Games Workshop's highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000 animation, Astartes 2, has resurfaced with a stunning teaser trailer, captivating fans worldwide. However, a crucial detail emerges: none of the footage in the teaser will actually appear in the final animation.

Astartes 2 serves as the sequel to the acclaimed fan-made Astartes animation by Syama Pedersen, often hailed as the pinnacle of Warhammer 40,000 animation. Its impact is undeniable, even inspiring Saber Interactive's successful Space Marine 2. Games Workshop subsequently hired Pedersen to helm the sequel.

After years of silence, the January 29th release of the teaser trailer reignited excitement. The trailer showcases breathtaking visuals, featuring intense melee combat, explosive shootouts, thrilling vehicle battles, and epic spaceship clashes. Various Space Marine chapters engage in combat across diverse environments, facing off against Tyranids, Orks, and Tau.

The teaser is undeniably impressive, yet Games Workshop clarified on the Warhammer Community website that the footage is not from Astartes 2 itself. Instead, it depicts scenes representing the past lives of characters who will appear in the actual animation. The final shot hints at the overarching narrative, leaving fans to decipher the clues.

The lack of a disclaimer on the trailer is a potential issue, as viewers might mistakenly assume the showcased scenes will be in the final product. Many may not see the clarification on the Warhammer Community website.

Despite this, the teaser fuels speculation and anticipation. The final image suggests the characters might eventually form an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad.

The Astartes 2 teaser has already sparked envy among Space Marine 2 fans, who hope to see some elements, perhaps even capes, incorporated into the game. Given Saber Interactive's ongoing updates, this cross-pollination of inspiration seems plausible. The teaser certainly sets a high bar for Astartes 2, launching exclusively on Warhammer+ in 2026.