Warhammer 40K Animation “Astartes 2” Premiering on Warhammer+ in 2026

Warhammer 40,000 has always captivated a dedicated fanbase, with many enthusiasts jumping in to contribute their own creative flair to its expansive universe. Among these fan projects, few have achieved the level of acclaim as Astartes, crafted by Syama Pedersen and showcased on YouTube. The series follows a Space Marine Chapter, the Retributors, as they embark on a mission to raid an enemy vessel. What’s particularly striking about Astartes is its nearly silent storytelling, relying solely on the intense action of the Space Marines’ assault and the enigmatic alien artifacts they encounter.

Such was the impact of Astartes that it caught the attention of Games Workshop, who then brought Pedersen on board. Just recently, the company unveiled a teaser for Astartes 2, much to the fans’ excitement.

The preview is a high-octane montage featuring different Space Marine Chapters in action. Familiar faces like the Retributors make a comeback, alongside new appearances from the Blood Angels, Mortifactors, Sons of Medusa, and Scythes of the Emperor. As noted in the Warhammer Community blog, this isn’t just casual footage but serves as a prologue for each Marine and their background. Given the appearance of a Deathwatch Terminator at the end, it seems these Marines will unite under the Deathwatch banner—a group committed to combating alien threats using warriors from all Chapters.

We’ll have to exercise patience until 2026 for Astartes 2, but it promises to retain what made the first so popular: minimal dialogue, a heavy dose of action, and a looming extraterrestrial menace. Pedersen also lent his talent to “And They Shall Know No Fear,” part of the Secret Level anthology on Amazon which connects to Space Marine 2. Anticipation is mounting as Astartes 2 will eventually find its home on Warhammer Plus, the subscription service offering a rich array of animations, tutorials, and other content for both the 40K and Age of Sigmar universes.