Greetings, Battle-Brother! Are you ready to don the holy Power Armour and bring the Emperor's wrath upon the heretical xenos? Good. Because the Tyranid swarm is not going to purge itself. To become a true champion of the Imperium in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, you need to understand the art of war, the flow of combat, and the sacred duties of a Space Marine.
This isn't just about pulling a trigger; it's about mastering the brutal dance of death that is melee and ranged combat in the 41st millennium. This guide will focus on the Vanguard Space Marine, a swift and deadly force on the battlefield, known for their aggressive, in-your-face combat style.
Step 1: Embrace the Vanguard's Fury
Before you even step foot onto a blighted planet, you must understand your purpose as a Vanguard. You are the tip of the spear. You are not a wall to be stood behind, like the Bulwark. You are not a long-range marksman, like the Sniper. Your role is to close the distance, sow chaos in the enemy ranks, and eliminate key targets with brutal efficiency.
So, are you ready to become a whirlwind of death? Then let’s begin.
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| How To Play Vanguard Space Marine 2 |
Step 2: Master the Core Combat Mechanics
The foundation of your combat prowess lies in a few key mechanics. Master these, and you will be unstoppable.
Sub-heading: The Art of the Parry and Dodge
Every true Astartes knows that a strong offense is nothing without a strong defense. In Space Marine 2, enemies will telegraph their attacks.
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When you see a flashing blue icon, it's your cue to Parry. Time it right, and you'll deflect the blow, often leaving smaller foes open for an instant kill or staggering a larger one. This is crucial for initiating a Gun Strike.
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When you see a flashing red icon, get ready to Dodge. A perfectly timed dodge will also open up an enemy for a Gun Strike and can be a lifesaver against un-parryable attacks.
Remember: a successful parry or dodge is not just about avoiding damage; it's a prelude to a devastating counter-attack.
Sub-heading: Gun Strikes and Executions
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Gun Strike: After a successful parry or dodge, you'll see a red crosshair on an enemy. This is your chance! Press the fire button to unleash a powerful point-blank shot that deals massive damage, often opening them up for an execution.
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Executions: When an enemy is dazed and flashing red, they are primed for an execution. Approach them and press the designated key. This isn't just a brutal finishing move; it’s a vital survival tool. During the execution animation, you are invulnerable, and it will partially restore your armor. This is your primary way of regaining armor in the heat of battle.
Don't hesitate to execute a weakened foe! It’s the Emperor's way, and it keeps you in the fight.
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
Sub-heading: The Melee-Ranged Dance
The true power of a Space Marine lies in their ability to seamlessly blend ranged and melee combat.
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Use your ranged weapon to thin out hordes and weaken tougher enemies.
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Once they're staggered or you've closed the distance, switch to your melee weapon to unleash punishing combos.
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Your melee weapon has a combo system. Mix light and heavy attacks to create powerful chains. For the Vanguard, your Chainsword is a beast, capable of quick, devastating strikes.
Step 3: Specialize as a Vanguard
Now that you know the basics, let's focus on the Vanguard's unique strengths and how to build upon them.
Sub-heading: The Grapnel Launcher
This is your signature ability, and it is a game-changer. The Grapnel Launcher allows you to latch onto an enemy and quickly close the distance, finishing with a devastating Diving Kick.
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When to use it: Use it to quickly traverse the battlefield, to close the gap on ranged enemies, or to single out a high-priority target in a swarm.
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A Word of Caution: The Vanguard is a "glass cannon." You deal immense damage, but you are more fragile than other classes. Don't recklessly dive into a fight with your grapnel if you're low on health. Use it to finish off weakened enemies or to engage a target that has been isolated.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Arsenal
Your weapon choices are critical. For a Vanguard, you want weapons that complement your aggressive, close-quarters playstyle.
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Primary Weapon: The Melta Rifle. This is the quintessential Vanguard weapon. It's a short-range, high-damage shotgun that can obliterate hordes of smaller Tyranids with a single shot and deal significant damage to larger enemies. The Gathalamor Crusade Relic version is particularly potent, with perks that boost damage and ammo economy.
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Secondary Weapon: Bolt Pistol. A reliable sidearm for when your Melta Rifle is empty or you need to deal with a target at a slightly longer range.
