In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war… and apparently, a whole lot of fantastic game demos. In a surprise drop ahead of Steam Next Fest, Bulwark Studios has released a playable demo for its highly anticipated sequel, Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II. The sequel to the critically acclaimed 2018 turn-based tactical game is back, and this time, it’s letting players see the conflict from both sides of the machine.
A War on Two Fronts
The biggest and most exciting change in Mechanicus II is the addition of a second playable faction. While the original game put you solely in control of the cybernetic priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus, the sequel features two full narrative campaigns, allowing you to command either the followers of the Omnissiah or the ancient, undying legions of the Necrons. The new demo gives players a taste of both, letting you play through the game’s prologue from each perspective.
This is a game-changing addition that offers incredible strategic variety. The Adeptus Mechanicus are more fragile and rely on using the environment for cover. The Necrons, on the other hand, are a relentless, destructive force that can simply blast through cover and march forward. It’s a fantastic asymmetrical design that promises two very different tactical experiences in one game.
What’s New Under the Hood?
Beyond the addition of the Necrons, the demo showcases several smart evolutions of the core formula. Here are some of the key upgrades:
- A New Cover System: The battlefield is now more dynamic than ever. Mechanicus units can take cover behind terrain to protect themselves from enemy fire, adding a crucial new defensive layer to the tactical puzzle.
- Destructible Environments: In a perfect counter to the new cover system, the Necrons have the ability to destroy terrain, blasting away cover and exposing their cowering foes.
- A More Flexible Resource System: The Cognition Point system (or Dominion Points for the Necrons) has been reworked. Now, individual units can generate these crucial resources, which are used to power your most powerful abilities. This small change opens up a huge range of new strategic possibilities.
- Expanded Rosters: The demo offers a glimpse at the vastly expanded selection of units available to both factions, from new types of Skitarii to monstrous Necron constructs.
The Story So Far
The demo sets the stage for the main conflict. Magos Dominus Faustinius, the protagonist of the first game, is summoned to a new world to deal with a nascent Necron threat. Little does he know that he is walking into the tomb world of Vargard Nefershah, a Necron Overlord who is beginning to mobilize her legions to annihilate the fleshy intruders. It’s the spark that will ignite a war of cold, calculated logic versus ancient, metallic fury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II?
It is the sequel to the critically acclaimed turn-based tactical RPG, Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus. It’s set in the grim dark future of the 40K universe and focuses on a conflict between the cybernetic Adeptus Mechanicus and the ancient robotic Necrons.
What’s included in the demo?
The demo allows you to play the prologue of the game from the perspective of both the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Necrons, giving you a taste of each faction’s unique gameplay style.
Do I need to have played the first game?
While the story does feature returning characters, the demo and the full game are designed to be accessible to newcomers. The core conflict is self-contained.
What are the biggest new features?
The ability to play a full campaign as the Necrons is the biggest new feature. This is complemented by a new cover system, destructible environments, and a more flexible resource system for abilities.
When does the full game release?
There is no specific release date yet, but Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II is expected to launch sometime in 2026.
Conclusion
Based on the demo, Mechanicus II is shaping up to be a brilliant evolution of an already fantastic game. The addition of the Necron campaign and the smart refinements to the tactical gameplay make for a deeper, more replayable experience. The initial fan reception has been incredibly positive, with players praising the ominous atmosphere, stellar voice acting, and satisfying, brain-testing combat. If you’re a fan of tactical RPGs or the Warhammer 40,000 universe, you owe it to the Omnissiah to download this demo on Steam immediately.