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Best Space Marine 2 Operations Pve Builds
Screenshot: PC Invasion

Best class builds for PvE Operations in Space Marines 2

Get ready for war.

PvE Operations in Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 may start off easy, but at higher difficulties become true challenges. You need your preferred class to be at the top of its game, working with the best builds to face all the challenges ahead. Here are the best builds for each class in Space Marine 2.

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Best Tactical build for PvE Operations in Space Marine 2

Tactical Space Marine Build Space Marine 2
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Tactical Astartes have a greater range of primary weapons that allow for versatility, and their high armor class and Auspex Scan keep them strong and their enemies weak. You’ll want this class to remain versatile to be ready for all of the threats the game can throw at you.

Best Tactical Weapons

Tactical Weapons Best Build Pve Operations Space Marine 2
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Here are the best weapons for the Tactical Class in Space Marine 2. In brackets are the best version of those weapons for the class.

Primary: Plasma Incinerator (Gathalamor Crusade – Alpha).
Secondary: Bolt Pistol (Gathalamor Crusade).
Melee: Chainsword (Aquilian Dedication).

The Plasma Incinerator is an incredibly powerful weapon that has a good fire rate, great range, and can charge up to take care of crowds of weaker enemies, especially when targeted by Auspex. Thanks to Ammo Crates being abundant in Operations, you also won’t have to worry about running out of charge.

You’re strapped for choice with the other weaponry, however.

The choices in weapon versions allow for great damage and better venting speed and accuracy, allowing the Tactical Astartes to remain quick and reliable.

Best Tactical Perks

Tactical Perk Space Marine 2 Best Build Pve Operation
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Your perk choices will define your Tactical build in Space Marine 2. Here are the best perks for the Tactical class:

Perk TypePerk NamePerk Effect
CorePlasma BoostWhen the Plasma Incinerator is 50% Overheated, damage is increased by 30%.
CoreRelentless PursuitAfter a Gun Strike, damage is increased by 25% for 5 seconds.
CoreFinal ShotAfter a Finisher, your equipped weapon reloads automatically and instantly.
TeamCommunion of FireRecoil is reduced by 20% for all Squad Members.
GearPriority TargetingThe mark from Auspex Scan lasts 8 seconds longer but ignores Minoris enemies.
GearPrecise CalibrationEnemies marked by Auspex suffer an additional 75% damage but the scan radius
is reduced by 25%
GearExpert TimingEnemies marked by Auspex suffer an additional 100% damage, but the mark’s
duration is reduced by 4 seconds.
SignatureMarked for DeathA headshot will instantly kill a Majoris or Extremis level enemy when marked
by Auspex. Cooldown is 120 seconds.

The above build turns your Auspex Scan into an ability that will allow you and your allies to melt through tougher enemies. You will need to be accurate with your scan, but once it hits Majoris or Extremis enemies, you’ll be able to slaughter them in staggering speeds.

The Core and Team perks allow you to become more reliable and relentless in battle as well as helping your teammates land more shots. You will scarcely be left unprepared for anything the game has to throw at you.

Best Assault build for PvE Operations in Space Marine 2

Assault Marine Space Marine 2 Best Build Operation Pve
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The Assault class in Space Marine 2 is fantastic for crowd controlling, which is especially useful in PvE Operations. Being able to deftly move around the battlefield and come crashing down on top of enemies will crush your foes and draw attention away from your weaker allies.

Best Assault Weapons

Assault Astarted Best Build Weapons Operations Pve
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Here are the best weapons for the Assault class in Space Marine 2 and their best versions:

Primary: N/A
Secondary: Heavy Bolt Pistol (Ophelian Liberator – Alpha).
Melee: Power Fist (Aggamede’s Gift – Beta).

The Assault class doesn’t benefit from a primary weapon, so your playstyle is forced to be up close and personal, which the Jump Pack allows for.

Although the fire rate for the Heavy Bolt Pistol is slightly slower than its counterpart, the stopping power, accuracy, and range make it more viable considering it’s the only ranged weapon you have. In the thick of multiple enemies, you need to know that you’re putting them down rather quickly.

