The first public test server (PTS) for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is now live, offering players an early glimpse into the highly anticipated Update 7.0. Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive have released preliminary patch notes for this PTS version, which include most of the features expected in the 7.0 update. However, they caution that the final patch notes may differ as the team continues to work on bug fixes.

For PC players participating in the PTS, Update 7.0 brings a wealth of new content and improvements. This includes a new PvE mission named "Exfiltration," a new secondary weapon called the Inferno Pistol available for the Vanguard, Sniper, and Heavy classes, the addition of prestige ranks in PvE, and the introduction of private PvP lobbies.

Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts will appreciate the new customization options, such as the addition of Volupus Pink and Thousand Sons Blue colors, along with Bulwark cloth and hands recoloring. Furthermore, customization rewards in PvP have been increased by 50%. The PTS also introduces new champion skins: an Imperial Fists Champion skin for the Tactical class and a Space Wolves Champion for the Vanguard class.

Significant balance changes are also part of the update, with an expanded weapon arsenal in PvE allowing all classes to have a broader choice of weapons. Notably, the Assault class can now use the Power Sword without needing mods. Players should review the detailed patch notes to understand the full scope of weapon adjustments.

A notable gameplay change addresses a long-standing issue in the Inferno Operation. Now, if a player reaches the assembly area during the final stage, other players will be automatically teleported there after a short delay, preventing griefing and ensuring smoother progression.

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 Colours (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 of the Artificer and Relic weapons with updated stats and added scopes.
• Added a maximum cap to restore fade HP per action and a max target to restore health per action for certain weapons.

Weapon Perks Update

Detailed updates and reworks to weapon perks across various weapons, enhancing gameplay mechanics and balancing.

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 to clarify objectives in the final gameplay sequence.
• Inferno: Players reaching the assembly area in the final stage will trigger automatic teleportation for other players after a delay, preventing griefing.

Bug Fixes

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

This update marks a significant step forward for Space Marine 2, enhancing both the gameplay experience and the strategic depth of the game. Players are encouraged to dive into the PTS and provide feedback to help shape the final release of Update 7.0.