In response to widespread fan backlash, Space Marine 2 is rolling out hotfix 4.1 to address the gameplay changes introduced in last week's Patch 4.0. Saber Interactive, the game's developers, have also announced the introduction of Public Test Servers for Space Marine 2, expected to launch in early 2025.
Space Marine 2 “BS” Nerfs Prompts Patch Update & Public Test Server
Changes Will Be Reverted Starting October 24
Scheduled for release on October 24, Patch 4.1 for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 will revert the contentious nerfs introduced in Patch 4.0. The decision follows significant community feedback and negative reactions, including review bombings on Steam. Game director Dmitriy Grigorenko stated, "We’ve been monitoring your feedback since last Thursday’s Patch 4.0 and have decided to address your most pressing concerns with a new balancing update, coming this Thursday." He further announced plans for Public Test Servers to engage the community in future updates.
The backlash against Patch 4.0 was intense, with players expressing frustration over the changes that made the game feel less enjoyable. One Steam review humorously compared the situation to another game's controversy, suggesting a pattern of unpopular updates.
In their community update, Saber Interactive explained that Patch 4.0 aimed to increase game difficulty by adjusting enemy spawn rates, but these changes inadvertently affected easier difficulty levels as well. With the upcoming Patch 4.1, Extremis enemies’ spawn rates will be reverted to their pre-Patch 4.0 levels across Minimal, Average, and Substantial difficulties, and significantly reduced in Ruthless difficulty. Additionally, player armor will see a 10% increase at the Ruthless difficulty, and bots will deal 30% more damage to bosses.
Today's hotfix will also enhance the performance of Bolt weapons, which have been underperforming. Here are the detailed changes players can expect:
- Auto Bolt Rifle: Damage increased by 20%
- Bolt Rifle: Damage increased by 10%
- Heavy Bolt Rifle: Damage increased by 15%
- Stalker Bolt Rifle: Damage increased by 10%
- Marksman Bolt Carbine: Damage increased by 10%
- Instigator Bolt Carbine: Damage increased by 10%
- Bolt Sniper Rifle: Damage increased by 12.5%
- Bolt Carbine: Damage increased by 15%
- Occulus Bolt Carbine: Damage increased by 15%
- Heavy Bolter: Damage increased by 5%
Game director Grigorenko emphasized their commitment to monitoring feedback post-Patch 4.1 to ensure the Lethal difficulty remains both challenging and rewarding.
