunter and Retaliation perks also mean that when used as part of a combo, the Bolt Pistol is a powerful tool, and not only does it buff you, but your other skills can buff it as well.
Melee Weapon – Chainsword
Focus EntertainmentA classic, but also the best.
The Chainsword is the default melee weapon for the Tactical build and is powered by the perks below:
The Chainsword will be your best friend for most of the game, especially if you stick to this build. The perks above not only increase its damage, but also its powerful strike radius, which will be a big help in controlling monsters. We also went for some defensive perks to support you when you’re in the thick of the fight.
Best Grenades for Tactics – Fragmentation Grenade
Frag Grenades are the most common form of explosives you’ll find in Space Marine 2 and are effective options for crowd control, as well as against Elites. They are also more common than Melt Bombs and Krak Grenades can be restocked quickly.
We recommend using these as your primary form of explosive throughout your sessions, and throwing them liberally as they are so easy to find. Slower and heavier enemies will be particularly vulnerable to their blast radius.
The best benefits for operations
Focus Entertainment/Games WorkshopThe Tactical Marine is the basic equipment of the Warhammer 40K tabletop game.
While PvP offers a choice of grenades, Operations benefit from character perks, which can be great for creating a powerful Space Marine. Luckily, there are several of them to get, and we suggest prioritizing the following for the Tactical build:
These perks all work passively to improve your tactical skills and weapons. Used in tandem, they will also allow you to be as powerful as most other more specialized builds. For example, we are improving your primary weapon at the expense of your secondary weapon, but we compensate for this with the Versatility perk.
By reducing recoil, you’ll also be able to shoot enemies more accurately at range. By reloading your ammo after a finishing move, you won’t need to take cover to do so. You’ll be able to get back to shooting without having to waste those precious seconds. In theory, if you move, shoot, melee, and execute in that order, you won’t even need to reload.
Essentially, the above perks will optimize the tactical setup to make it as effective as possible.
How to play Tactics
Focus Entertainment/Games WorkshopDon’t be afraid to mix things up and customize the build.
Tactical construction is essentially the Space Marines default configurationBolt Rife, Bolt Pistol and Chainsword, without any of the fancy gadgets of the other builds. On the tabletop, this is the standard build for Space Marines. While it looks basic, it is actually the simplest build complete and versatile construction you can use.
It’s reliable and will allow you to withstand any storm the game throws at you, whether in PvP or PvE. You’ll have a solid main weapon for ranged combat, a medium-range but effective melee weapon, and a backup weapon if you’re running low on ammo. So, switch between these weapons as needed.
Don’t be afraid to adapt the construction to suit your needs as you gain confidence in using it. For example, there’s no harm in upgrading your Bolt Rife to the grenade launcher option for more firepower. Or you may decide to take advantage of the Plasma perks and use a Plasma Pistol as your sidearm instead.
While not as effective for crowd control, you may decide to use the Combat Knife or Energy Sword instead of the Chainsword. In particular, the Tactical build gives you a excellent base from which you can customize and create your ideal Outremer.
If you’re looking to go with more specialized gear, check out our analysis of the Rampart and Assault builds.
