Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2, the sequel to the retro-inspired first-person shooter Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, launches on Xbox Series X|S in 2026. Developed by Auroch Digital and published by Devolver Digital and Big Fan Games, the sequel doubles down on fast-paced combat and adds a second playable character to shake up how you approach each mission.
Sister of Battle Nyra Veyrath joins returning Ultramarine Malum Caedo as a fully playable protagonist. Lead designer Matt Bone confirmed that player requests for a second character drove the decision, and the team wanted to create a playstyle that feels completely different from Malum's approach. Nyra leans into speed and aggression, wielding flame-based weapons and prioritizing mobility over brute force.
A Distinct Combat Style
Nyra's loadout pulls directly from the Adepta Sororitas arsenal: bolters, flamers, and melta weapons. The development team spent extra time making her flame weapons feel satisfying to use, balancing visual impact with clear damage feedback. The Heavy Flamer in particular needed to feel destructive without becoming visually overwhelming or hard to read during chaotic fights.
Her melee kit centers on the Power Sword, paired with a one-handed Bolt Pistol for close-range flexibility. This setup pushes you into melee range, where you can chain combo slashes and thrust attacks. The forward thrust does more damage and doubles as a movement tool, letting you cover ground quickly or link abilities together for more aggressive plays.
Mobility and Tactical Abilities
Mobility defines Nyra's kit. Her Fervent Slide lets you tear through levels while damaging anything in your path. Jump during the slide to perform a Leap for vertical movement, and you can slow time mid-air to line up shots or scan for threats. The mechanics are simple enough for new players to pick up but offer room for optimization once you get comfortable.
Grenades get more depth in Boltgun 2. Nyra uses a Melta Bomb that deals area damage on impact. Hold the throw button to slow time for precise placement, or detonate it mid-flight for faster execution. Both options reward good timing and spatial awareness.
Expanding the Game World
Boltgun 2 picks up where the first game left off with a branching single-player campaign. You'll fight through new environments like sprawling hive cities and thick mangrove swamps, each with its own hazards. Enemy variety scales with your progress — expect Bloodletters and Juggernauts among the new threats. The game pushes you to experiment with both characters' kits, rewarding players who learn when to switch between Nyra's mobility and Malum's heavier approach.
The new key art by Johan Grenier puts Nyra and Malum front and center in a chaotic battlefield, reinforcing the dual-protagonist structure. The artwork reflects the team's focus on variety and replayability while staying true to the Warhammer 40,000 setting.
Anticipated Features and Future Updates
More details on Boltgun 2's gameplay and story will come as development continues. The sequel keeps the retro FPS foundation of the original while layering in new characters, expanded weapon systems, and more varied environments. If you liked the first game, the added mobility options and tactical depth should give you reasons to replay missions with different approaches.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 release?
The game launches in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S. No other platforms have been announced yet.
Who are the playable characters in Boltgun 2?
You can play as Malum Caedo, an Ultramarine Sternguard Veteran, or Nyra Veyrath, a Sister of Battle Celestian. Each character has different weapons, abilities, and combat styles.
What new weapons are available in Boltgun 2?
Nyra uses flame-based weapons including bolters, flamers, and melta weapons, plus a Power Sword for melee. Malum keeps his Chainsword and firearms from the original.
What is Fervent Slide?
Fervent Slide is Nyra's primary mobility tool. It lets you dash through levels while damaging enemies, and you can jump during the slide to perform a Leap for vertical movement. You can also slow time mid-air to line up shots or assess threats.
Are there new enemy types?
Yes, Boltgun 2 adds new enemies like Bloodletters and Juggernauts, which show up as you progress through different biomes and campaign branches.
What platforms will the game be available on?
Right now, Boltgun 2 is confirmed for Xbox Series X|S only. No other platforms have been announced.
How does the campaign structure work?
The campaign has branching paths, so your choices determine which levels and environments you see. Each path has unique challenges and enemy encounters.
Where can players follow updates for Boltgun 2?
Follow Auroch Digital on X, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for updates.