I have selected the Power Fist as it strikes a balance between power and speed. When you come crashing down on a group of enemies, you’ll need to be able to smack-down any survivors ideally as quick as possible, and the nature of the Power Fist allows for a reliable and powerful means of doing so.

Best Assault Perks

Assault Best Build Perks Operation Pve
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You will need to select the right perks to ascend the Assault Astartes into a rapid killing machine.

Perk TypePerk NamePerk Effect
CoreOverchargeCharged attacks deal 15% more damage.
CoreRetributionYou gain 15% more melee damage after being knocked down or grabbed for 10 seconds.
CoreKnowledge of the EnemyMajoris and Extremis enemies suffer 15% more melee damage.
TeamSquad CohesionAll Squad Members’ abilities recharge 10% faster.
GearHammer of WrathYou do not lose control and cannot be knocked back for 10 seconds after a Ground Pound.
GearZealous BlowEach Ground Pound kill restores 10% of a Jump Pack charge.
GearDiligenceA fully prepared Ground Pound deals 20% more damage but it takes 25% longer
to prepare.
SignatureAscensionJump Pack Leap deals damage to all enemies in the takeoff area.

With the following Perks equipped, you’ll be slaughtering enemies both on the takeoff and Ground Pound, essentially making you an asteroid that can obliterate swathes of enemies and go toe-to-toe with larger enemies.

As you crash ahead into combat, you’ll be able to tie up stronger foes and slaughter them, with all other minor enemies being collateral damage to your commute.

Best Vanguard build for PvE Operations in Space Marine 2

Vanguard Astartes Best Space Marine 2 Operations Pve Build
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The Vanguard in Space Marine 2 is excellent at remaining mobile and gunning after high-priority targets. With a lower armor class, you should be able to grapple into a fight, eliminate the threat, and then grapple away.

Best Vanguard Weapons

Vanguard Marine Space Marine 2 Best Build Operations Pve Weapon
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Here are the best weapons for the Assault class in Space Marine 2 and their best versions:

Primary: Melta Rifle (Gathalamor Crusade).
Secondary: Bolt Pistol (Ophelian Liberation – Beta).
Melee: Combat Knife (Blood of Vossos).

As the Vanguard is primarily concerned with key targets, a quick and powerful Combat Knife is needed. It may feel like a downgrade to the Chainsword, however the quick rate of attack can deal more damage in a shorter time frame as long as you know how to use it, allowing for swift assassinations.

The Melta Rifle is a must with the Vanguard as you’ll never be wanting for ammo thanks to the ammo crates, and you’ll be able to blast away all the other smaller enemies in your path.

Best Vanguard Perks

Vanguard Marine Space Marine 2 Best Build Operations Pve Perks
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The following Perks will allow your Vanguard to be deadlier in melee combat.

Perk TypePerk NamePerk Effect
CoreMelee MasteryMelee Damage increases by 10% against Majoris and higher tiered enemies.
CoreConvictionThe moment your shields deplete, you take 15% less health damage for 10 seconds.
CoreRetributionYou deal 20% more damage for 10 seconds after being grabbed or knocked back.
TeamMelee ChampionAll squad members deal 15% extra melee damage.
GearShock WaveDiving Kick additionally deals damage in a 5-meter radius.
GearTip of the SpearEnemies hit by Diving Kick take 15% extra ranged damage for 10 seconds.
GearCombat ReadinessGrapple Launcher recharges 20% quicker.
SignatureEmperor’s BlessingTaking lethal damage restores all shields instead of incapacitating you. Cooldown
is 180 seconds.

These Perks allow your Vanguard Astartes to stay in the fight for longer and specialize you against higher-level enemies. Being able to Dive Kick more frequently into groups of enemies and damage all the surrounding smaller enemies will prevent them from being too much of a problem.

Besides, with your Melta Rifle dealing even more damage after a Diving Kick you’ll literally be melting them before you even need to engage in melee.

