Rumors about the Space Marine 2’s 10.0 Anniversary Update hinting at an extensive feature list of surprises and new content sparked rumors a while ago. As a result of our interest in this update, an announcement was made regarding the Black Templars Champion Pack, which is scheduled for release on September 4. Their arrival will bring an ominous look to the Bulwark class and a brand new Power Sword skin to the game. As part of the announcement, the focus was on the quote “No Pity! No Remorse! No Fear!”. The quote is the battle cry of the Black Templars and it seems to capture the essence of this update.
But to return to my original question, what’s in this announcement? The Champion Pack is all about the Bulwark class, which is a great pick since those dudes are topic tanks. The new cosmetic set turns your Space Marine into a Black Templars Champion, and gives them all the “grimdark flair” you would expect from the most zealous chapter of the Imperium. As for the Power Sword skin, it definitely looks like it has the sliced through Tyranid hordes style.
The community’s reaction seems to be… well, in line with what Warhammer 40k fans usually respond with. It is a massive mess of excitement and chaos, mixed with a few standard 40k style jokes. “Emperors Champion from Temu” is one example of the comments, which happen to be a bit of a meme involving Temu recently. A different comment about the Champion looking like “the kind of guy who would ask a dude about his dead girlfriend during a victory parade” is uniquely fitting to 40k, and while no one would expect it, it fits the 40k lore perfectly.
What is even more notable is the depth on the Warhammer lore which is discussed in the comments. There is an entire thread of users requesting the relationship between Dark Angels and Black Templars and a single lore expert giving an explanation that the Space Marines chapters are like “guilds” and have cultures and traditions. The Imperial Fists ace at fortifications, while the Black Templars are zealots. There is also void warfare mastery and that is a whole galaxy of space knight drama.”
And the cosmetics talk? The players are completely consumed with it. Someone said they would do “unholy things for that helmet to be added as a universal cosmetic… heretical things even” which I agree with them on that. The helmet looks really cool and that classic Templar cross is added to the helmet which looks amazing. Another player asked if the tabards could be recolored which is a valid ask because customization means everything in the games.
There is also some debate on whether the cosmetics will be class-specific or universal. One user pointed out, “Universal cosmetics from champion skins are part of this update. Not every armour piece can be used on all classes but it’s possible,” which is quite useful, and good to know for those looking to dress up their characters.
Not all of the talk has been about style and looks, as some players have raised gameplay balance issues. A player’s comment, “Please tell me the biovore is getting balanced somehow,” shows that, while everyone looks forward to the new cosmetics, they also think about the gameplay. And another player requested “Pls add more executions specially on extremis enemies” because let’s face it, brutal executions are like half the fun of a Space Marine.
The Anniversary update is something of a milestone for Space Marine 2, and the release of the Black Templars pack is exactly what 40K has been waiting for. Black Templars either has a fan base for a certain type of adore or for a kind of love-to-hate, but are themeless. They are the space marines that never stopped crusading, and their rivalry with other marines is that they know they are doing a “casual hobby.”
Players seem excited to represent the Warhammer 40K chapters. One player applauded, “Exclusively playing Bulwark and representing my Chapter has finally been rewarded. The Emperor Protects. I am so happy to see the long-term support for the game,” showing in my opinion a lot of love for the Warhammer universe. That level of devotion would be the best part of the 40K community, in that players don’t just play the games; they deeply engage with the universe.
Amidst the pricing and availability concerns, some players express confusion. “When will it be released on the store? GOG GALAXY We will cherish this masterpiece forever,” inquires one, while another questions, “When can we see the price for it though?! Thursday only?” Both comments are perfectly valid and express the eagerness players have in knowing how much this stunning addition would be.
One player mentioned, “Looks like an Uruk Hai sword lol,” which, as a take, is very accurate as the weapon gives off the no-nonsense “I’m here to mop up, not look pretty” brutal vibe. Another player mentioned, “I’m not a Black Templar…but that sword is going to be used until its edge is worn dull against the carapace of the Tyranid filth,” which is, with some pride, the “most Warhammer sentence ever” that I’ve read.
What impressed the most is the way the players are thankful for the Space Marine 2 constant support. Few days ever since Space Marine 2 was released, the community seems to be grateful as Focus Entertainment is constantly releasing content to keep the community engaged. Their care extends from the new Black Templars pack, to the new cosmetics alongside the balance updates which is indeed commendable.
The Black Templars style feels right at home with Space Marine 2’s tone because it’s grim, dark, and it’s too excessive in its excessive too dark to be described. The armor is black with white details, the crusader vibes, and the complete certainty that the other is heresy and must be purged. It is a whole mood.
September 4 is not that far off and the anticipation will continue to grow. Players have already started strategizing their loadouts, engaging in conversations about the potential universal cosmetics, and gearing up for the xenos purging. The Black Templars Champion Pack confirmed our suspicions and it is a win for Space Marine 2’s growing library of content. While the Emperor’s protection is guaranteed, I am sure a few nice cosmetics will be appreciated.
