Fans of *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* are thrilled as developer Saber Interactive has opened up its internal editor to modders, igniting hopes that the game could emulate the longevity of *Skyrim* through user-generated content. Game director Dmitry Grigorenko made the announcement on the Space Marine 2 modding Discord, calling it "our biggest milestone yet in supporting the modding community."
Saber Interactive has released the official Integration Studio for public use, the same toolset used internally for all gameplay development. This initial release empowers modders to manipulate level scenarios, game modes, AI behavior, abilities, melee combo logic, user interface, and HUD elements, making modding for Space Marine 2 more accessible and efficient.
Grigorenko reiterated their commitment to the modding community, saying, “Not long ago, I promised we would support the modding scene — and we meant it. Watching this community grow, push boundaries, and create incredible experiences has been both inspiring and humbling. We’re excited to see what you build next — whether it’s a cinematic campaign, wild new game mode, or something we never saw coming.” To kick things off, he shared humorous concept art for a "Fishing With Daddy Calgar" mini-game, featuring Marneus Calgar, leader of the Ultramarines chapter, hinting at the potential for creative mods.
To understand the future plans of the Space Marine 2 modding community, I spoke with Tom, known as Warhammer Workshop, the modder behind Space Marine 2’s excellent Astartes Overhaul. After successfully releasing a mod for 12-player co-op, Tom now has access to comprehensive scripting tools that govern mission dynamics and game components like weapons and abilities.
This access opens up possibilities such as creating a roguelite mode where players start with just a combat knife amidst a swarm sequence from the campaign, facing progressively tougher enemies with chances to gain weapons, ammo, and health upon defeating them. Tom suggested, “Killing a Carnifex might grant you a Heavy Bolter.”
While a new cinematic campaign focused on Chaos is feasible, Tom noted that creating cutscenes is challenging without access to the necessary animation tools. However, he is currently working on adding new factions like the Tau and Necrons, utilizing available rigs that fit these factions. Meanwhile, the community is eagerly working on the Fishing With Daddy Calgar mini-game mod that Grigorenko playfully challenged them to create.
The reaction from Space Marine 2 fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Although the game has been well-received and is one of the top-selling Warhammer video games, its official content is limited to three factions: Space Marines, Chaos (including Chaos Marines and some Tzeentch Daemons), and the Tyrannids. With the teased appearance of Necrons in the campaign, fans had hoped for DLC to expand the faction roster, but now they can take matters into their own hands.
Redditor Mortwight commented, “This is how you keep a game alive for years like Skyrim,” highlighting the potential for long-term engagement through modding.
This development comes at an interesting time as Saber and publisher Focus Entertainment announced that *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3* is in development. Despite concerns from some Space Marine 2 fans about the impact on potential DLC, both Saber and Focus have assured that they are not abandoning the game. With modders now equipped with the editor, Space Marine 2 is poised for a vibrant future.