Best Bulwark build for PvE Operations in Space Marine 2

Bulwark Astartes Space Marine 2 Operations Pve Best Build
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Astartes are pretty tanky already in Warhammer 40K, but in Space Marine 2, the Bulwark is as tanky as you’re gonna get. It’s your job as the Bulwark to keep your allies safe in PvE Operations and to keep enemy fire on you.

Best Bulwark Weapons

Bulwark Perks Space Marine 2 Operations Pve Best Build
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Here are the best weapons for the Bulwark in Space Marine 2 and their best versions:

Primary: N/A
Secondary: Plasma Pistol (Gathalamor Crusade).
Melee: Power Sword (Imperator Blade).

As the Bulwark doesn’t utilize a primary gun, you’ll need your secondary to be as versatile and powerful as possible to make up for it, and the Plasma Pistol works perfectly for this. The readily available ammo will make sure you don’t run out of charges.

Out of the melee weapons the Bulwark has access to, the Power Sword is the best pick. It’s versatile, powerful, and can switch modes to clear hordes or take on tough enemies. If your allies are to take shelter behind you, you need to be able to respond to any threat.

Best Bulwark Perks

Bulwark Weapons Space Marine 2 Operations Pve Best Build
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These perks will make your Bulwark an unmovable pillar that your allies can rally behind and push onward.

Perk TypePerk NamePerk Effect
CoreForward MomentumAfter a Shield Bash, melee damage increases by 25% for 5 seconds.
CoreArmor of ContemptWhen you Block a ranged attack, enemies within 10 meters take the damage
instead.
CoreArmor ReinforcementNon-Finisher Gun Strikes restore armor.
TeamAdvanced ConditioningContested Health fades 50% more slowly for all Squad Members.
GearRapid RegenerationThe Banner restores shields 300% faster but the duration is reduced to 5
seconds.
GearInvigorating IconSquad Members gain maximum Contested Health when the banner is activated.
GearRejuvenating EffectIncapacitated Squad Members are instantly revived whilst in the Banner’s area
of effect.
SignatureDefensive MasteryA perfectly timed parry instantly incapacitates a Majoris or Extremis enemy.
Cooldown us 120 seconds.

With these Perks active, you will be able to use your shield to both hurt your foes further and buff yourself to clear the way for your allies. When the Banner is put down, your allies will rapidly gain their shields and will restore any contested health, allowing for a swift rejuvenation before getting back into the action.

With rapid healing and having an easier time smiting your enemies, the Bulwark becomes a fast responder and mobile warrior that actively engages with the enemy.

Best Sniper build for PvE Operations in Space Marine 2

Sniper Astartes Space Marine 2 Operations Pve Best Build
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As the Sniper in Space Marine 2, you need to be taking vantage points and keeping out of the action to deliver powerful payloads to tough enemies. All it takes is some well-aimed shots, and you’ll be knocking off enemies before your allies even know about them.

Best Sniper Weapons

Sniper Weapons Space Marine 2 Operations Pve Best Build
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Here are the best Sniper weapons in Space Marine 2 and their best versions:

Primary: Bolt Sniper Rifle (Gathalamor Crusade).
Secondary: Bolt Pistol (Gathalamor Crusade).
Melee: Combat Knife (Ophelian Liberation – Beta).

Although the Sniper has no choice in Secondary or Melee weapons, this Astartes has a decent range of primary weapons. Naturally, you’ll want the Bolt Sniper Rifle as it’s the only standard sniper rifle available.

Being able to pick a distant point and knock out swathes of enemies is what you want, and that’s what this weapon will allow. The Las Fusil is ultimately a better weapon but is only really optimal in Operations with a high tough enemy count.

Best Sniper Perks

Sniper Perks Space Marine 2 Operations Pve Best Build
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These Perks will ensure that your Sniper has as easy a time as possible hunting down the toughest targets to put them down before they can wreak havoc.

