October Community Update

Greetings, Space Marines,

<p>Welcome to our latest monthly community broadcast! We are keeping things relatively brief this time around as the development team pours all their energy into crafting fresh content for Patch 16 and beyond. Rest assured, we will have plenty of exciting reveals to share with you very soon.</p>

<p>For now, let's dive into the most prominent discussions surrounding *Space Marine 2*, celebrate our latest monumental achievement, and highlight upcoming community activities!</p>

<p><img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/43315296/c8be9638d0de413f571603e0ac57ca28fe8b2b09.png" alt="Space Marine 2 Community Update" /></p>

<h1><strong>RECENT TOPICS</strong></h1>

<h3><strong>Reddit Q&A with the Game Director</strong></h3>
<p>We recently hosted a Reddit Q&A session that received an overwhelming number of submissions. Game Director Dmitry Grigorenko took the time to answer a wide array of your burning questions. You can read the complete transcript right here: <a href="https://community.focus-entmt.com/focus-entertainment/space-marine-2/blogs/464-q-a-recap" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u>Read the Q&A Recap</u></a> 😊</p>

<h3><strong>Hotfixes 15.1 & 15.2</strong></h3>
<p>Throughout the month, we deployed <u><a href="https://community.focus-entmt.com/focus-entertainment/space-marine-2/blogs/467-hotfix-15-1-patch-notes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotfix 15.1</a></u> and <u><a href="https://community.focus-entmt.com/focus-entertainment/space-marine-2/blogs/471-hotfix-15-2-patch-notes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotfix 15.2</a></u> to target crucial issues and refine overall gameplay balance.<br><br>Here is a concise overview of the key adjustments introduced:</p>

<ul>
    <li><strong>One-Handed Thunder Hammer & Power Maul:</strong> Enhanced base damage, expedited charge times, and polished combat movesets.</li>
    <li><strong>Melta Rifles:</strong> Improved damage drop-off ranges and increased default ammunition and magazine capacities.</li>
    <li><strong>Game Modes:</strong> Implemented various balancing tweaks and bug exterminations for Chaos Siege, alongside multiple bug resolutions in Crucible.</li>
    <li><strong>Quality of Life & Fixes:</strong> Introduced brief invulnerability frames following knockbacks, rectified out-of-bounds item spawn points, and resolved textile/robe customization color glitches.</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Twitch Drops</strong></h3>
<p>We have carefully reviewed your feedback and frustrations regarding our previous Drops campaign, particularly concerning the Victrix Honour Guard Storm Shield, which was locked behind Twitch's "Support A Streamer" purchase requirement. To make things right, this shield will be added to the Refinement & Redemption store upon the release of Patch 17. It will be unlockable using Requisition Points, returning to the accessible format of our earlier Drops.</p>

<h1><strong>PATCH 16 HORIZON</strong></h1>

<p>Patch 16 will introduce no fewer than six brand-new Heroic Weapons to your arsenal. Let us unveil them:</p>

<ul>
    <li><strong>Omnissian Axe:</strong> Sustaining a held attack generates and maintains an expansive localized shock zone.</li>
    <li><strong>Heavy Bolt Pistol:</strong> Features an elevated fire rate when hip-firing, accompanied by significantly amplified close-range damage.</li>
    <li><strong>Bolt Rifle:</strong> Employs rhythmic, deliberate single-shot firing that progressively ramps up damage output.</li>
    <li><strong>Las Fusil:</strong> Bypasses the need for charging mechanics while slowly regenerating ammunition over time.</li>
    <li><strong>Plasma Incinerator:</strong> Delivers heightened devastation as the weapon approaches critical overheating thresholds.</li>
    <li><strong>Infernus Heavy Bolter:</strong> Outfitted with a lethal integrated underbarrel flamethrower.</li>
</ul>

<p><img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/43315296/25c2f9ac458a79506806c38490d23cba2697c17b.png" alt="Heroic Weapons Teaser" /></p>

<p>Additionally, here is an exclusive first look at the upcoming Mortifactors Cosmetic Pack:</p>

<p><img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/43315296/6c86a2e9625e0dad8e635184861ad362ce687828.png" alt="Mortifactors Cosmetic 1" /></p>
<p><img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/43315296/a5d094bd8c5d173b7b7f9fc494eadb4594843c9d.png" alt="Mortifactors Cosmetic 2" /></p>

<h1><strong>15 MILLION PLAYERS STRONG</strong></h1>

<p>This month, we are immensely proud to celebrate another staggering milestone: <em>Space Marine 2</em> has officially surpassed 15 Million Players! 🎊🍾</p>

<p>Fifteen million is a figure we scarcely dared to dream of when launching the game two years ago. We are fully aware that our passionate community is the beating heart behind spreading the Emperor's word and welcoming fresh recruits to the fold. On behalf of both Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment, we extend our most sincere <strong>gratitude to every single one of you</strong>. To all the newly inducted Space Marines among us: welcome! Glory to you and the Emperor! 💙</p>

<p><img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/43315296/471d4b21e26c4f25cefd0b04c6d63d829dc70a7a.png" alt="15 Million Players Milestone" /></p>

<h1><strong>YEAR 3 PASS - SCREENSHOT CONTEST</strong></h1>

<p>In celebration of Halloween and the spookiest time of the year, we are hosting a community contest! Show us the most atmospheric, haunting virtual photography you have captured within the grim darkness of <em>Space Marine 2</em>. 🎃🦇</p>

<ul>
    <li>Two exceptional winners will be selected on November 2nd, each receiving a coveted Year 3 Pass key for Steam.</li>
    <li>Submit your chilling entries via either <u><a href="https://discord.com/channels/1242390774314831913/1564636476677955704" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Discord</a></u> or <u><a href="https://x.com/Focus_entmt/status/2115082325612478638" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X</a></u>!</li>
</ul>

