Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 – Best Class Builds

One of the best parts of Space Marine 2 has to be the ability to build your own Ultramarine from the ground up. Selecting the right class for you, choosing the best abilities, and using the right weapons can feel really well. However, not all of us have unlimited time to play around with all the weapons and abilities, right? This is why, in this guide, I will present you my favorite builds for all of the classes in Space Marine 2, giving you the best options for Operations PVE and for most PVP game modes.

Disclaimer: I’m still working on Bulwark. If you have recommendations or better builds, please join my Discord and help make the best build guide around possible!

Best Tactical Builds

The Tactical class is the best one for destroying Majoris and higher threat enemies, and this is non debatable. The Gun Strikes and the Executions flow as you quickly weaken tough enemies with the right weapons and perks.

You’re a pure insta-kill damage monster, and the xenos and heretics know it.

Perk Tree

Core Perks:

• Balanced Distribution (1)
• Relentless Pursuit (2)
• Emperor’s Vengeance (3)

Team:

• Transhuman Physiology (3)

Gear:

• Priority Targeting (2)
• Battle Focus (1)
• Expert Timing (2)

Signature:

• Marked for Death (3)

For the Core perks, the vital one you will need is Emperor’s Vengeance. Why? Because you will mostly concentrate on the Majoris level enemies and just toss aside the Minoris. With this, you’ll get one full mag each time you destroy at least a Majoris level threat.

This also ties in perfectly with two of the perks from later: Battle Focus and Marked for Death. Battle Focus will give you a mark from Auspex Scan on a perfectly parried enemy, and Market for Death will instantly kill any marked enemy if you hit them with a headshot.

We then take Priority Targeting and Expert Timing to make that Majoris damage even higher. Expert Timing will increase our damage by 100% against a marked enemy, but will lower the time they are marked by 4 seconds. However, Priority Targeting will give us an extra 8 seconds, with the loss that we can’t mark Minoris enemies anymore.

In total, you have 12 seconds where you can insta kill an Extremis enemy, followed by a reward of a full mag.

Weapon Loadout

PVE

• Primary Weapon: Melta Rifle (Ophelian Liberation – Alpha)
• Secondary Weapon: Bolt Pistol (Ophelian Liberation – Beta)
• Melee Weapon: Chainsword (Aquilan Dedication)

For Primary we’re going with the Melta, because it’s the best PVE weapon in the game right now. Alpha because we want as much ammo as possible. This is why we’ll also pick all the perks in the upper part of the tree.

For the Secondary we’re going with the Beta option, cause we’re already debuffing the gun with our class perks, so might as well make up for it. For the perks we’ll take the lower ones until we reach the Artificer level, where we’ll go up to Elite Hunter and end on the upper side.

The most important part of the build, the Chainsword, must be the Aquilan Dedication, because we need Fencing. The Perfect Parry is a big part of the strat here, so this is non-negotiable. For perks, just pick all the ones on the lower side.

PVP

There’s really nothing to recommend here, the Tactical basically plays like any normal PVP shooter character. Just select the weapons you’re most comfortable with and shoot as well as you can.

Strategy and Gameplay Tips

PVE

The strategy for the Tactical is to parry, parry, parry. Always keep an eye out for that blue parry window and take it. After a parry, immediately Gun Strike, followed by Melta shots. This should easily bring a Majoris enemy down to the Execution state.

The strat is the same for Extremis enemies, as you gain incredible damage buffs after a Perfect Parry. The build really carries here, as opposed to some of the other classes, where you need to also play smart. Here you just need good reflexes and fast reaction times.

Best Assault Builds

Commonly referred to by most players as the “worst” class in Space Marine 2, the Assault class beacons many to play it due to how fun it sounds. However, it does not play the way you’d imagine it.

The Assault is not “the guy.” He will not jump into enemy hordes and destroy them with gigantic hammer. The Assault is a support class, that works well with other brothers by flanking, stunning, and distracting enemies.

Perk Tree

Core Perks:

• Armor Reinforcement (3)
• Consecutive Executions (3)
• Act of Attrition (3)

Team:

• Proven Efficiency (3)

Gear:

• Hammer of Wrath (2)
• Zealous Blow (3)
• Pride in Duty (1)

Signature:

• Ascension (2)

We’ll start with the basics. One of the best tools you can use is the Gun Strike. You’ll often get a chance to use them due to how important your parry will be, so getting 2 Armor instead of 1 will make a huge difference.

