Astartes II is set to be Warhammer 40k’s biggest animation yet- here’s what the teaser tells us and why it can’t come soon enough!
If you’ve been keeping up with Warhammer 40K, you’re likely familiar with Astartes, the jaw-dropping animation that grabbed everyone’s attention with its flawless action and amazing lore.
The original Astartes animation left a lasting impression, raising the bar for Warhammer 40,000 fan films and setting a new standard for storytelling. Now, with the official sequel on the horizon, it’s time to break down what’s happening and why you should be paying attention.
The Backstory You Didn’t Know You Needed
Astartes 2, is shaping up to be even more epic—and this time, we’re getting a closer look at the individual Marines who will eventually join an elite Deathwatch Kill Team. T
his is not just another battle-heavy story; it’s about the Marines before they put on the black armor and enter their most important role in the Warhammer universe.
The Story Before the Armor
One of the coolest things about Astartes 2 is that it isn’t just jumping straight into the action. Instead, we’re getting an origin story for each of the Marines who will make up a new Deathwatch Kill Team. This is where we get to see who they were before becoming some of the most feared warriors in the galaxy.
We’ll be introduced to some fan-favorite chapters like the Blood Angels and Sons of Medusa, but also some fresh faces like the Retributors, a custom chapter designed specifically for this series.
Each Marine has their own backstory, personality, and struggles, which is going to make their eventual roles in the Deathwatch even more exciting. This isn’t just about flashy battles—it’s about the journey that leads them to become part of this elite force.
What About the Deathwatch Terminator?
You heard that right—a Deathwatch Terminator is part of the story. But don’t expect him to just show up as a fully-formed, unstoppable killing machine. Astartes 2 will give us a deeper understanding of what it takes to become a Terminator in the first place.
These guys don’t just get handed power armor and a storm bolter—they go through some serious trials and transformations to earn their place. Watching this Marine’s journey is going to be a highlight, no doubt.
The Astartes You’ll Meet
Each chapter that shows up in Astartes 2 will bring something unique to the table:
- Retributors: A custom chapter introduced for the series by the animator. These guys are new to the Warhammer universe, and their journey will add some much-needed fresh lore.
- Scythes of the Emperor: They’ve got a tragic backstory that adds emotional depth to their character arc. Astartes 2 will explore what shaped them into the Marines they are today.
- Blood Angels: Known for their emotional turmoil and dark history, the Blood Angels will get their moment in the spotlight. You’ll see what makes these tragic warriors tick before they get recruited into the Deathwatch.
- Sons of Medusa: These no-nonsense Marines bring pure grit to the table. Their storyline will explore how they develop their relentless fighting style before they become Deathwatch-ready.
- A Chaplain or a Mortifactors Chapter Marine: Spiritual and tactical leaders, these characters add another layer to the story. How they handle the psychological weight of their role before joining the Deathwatch is something we haven’t seen explored in depth until now.
Who’s Behind Astartes II?
This time around, Warhammer Studio is fully involved, teaming up with Syama Pedersen’s Digital Bones Studio, the mastermind behind the original project. That’s huge. Syama’s ability to convey intensity, action, and sheer power through animation is unmatched.
By joining forces with the official studio, he’s gaining access to even more resources, meaning Astartes II has the potential to be bigger, better, and even more immersive than its predecessor.
How to Support Syama, the Creator
Now, if you’ve seen the original Astartes animation, you probably know Syama, the mastermind behind it all. If you’re as excited about Astartes 2 as we are, consider supporting him on Patreon. It’s a great way to show your appreciation for his incredible work and to help him continue creating the animations that bring the Warhammer universe to life.
When Can You Watch It?
Patience, as they say, is a virtue. Astartes II is set to land in 2026, which feels like an eternity in internet time. But if the first project proved anything, it’s that quality takes time. Instead of rushing it, the team is crafting something that will hopefully surpass expectations.
Wrap-Up: What to Expect
Astartes 2 is more than just a sequel; it’s a fresh look at the personal stories of the Marines who will eventually make up the Deathwatch Kill Team. With powerful chapters like the Retributors and the Blood Angels, plus a Terminator that promises to be one of the series’ stand-out characters, Astartes 2 is setting up to be a deeply engaging journey.
If the 2026 release date feels too far away, now is the perfect time to revisit the original Astartes series, rewatch Angels of Death, or catch up on Warhammer+ content.
Either way, whether you’re a long-time Warhammer 40k fan or new to the universe, this is one series you won’t want to miss.
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at the Las Vegas Open, each of which attracts thousands of players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the 2011 Adepticon 40k Team Tournament. He was even featured for his painting in issue #304 of Games Workshop’s White Dwarf Magazine.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
