The long-awaited Astartes 2 trailer has finally dropped on the Warhammer YouTube channel, giving fans a glimpse into the next chapter of the acclaimed Warhammer 40K animation. With Syama Pedersen now working directly with Games Workshop, expectations are sky-high for this sequel.

In this post, we’ll break down the trailer, discuss potential storylines, and analyze what’s in store for the Adeptus Astartes in this highly anticipated release.

What is Astartes?

For those new to the franchise, Astartes is a fan-made Warhammer 40K animated short film that took the community by storm. Created by Syama Pedersen, the series follows the Retributor Chapter as they deploy an Impulsor kill-team to hunt down the remnants of the Argosa Uprisings rebellion.

The original Astartes animation was so well-received that Games Workshop officially hired Pedersen, bringing his work into Warhammer+ as part of the official Warhammer animation lineup.

Now, Astartes 2 is in development, and the latest teaser has given us some major clues about what’s to come.

Watch the Astartes 2 Trailer now:

Astartes 2 Trailer Breakdown – What Did We See?

Although this Astartes 2 teaser doesn’t contain direct footage from the upcoming series, it provides essential hints about the characters and themes.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the trailer:

  • Multiple Space Marine Chapters make an appearance (see below!)
  • The teaser hints at battles with Tau, Tyranids, and Chaos Space Marines.
  • The trailer suggests we are seeing the past lives of key characters, setting the stage for the events of Astartes 2 (more about that below).
Image from the new "Astartes 2"-Trailer by Warhammer available on YouTube

Image from the new „Astartes 2“-Trailer by Warhammer available on YouTube

Astartes Chapters Featured in the Trailer

The teaser confirms multiple Space Marine chapters, including some fan favorites:

  • Retributors – An Imperial Fists successor
  • Scythes of the Emperor – A descendant of the Ultramarines
  • Blood Angels – One of the most iconic Space Marine chapters
  • Sons of Medusa – A faction tied to the Iron Hands
  • Mortifactors – Another Ultramarines successor
  • Deathwatch – The elite Xenos-hunting force

Interestingly, this time, Heretic Astartes also seem to be in the mix, teasing an even darker and more brutal conflict.

What We Know About the Astartes 2 Release Date

The wait continues, as Games Workshop has confirmed that Astartes 2 will release in 2026. While this may seem far off, the studio reassures fans that the extra time is necessary to craft an experience that lives up to the original.

Until then, expect more teasers, behind-the-scenes updates, and possibly even sneak peeks at what’s to come.

What’s Next for Astartes 2?

With Games Workshop and Syama Pedersen working together, Astartes 2 promises to deliver a visually stunning, action-packed, and lore-rich addition to the Warhammer+ animation library.

What are you most excited to see in Astartes 2? Do you have theories about the final story twist teased in the trailer? Let us know in the comments!