Get into the action with Space Marine 2: Recruit Edition Board Game, a perfect intro to Warhammer 40k, complete with miniatures to target!
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Board Game – Recruit Edition Review & Comparison
Updated November 18th, 2024, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
Lieutenant Titus is back, and this time, he’s not just commanding forces on your screen—he’s battling it out on your tabletop in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Recruit Edition! Whether you’re a newcomer to Warhammer or someone with more Space Marines than socks, this new boxed game offers something for everyone.
This cool new Space Marine 2 board game box set has a release date of Saturday, the 28th of September, and is only available from Warhammer stores, unlike the one that you can still get from Target Stores.
Let’s break down all the awesome contents packed inside this 30-minute, two-player battle of wits and warfare, plus the epic extras that will turn your living room into a battlezone of miniature mayhem.
Recruit Edition Contents
- Miniatures:
- 1 Ultramarine Lieutenant Demetrian Titus miniature.
- 10 Tyranid Termagant miniatures.
- 1 Ripper Swarm miniature.
- Hobby Tools:
- Clippers for assembling miniatures.
- Paintbrush for detailing miniatures.
- Paints:
- Macragge Blue.
- Wraithbone.
- Naggaroth Night.
- Balthasar Gold.
- One additional unspecified color.
- Rulebook and Lore:
- 48-page handbook with game rules and Warhammer 40k lore.
The Hero: Lieutenant Demetrian Titus
You know him, you love him (or at least fear/respect him)—Titus, the Ultramarine hero from the Space Marine video game, makes his miniature debut here in style. Clad in iconic blue power armor, he’s equipped with a chainsword and bolter, ready to mow down hordes of xenos.
This mini isn’t just a lump of plastic; it’s a symbol of everything the Imperium stands for—duty, honor, and just a little bit of righteous fury.
For those unfamiliar, Titus is no ordinary Space Marine. He’s gone toe-to-toe with some of the nastiest foes the galaxy can throw at him. His presence on your tabletop lets you bring that raw power and grim resolve into every game. Whether you’re painting him up in the included Macragge Blue or positioning him tactically to outwit your opponent, Titus is here to teach you the true meaning of “For the Emperor!”
The Foes: Tyranid Termagants and Ripper Swarm
On the other side of this battle, we have the infamous Tyranids. Creepy, crawly, and utterly relentless, these xenos aren’t here to negotiate—they’re here to consume. Ten Termagants and a Ripper Swarm make up Titus’ opposition, and while they might not seem like much individually, Tyranids never fight fair. It’s not about the individual bug; it’s about the horde.
These minis are perfect for new painters, giving you a chance to experiment with details like claws and carapaces. The included Wraithbone, Naggaroth Night, and Balthasar Gold paints are just the right combo to bring these horrors to life (and to death, thanks to Titus).
Game Accessories & Rules
In addition to the 12 models, you get five paints and some essential hobby tools like clippers—meaning this box isn’t just about gaming; it’s your gateway into the hobby side of Warhammer. The included brush will help you get started, while the clippers let you easily free your heroes and villains from their sprues.
Plus, the 48-page handbook lays out the rules and provides some background lore for the universe, so you’re not left scratching your head when someone mentions the Great Devourer. It’s all very hands-on, designed to pull you right into the action.
Recruit Edition vs. Target’s Space Marine Board Game
Now, for those wondering how this compares to the Target version of the Space Marine 2 Board Game, let’s break it down. Both games feature push-fit models of Titus and the Tyranid swarm, so you’re getting the same core gameplay experience in both.
However, the Recruit Edition brings the added bonus of hobby gear, including paints, a brush, and clippers—making it an all-in-one package for someone just starting out in miniature gaming.
The Target-exclusive Space Marine 2 Board Game was perfect for folks looking for a quick and straightforward gaming experience without the extra tools. It’s a simple “get it, build it, play it” deal. On the other hand, Recruit Edition feels more like an introduction to the full Warhammer hobby.
You’re not just playing a game—you’re building, painting, and personalizing your models. Plus, Recruit Edition is only available through Games Workshop stores, so if you’re walking into one of their locations, you’re bound to get a crash course on all things Warhammer from their staff.
In short, the Target game was great for grabbing off the shelf and jumping into a battle, but this Recruit Edition is the one you want if you’re ready to commit to the whole Warhammer 40k experience, brushes, paints, and all.
Differences Between Recruit Edition and Target Version Summary
- Availability:
- Recruit Edition: Sold exclusively at Games Workshop stores.
- Target Version: Available at Target stores.
- Hobby Gear:
- Recruit Edition: Includes paints, a brush, and clippers for model assembly and painting.
- Target Version: No hobby tools or paints; focused on gameplay.
- Audience:
- Recruit Edition: Designed as a hobby starter kit, introducing players to building, painting, and gameplay.
- Target Version: Aimed at casual players wanting a quick “build-and-play” experience.
- Game Components:
- Both versions include push-fit models of Lieutenant Titus, Termagants, and the Ripper Swarm.
- Purpose:
- Recruit Edition: Combines gaming with a hands-on introduction to the Warhammer hobby.
- Target Version: Focuses solely on playing the game with pre-assembled miniatures
Final Thoughts on the Space Marine 2 Board Game
Whether you’re gearing up for your first miniatures game or you’ve been smashing xenos for years, the Space Marine 2 Recruit Edition is a solid addition to any collection. With its compact playtime, fun miniatures, and the inclusion of hobby tools, it’s more than just a board game—it’s a hobby starter kit.
10th Edition Warhammer 40k Ultimate Starter Set Value is Wild!
What do you think about the new version of the Space Marine 2 Miniatures Board Game and release date?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