Consecutive Execution is also a must since your grenades will be extremely vital. And killing 15 enemies fast will happen quite often if you combine the Jump Pack with grenades.

For the Ground Pound, the main focus is survivability. You don’t care to deal 10% more damage, but you do want to use it often for mobility reasons.

The Ascension perk really makes this build shine as it also deals damage at takeoff, allowing for improved damage while jumping from group to group.

Weapon Loadout

PVE

• Secondary Weapon: Bolt Pistol (Ophelian Liberation – Alpha)
• Melee Weapon: Thunder Hammer (Ophelian Liberation – Beta)

We have to go with the TH, right? Otherwise why is anyone choosing this class? Of course, from many points of view, the Chainsword is better, but we don’t care, cause we’re here to have fun.

I’ve chosen the 2nd Bolt Pistol option because we need more bullets. That’s the main philosophy here. For Perks, just choose the lower side of the tree. You need damage, not to lower spread, since you’ll be face to face with enemies most of the time.

For the Thunder Hammer, I’ve gone with the 2nd option as well because Fencing is superior to Blocking. If your Assault can’t parry, he’s dead the moment he fights more than one opponent.

For Perks, we do the same thing as for the Bolt Pistol. We only take the lower part of the tree. Why? Because it has great chemistry with our Assault class Perks. Our main goal is to be quick, focusing on hit-and-run, so those Perks will be amazing for this.

PVP

• Secondary Weapon: Bolt Pistol
• Melee Weapon: Chainsword

Sorry TH fans, but we have to be realistic. There’s no chance you can properly use the hammer against real players. So the Chainsword is the way to go.

Strategy and Gameplay Tips

PVE

You are a hit-and-run mobile unit. You quickly deal damage and get out before things get dicey. You don’t go for eliminations, you chip away at all enemies’ health bars to try to get them stunned in the Execution animation.

That is the Assault class’ role. To weaken all enemies while causing as much chaos as possible.

If you want to be the Emperor’s wrath, as the class would make you think you are, often combine the Ground Slam with grenades. This way you will often stun enemies into the Execution animation.

And don’t forget to use your pistol! It’s much easier to defeat enemies surrounding you the lesser they are.

PVP

Flank, flank, flank. The Assault is a support class that can quickly intervene in other fights. Hide behind corners and help other brothers out by quickly jumping to their rescue. You’re not the main character, you’re the helper.

Best Vanguard Builds

I had a surprising amount of fun with the Vanguard. This class focuses on Finishers and jumping to the backline to destroy the annoying ranged shooters. It’s very fast and versatile and can deal a lot of damage under the right circumstances.

Perk Tree

Core Perks:

• Upper Hand (3)
• Conviction (3)
• Consecutive Execution (2)

Team:

• Inner Fire (3)

Gear:

• Shock Wave (2)
• Tip of the Spear (3)
• Combat Readiness (3)

Signature:

• Adrenaline Rush (3)

Our main focus here is getting as many bonuses from Finishers while also using the Grapnel Launcher as often as possible.

Now, the Core perks are not amazing. The Conviction perk is probably one of the best, as it helps keep you alive, lowering damage after losing all Armor. Which we all know happens all the time.

Inner Fire is an amazing perk that restores Ability Charge for the whole team per Finisher. There’s no cooldown or anything here, so if you get a gang of Minoris and destroy them with executions, you can charge the powers for your whole squad in 7 Finishers.

The first two Gear perks will allow you to deal a lot more damage while using the hook to get to enemies. Combat Readiness is the one that will really make a difference, as you want to use the Grapnel as often as possible.

Now, there’s been some debate regarding the last perk, but I believe that Adrenaline Rush is the best Signature perk for the Vanguard, as it is one of the most reliable ways to restore Health without meds. Even though it’s just 1%, you will perform Finisher after Finisher with this class, so you will really start to feel the difference.

Weapon Loadout

PVE

• Primary Weapon: Melta Rifle (Ophelian Liberation – Alpha)
• Secondary Weapon: Bolt Pistol (Ophelian Liberation – Beta)
• Melee Weapon: Combat Knife (Ophelian Liberation – Alpha)

The Melta Rifle is the living soul of this build, as it is the best available weapon for this class. Alpha because we want as much ammo as possible. This is why we’ll also pick all the perks in the upper part of the tree.