<p><img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/43315296/1200d19c73120cbdb617d0f614a27e4acd6e9300.jpg" alt="Screenshot Contest Banner" /></p>

<p>📅 Submissions close on November 1st. May fortune favor the bold 👻</p>

<h1><strong>COMMUNITY EVENT</strong></h1>

<p>Our ongoing Community Event remains active right now through November 3rd!</p>

<p>Hold the fortified line and survive a cumulative total of 15 waves in Chaos Siege Mode to earn 100 Accolades. These 15 waves can be accomplished across multiple combined sessions, and every successfully cleared wave will count toward your total regardless of the selected difficulty setting. Answer the call to battle today!</p>

<p><img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/43315296/adc00c86ce6d81cf5083c00e3754c506f5f0b3a0.jpg" alt="Chaos Siege Event Banner" /></p>

<h1><strong>FOCUS TOGETHER COMMUNITY IDEAS</strong></h1>

<p>This month, we dove deep into the Focus Together platform to evaluate your proposals regarding various features and gameplay mechanics. Here are several of the most popular community suggestions, accompanied by direct responses from Game Director Dmitry Grigorenko:</p>

<p><strong>1. Account-Wide Progression in Crucible Mode</strong></p>
<p>💡 <em>Community Idea:</em> Transition Crucible progression from character-bound to account-wide to alleviate the grind and grant players greater freedom when swapping classes.</p>
<p>💬 <em>Dmitry Grigorenko:</em> "It has only been a few days since our latest hotfix addressed various difficulty exploits within the mode. We want to afford players a bit more time and gather comprehensive telemetry before making any drastic adjustments like the one suggested. We currently intend to maintain per-class progression, but the pacing of that progression and the balance of specific penances will be fine-tuned if necessary once we've fully analyzed the data."</p>

<p><strong>2. Mandatory Team Perks for High-Tier Content</strong></p>
<p>💡 <em>Community Idea:</em> Implement entry restrictions on Absolute difficulty requiring players to have a valid Team Perk equipped, preventing under-leveled or unequipped allies from stumbling into end-game operations and boosting success rates.</p>
<p>💬 <em>Dmitry Grigorenko:</em> "We are actively planning to introduce level locks for end-game activities such as Hard Stratagems and Hard Siege. However, strict team perk prerequisites are a very specific limitation and are not currently on our roadmap."</p>

<p><strong>3. Blood Angels Champion Customization</strong></p>
<p>💡 <em>Community Idea:</em> Update and broaden the cosmetic customization options for the Blood Angels Champion armor pieces to align more authentically with established Chapter lore.</p>
<p>💬 <em>Dmitry Grigorenko:</em> "I won't spoil the surprise with a definitive yes or no just yet. Let’s simply say that substantial enhancements are inbound for this department further down the line."</p>

<p><strong>4. Omni-Scrambler for the Tactical Class</strong></p>
<p>💡 <em>Community Idea:</em> Introduce the Omni-Scrambler wargear accessory to the Tactical class for expanded loadout personalization.</p>
<p>💬 <em>Dmitry Grigorenko:</em> "The Omni-Scrambler is a highly specialized piece of lore equipment canonically unavailable to Intercessors. That said, authentic Deathwatch backpacks and associated wargear items are currently planned for the Tactical class."</p>

<p><strong>5. MK VI Greave Emblems</strong></p>
<p>💡 <em>Community Idea:</em> Permit emblems and decals to be positioned on the upper surfaces of Mk VI 'Corvus' greaves, enabling accurate Chapter, squad, and campaign heraldry.</p>
<p>💬 <em>Dmitry Grigorenko:</em> "Yes, this feature is currently penciled in for development."</p>

<p><strong>6. Backpack Emblem Customization</strong></p>
<p>💡 <em>Community Idea:</em> Allow players to stamp emblems and decals onto power backpacks, mirroring the existing functionality for knee armor markings.</p>
<p>💬 <em>Dmitry Grigorenko:</em> "This has been sitting in our feature backlog for a while. We will revisit it once our currently prioritized customization overhauls are finalized, as those will deliver a broader visual impact."</p>

<p><strong>7. Starting Equipment Selection</strong></p>
<p>💡 <em>Community Idea:</em> Grant players the ability to choose their initial equipment and grenades within loadouts to better support specialized builds and playstyles.</p>
<p>💬 <em>Dmitry Grigorenko:</em> "We prefer to preserve the element of exploration and tactical improvisation in PvE. Given the abundance of equipment-restoration perks available, enabling this choice would likely result in every player defaulting strictly to melta bombs."</p>

<p><strong>8. Sniper Hood Customization</strong></p>
<p>💡 <em>Community Idea:</em> Expand the selection of hooded head variants for the Sniper class and permit hood color customization to complement diverse Chapter palettes.</p>
<p>💬 <em>Dmitry Grigorenko:</em> "Yes, this addition is actively under construction right now."</p>

<h1><strong>That Wraps Up This Month!</strong></h1>

<p>As always, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication, and we promise to remain attentive to your insights with every forthcoming patch.</p>

<p>Do not forget that you can follow Focus Entertainment across all our social channels (<u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/focus_entmt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a></u>, <u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FocusEntertainmentOfficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a></u>, <u><a href="https://www.threads.com/@focus_entmt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Threads</a></u>, <u><a href="https://x.com/Focus_entmt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X</a></u>, and <u><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/focus-entmt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bluesky</a></u>) and unite with our thriving community on <u><a href="https://discord.gg/gFDpxth4s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Discord</a></u> today!</p>

<p>Until next month, Space Marines.<br>
<em>The Emperor Protects 🪽</em><br>
<strong>The Saber & Focus Teams</strong></p>