The eagerly anticipated public test server for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has now gone live, offering players a sneak peek at the upcoming Update 7.0. Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive have shared preliminary patch notes for this PTS version, which include a significant portion of the new features set to debut with Update 7.0. However, they've cautioned that the final version of the patch notes may differ as the team continues to refine and fix bugs.

For PC players eager to dive into the PTS, there's a wealth of new content to explore. Update 7.0 introduces a new PvE mission, Exfiltration, alongside a new secondary weapon, the Inferno Pistol, available to the Vanguard, Sniper, and Heavy classes. Additionally, the update brings prestige ranks to PvE, private PvP lobbies, and a host of exciting customization options. Fans can look forward to new colors like Volupus Pink and Thousand Sons Blue, as well as options for Bulwark cloth and hands recoloring. PvP customization rewards have also been boosted by 50%. Exclusive to the PTS, players can enjoy new skins such as the Imperial Fists Champion for the Tactical class and the Space Wolves Champion for the Vanguard class.

The update also includes significant balance changes, notably expanding the weapon arsenal in PvE, allowing all classes to access a broader range of weapons. This means the Assault class can now wield the Power Sword without needing mods. Players should review the patch notes for detailed tweaks to the game's extensive weapon lineup.

A notable improvement comes to the Inferno Operation, where players reaching the assembly area in the final stage will trigger a forced teleportation of other players after a short delay, helping to mitigate griefing issues that have plagued the game since its launch.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Update 7.0 PTS Patch Notes:

New Features

• New PvE mission: Exfiltration
• New Secondary Weapon (PvP & PvE): Inferno Pistol for the Vanguard, Sniper, and Heavy classes.
• Prestige ranks in PvE.
• PvP Private lobbies.
• Customization:
  • New Colors (Volupus Pink and Thousand Sons Blue)
  • Bulwark Cloth Recoloring
  • Hands Recoloring
  • Rewards increased by 50% in PvP.

Balancing

• Extended Weapon arsenal in PvE: All classes now have a larger weapon choice:

  • Heavy: Heavy Bolt Rifle | Heavy Bolt Pistol
  • Tactical: Combat Knife | Plasma Pistol | Heavy Bolt Pistol
  • Assault: Power Sword | Plasma Pistol
  • Bulwark: Heavy Bolt Pistol
  • Sniper: Heavy Bolt Pistol | Instigator Bolt Carbine
  • Vanguard: Heavy Bolt Pistol | Bolt Carbine

• Heavy Bolt Rifle: Reworked versions include changes to magazine capacity, ammo reserve, accuracy, and range.

• Weapon Perks Update: Numerous perks have been reworked, replaced, or enhanced across various weapons, including Heavy Bolt Rifle, Bolt Rifle, Auto Bolt Rifle, Plasma Incinerator, and more.

Bolt Weapons Buffs

• Bolt Rifle (all versions): Base damage increased by 5%.
• Auto Bolt Rifle: Base damage increased by 5%.
• Instigator Bolt Carbine: Base damage increased by 5%.
• Bolt Carbine (Marksman Bolt Carbine versions only): Ammo Reserve increased by one magazine size (+20).

Operations

• Obelisk: Added new voiceovers for clearer objectives in the final gameplay sequence.
• Inferno: Players reaching the assembly area in the final stage will trigger forced teleportation of other players after a short delay.

Bug Fixes

• Occulus Bolt Carbine: Fixed incorrect spread values.
• Multi-Melta: Fixed rate-of-fire issues.
• Sniper Class: Corrected stacking issues with "Renewal" and "Squad Renewal" perks.
• Tactical Class: Fixed incorrect bonus stack with "Radiating Impact" perk.
• Heavy Class: Corrected bonus application for "Enhanced Force" perk.
• Trials: Fixed unintentional health regeneration.
• Other: Fixed notification sound issues for multiple special enemy spawns.

Recent developments have also seen the Space Marine 2 developers tease the upcoming Horde mode and address community concerns about live service game elements and 'FOMO' (Fear of Missing Out) events. Earlier discussions also tackled the community's frustration over content updates, with the developers outlining future plans for the game.

This PTS marks an exciting phase for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, giving players a taste of what's to come with Update 7.0 and offering valuable feedback opportunities to refine the game further.