For the Secondary we’re going with the Beta option, cause we’re already debuffing the gun with our class perks, so might as well make up for it. For the perks we’ll take the lower ones until we reach the Artificer level, where we’ll go up to Elite Hunter and end on the upper side.

For the knife we go for the Fencing option, as it is normal in the game right now. The perks really aren’t that interesting, just start with the lower part, because you will never have full Armor, and then select whatever you want, since most of the perks relate to the knife’s skills.

PVP

Doesn’t really matter, the Grapnel hook is your best friend.

Strategy and Gameplay Tips

PVE

Your main goal will be getting rid of the backline of ranged shooters. Use the Grapnel to get to them and get as many Finishers as you can on them to help the team recharge their abilities.

After that, focus on the Majoris and higher enemies to get rid of the bigger threats, parrying and dodging at every opportunity.

The main mindset here is Grapnel, Melta, Melta, Finisher. That’s it. After that you can improvise as much as you want, but you just get close to the enemies, finish them, and then reassess.

PVP

Just use the Grapnel to finish running enemies. Or to stun them to allow the team to destroy them. Or to lower a Bulwark’s shield and end him with a quick stab or two from the knife. All in all, the Grapnel is one of the most powerful abilities in PVP right now.

Best Sniper Builds

For the Sniper there’s going to be a timeless debate: Bolt Rifle or Las Fusil? Ignore the Bolt Carabine, that one’s just for PVP.

Thanks to his ability to become invisible, the Sniper is actually more of an assassin than he is a sniper, based on how you build him. He’s by far the best for one on one fights, dealing massive damage to any enemy that he sets his eyes on.

Perk Tree

Core Perks:

• Block Break (1)
• Vantage Point (2)
• Lethal Efficiency (3)

Team:

• Squad Renewal (3)

Gear:

• Renewal (3)
• Targeted Shot (2)
• Lingering Concealment (2)

Signature:

• Emergency Override (2)

One of the first really important Perks is Lethal Efficiency, since it makes the Las a much more viable option for harder difficulties. With this perk, you get your ammo back each time you kill more than one enemy with a shot. Which will happen by accident if you shoot inside a horde.

After that, we focus on the fact that we want to be invisible as long as possible. With the Renewal Perks, we recharge our ability by 15% after each headshot kill. Lingering Concealment will also keep is hidden long enough to take a second shot while invisible.

Emergency Override will also be incredible since it makes the Sniper one of the best class for survivability. Becoming invulnerable and invisible when you are supposed to get a last hit makes the Sniper one of the best when it comes to staying alive.

Weapon Loadout

PVE

• Primary Weapon: Las Fusil (Gathalamor Crusade)
• Secondary Weapon: Bolt Pistol (Ophelian Liberation – Alpha)
• Melee Weapon: Combat Knife (Ophelian Liberation – Alpha)

Yes, the Las Fusil. Though some don’t like the limited ammo, it is most of the time a one-shot kill sniper rifle. And if you get the 1st option, you will also have 20 bullets that will regenerate when you get more than 1 kill per shot, and also get 5 free bullets each time you reach 30% health (from weapon perks).

For Perks, get the lower part at the start for the Adamant Restoration perk to recover 25% bullets when you reach 30% health, and then go full with the upper part of the tree.

This way, when you get the Instant Health perk, you will always have a method to recover health over 30% and then, when you go back, you get extra bullets again. If you hang around that health percentage, you will have infinite ammo.

Otherwise, we just go for a lot of ammo and Fencing for the other weapons. For the knife make sure to get Shadow Stab in the upper part of the tree. This attack, especially coming out of cloaking, will deal insane damage, usually as good as a decent sniper rifle shot.

PVP

• Primary Weapon: Bolt Carabine
• Grenade: Shock Grenade

Don’t question it, just do it.

Strategy and Gameplay Tips

PVE

Take your time to aim for headshots on Majoris and higher enemies. Otherwise, you don’t even need to aim properly, shoot the Las into hordes and feel the pleasure as you make a giant line of corpses as you shoot through them and get your ammo back.

When enemies surround you or get too close, use your ability to become invisible. Once you find a good and safe position, shoot someone, preferably a boss, to get out of the cloak and deal massive damage.

The Sniper is mainly a support class that can 1v1 bosses as long as there aren’t many mobs surrounding the fight. You deal the most damage and can easily save your team when it’s necessary.