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Melee Weapon: The Chainsword. Fast, furious, and deadly. The Chainsword's speed and combos are perfect for a Vanguard who needs to constantly be on the offensive. A good Chainsword build will increase your attack speed and give you more recovery on your heavy attacks.
Step 4: Optimize Your Perks and Loadout
As you play the Operations mode, you'll unlock perks that can be used to customize your build.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
Sub-heading: Core Perks
These are your foundational perks that define your playstyle.
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Melee Mastery: A must-have for the Vanguard, as it increases your melee damage, especially against tougher enemies.
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Duelist: This is an excellent perk that increases your perfect parry window, making it much easier to counter enemy attacks and trigger Gun Strikes.
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Honed Reactions: A great survivability perk that extends your dodge window when your health is low.
Sub-heading: Gear Perks
These perks enhance your abilities and gear.
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Shock Wave: A fantastic perk for your Diving Kick, adding an area-of-effect damage component to it. This makes your Grapnel Launcher a great crowd-control tool.
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Thrill of the Fight: This perk gives you damage reduction after a perfect parry or dodge, making you much more durable in those crucial moments.
Sub-heading: Signature Skill
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Tactical Prowess: This skill is essential for the Vanguard. It restores Grapnel Launcher charges after each finisher, allowing you to constantly stay mobile and on the offensive.
Step 5: Fight as a Squad
Even as a lone-wolf Vanguard, you are part of a squad.
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Stick with your Battle-Brothers: Don't run off on your own. A lone Space Marine is a dead Space Marine, even with the best build.
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Revive Teammates: If a teammate goes down, revive them. A coordinated squad is far more effective than a disorganized one.
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Communicate: Use voice or text chat to coordinate attacks, call out targets, and assist each other.
By following these steps, you will not only survive the onslaught but thrive in it, becoming a true force to be reckoned with and a credit to the Ultramarines chapter.
For the Emperor!
Related FAQs: Vanguard Space Marine
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
How to properly use the Vanguard's Grapnel Launcher?
The Grapnel Launcher is best used to quickly close the distance to a single, high-value target or to traverse a difficult area. You can also use it to pull yourself out of a tight spot. Time your dives carefully to avoid landing in the middle of a massive swarm.
How to heal as a Vanguard?
The primary way to regain health and armor is through executions. When a foe is flashing red, perform a finisher. This not only restores a chunk of your armor but also makes you invulnerable during the animation. You can also find Medicae Stimms and Guardian Relics scattered throughout the levels.
How to parry and dodge effectively?
Pay close attention to the visual cues. A flashing blue icon means parry, and a flashing red icon means dodge. The key is to time it just as the attack is about to land. Practice makes perfect, and the Duelist perk will help you with the timing.
How to choose the best Vanguard weapons?
Focus on close-range, high-damage weapons that complement your aggressive playstyle. The Melta Rifle is a top-tier choice for its raw damage and crowd-clearing ability. Pair it with a fast melee weapon like the Chainsword.
How to deal with armored Tyranids?
Use your melee weapon and Gun Strikes to stagger them and expose weak points. The Melta Rifle is also highly effective against armored targets. Don't just spray and pray; aim for the head or other weak points.
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
How to build a Vanguard for PvE missions?
For PvE, prioritize perks that enhance your survivability and crowd control. Shock Wave for your Diving Kick and Thrill of the Fight for damage reduction are excellent choices. Tactical Prowess is a must for keeping your Grapnel Launcher ready.
How to build a Vanguard for PvP missions?
In PvP, focus on perks that give you mobility and burst damage. Your goal is to get in, deal a lot of damage, and get out before the enemy can react. The Melta Rifle's piercing damage is also a huge advantage against multiple players.
How to level up the Vanguard class?
You level up your class by completing missions in Operations and Eternal War modes. Completing objectives and getting kills will earn you experience points.
How to unlock new perks and abilities?
Perks and abilities are unlocked as you level up your class. The higher your class level, the more options you'll have to customize your build.
How to stay mobile in combat?
Use your dodge to reposition, and your Grapnel Launcher to close gaps or escape from overwhelming situations. A Vanguard who is always moving is a Vanguard who is always alive.
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