Perk TypePerk NamePerk Effect
CoreMedicae AdeptYou revive Incapacitated Squad Mates 30% faster.
CoreVantage PointStanding still for 2 seconds increases Primary weapon damage by 20%,
CoreIron GripRecoil from Bolt Sniper Rifles and Stalker Bolt Rifles is reduced by 30%.
TeamSquad RenewalHeadshot kills restore Ability Charge by 10% for any Squad Member.
GearGuardian ProtocolHeadshot kills restore 5% Ability Charge.
GearGuardian ProtocalWhen reviving a Squad Member, Camo Cloak hides both of you without spending
a charge for 5 seconds. Cooldown is 30 seconds.
GearAmbushWhen Camo Cloak deactivates, nearby enemies will temporarily lose control or
get knocked back. Cooldown is 30 seconds.
SignatureEmergency OverrideUponr eceiving lethal damage, Camo Cloak activates for free and you become
invulnerable for 5 seconds. Cooldown is 180 seconds.

This set of Perks makes you a n accurate and powerful sniper, but it also makes you an incredible support. Being able to swiftly and stealthily revive Squad Members could be the difference between victory and defeat.

Surprising enemies and helping your allies with their ability cooldown charges will make every fight much easier. You’ll also be rewarded for slinking off, standing still, and delivering brutal blows that will end tougher enemies so they can’t cause further damage.

Best Heavy build for PvE Operations in Space Marine 2

Heavy Astartes Space Marine 2 Operations Pve Best Build
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The Heavy in Space Marine 2 is a slow yet incredibly powerful Astartes. If given the right support, they can lay waste to the toughest creatures and annihilate hordes of lesser beasts.

Best Heavy Weapons

Heavy Weapons Space Marine 2 Operations Pve Best Build
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Here are Heavy’s best weapons in Space Marine 2 and their best versions:

Primary: Heavy Bolter (Gathalamor Crusade – Alpha).
Secondary: Plasma Pistol (Gathalamor Crusade).
Melee: N/A

As much as I adore the mortar that is the Heavy Plasma Incinerator, for general use the Heavy Bolter is fantastic and works in any scenario. With a rapid fire rate that steadily increases, you’ll be able to hold a position and delete a horde or tear through a tough enemy so long as you’re not flanked.

In a pinch, the Plasma Pistol is versatile, quick, and powerful, allowing you to remain formidable even when mobile.

Best Heavy Perks

Heavy Perks Space Marine 2 Operations Pve Best Build
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These Perks will make your Heavy more formidable than ever, making him an unshakable angel of death.

Perk TypePerk NamePerk Effect
CoreRestorationKilling 10 enemies in rapid succession restores an Armor Segment.
CoreThermal BoostWhen a weapon is 50% Overheated, damage increases by 15%.
CoreVersatilityAfter switching weapons, your secondary deals 20% more damage until you
switch back or reload.
TeamBonds of BrotherhoodReviving an ally restores them to full health.
GearEmperor’s ProtectionWhen Iron Halo expends all its energy, all allies regain an Armor Segment.
GearObdurate BastionIron Halo gains an additional 20% durability.
GearBrute ForceWhen Iron Halo is in cooldown, ranged damage increases by 15%
SignatureConversion FieldWhen Iron Halo is active, all Squad Members within 100 meters regain Ability
Charge 50% faster.

These Perks turn you into more than a moving turret. You’ll be able to help your allies out who are now encouraged to camp out near you to form a formidable bastion, and you’ll be able to boost your secondary should you need a quick escape.

When using your Iron Halo you’ll be practically unstoppable, and holding down a point with your Heavy Bolter will ensure that nothing gets past you.

Now that you know about the best builds for each class in Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, you can enter the Operations with confidence. Just make sure you have the best graphics settings.


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Author
Image of Aidan Lambourne
Aidan Lambourne
Aidan Lambourne is a contributing writer for PC Invasion, with almost a couple years of experience in the industry. He has written about Roblox extensively, although has keenly covered new releases and indie games. A passionate writer and gamer, he still can't really believe he gets to indulge in both for a career.