PVP

The strategy is extremely simple. Use cloaking to get behind enemies, stun them with the Shock Grenade, and destroy them with the SMG from close range, right behind their backs. This is the most lethal strat in the game right now and you do not want to deal with an invisible Sniper in the other team, ever.

Best Heavy Builds

The Multi-Melta and the Plasma Incinerator are incredible weapons. They allow the Heavy to be one of the most destructive classes out there while also being bulkier than everyone except the Bulwark.

The general strategy here is to shoot, shoot, and shoot. You use the Halo to defend yourself, but otherwise you’re constantly destroying everything in your path.

Perk Tree

Depending on your main weapon, there are two different builds you can use:

Multi-Melta

Core Perks:

• Multi-Kill (2)
• Fortitude (2)
• Overwhelming Power (2)

Team:

• Additional Supplies (2)

Gear:

• Adamant Will (1)
• Obdurate Bastion (1)
• Brute Force (2)

Signature:

• Conversion Field (3)

The idea here is to deal as much Ranged Damage as possible while also prioritizing our survivability. That’s why we’re going to go for the Health perk.

The Overwhelming Power perk also works well with Brute Force since you will always have a boost to Ranged Damage, no matter if you’re using the Halo or not.

Obdurate Bastion is also a pretty easy choice, since you want to be defended from the constant annoying ranged attacks from enemies. The other perks just aren’t up to par.

Same goes for Conversion Field. The other two perks just offer very circumstansial bonuses that you will more than often not use.

Plasma

All we’re changing from the previous one are the Core perks:

• Auxiliary Ammunition (3)
• Thermal Boost (1)
• Versatility (3)

The idea here is to make increase damage by overheating, but also to make the secondary weapon very important. After using all your ammo from the main Plasma weapon, switch to the secondary Plasma Pistol and get 10 kills with your buffed weapon to gain ammo for both weapons.

Weapon Loadout

PVE

Multi-Melta

• Primary Weapon: Multi-Melta (Gathalamor Crusade)
• Secondary Weapon: Bolt Pistol (Ophelian Liberation – Alpha)

We’re going to go for maximum range here, since the Multi-Melta’s basic range can be a bit annoying at times. This way, we will make sure that any enemy approaching you ends up dead, no matter how close or far they are.

For the perks, we’re going to start with the upper part to get more ammo. For the Master-Crafted and Artificer part, we’ll pick the lower part to increase the Effective Range and get that nice Health regen when doing Executions/Melee Damage kills. The last perk is purely up to what Operations you prefer doing.

For the Bolt Gun, invest in the upper part to decrease spread and allow you to attack enemies at distance, but make sure to get the lower part perk Rapid Health at Relic level to get some health regen.

Plasma

• Primary Weapon: Heavy Plasma Incinerator (Ophelian Liberation)
• Secondary Weapon: Plasma Pistol (Ophelian Liberation)

Since the perks we chose are for plasma weapons, we’re going full plasma. The main priority for the weapons is the Rate of Fire. This way we can shoot more often, empty the ammo for the primary weapon quickly, and get that ammo regen and bonus damage often.

For the Heavy Incinerator’s perks, we’ll start with the upper part to get Rapid Cooling. Then we’ll go down for Adamant Restoration. We then continue up again, because Melee Damage is relatively useless for a Heavy, and then end down to get Plasma Speed.

For the Pistol, we take all the higher perks, because we need to shoot often and fast.

PVP

• Primary Weapon: Heavy Bolter

Don’t use the really cool weapons good in PVE in PVP. Especially the Melta.

Strategy and Gameplay Tips

PVE

There’s not really a lot to think about here. With the Melta just shoot enemies often to get them into the Execution state. Then end them one by one while the others wait in line. The Melta is the better weapon for hordes, while the Plasma is better for bosses.

This is why a good idea is to use the Melta for most of the Operations and then change at the end when facing the boss, as the Plasma does incredible single-enemy damage.

Otherwise, spam the Halo when ranged enemies try to get rid of your Armor and make sure to never forget you have two weapons.

PVP

The Heavy Bolter is one of the best weapons in melee. I’m not kidding. You will defeat Assault and Bulwark enemies in melee battles by just shooting them while they hit you with their sword or hammer.

Due to the charge up of the weapon, you start weak but end up destroying them after a few seconds if they have a slower weapon. You can also use the Bolter for ranged attacks quite well, as the accuracy is surprisingly good if you aim far.

Best Bulwark Builds

Work in progress.