Space Marine 2 update introduces new mission, parry rework, DLSS support and FSR frame generation enhancements

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Unveils Patch 5.0 – The Obelisk Update

Fans of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 can rejoice as it has just launched Patch 5.0, dubbed the Obelisk Update. Developed by Saber Interactive, this latest patch introduces a host of exciting features and enhancements to the game’s cooperative shooter experience. Key additions include a brand-new Operation mission, a novel enemy type, significant parry system adjustments, and revamped XP mechanics, among other improvements.

Introducing the New Operation: Obelisk

The centerpiece of this update is the new Operation mission titled “Obelisk.”This mission transports players to Demerium, coinciding with pivotal events from the main campaign. Within this gameplay, players will encounter Tzaangor Enlightened, a formidable new enemy characterized as a “disk-flying, melee/ranged-hybrid unit.”This enemy poses a unique challenge, especially when encountered in groups, making tactical gameplay essential for Space Marines.

Revamped Gameplay Mechanics

The patch also brings substantial changes to gameplay mechanics. Saber Interactive has revamped the parry and guard systems, breaking the previous cycle of Parry → Gun Strike. Now, players can expect significantly enhanced melee damage across all weapon types. Additionally, successful perfect blocks will accumulate new “Adrenaline Surge stacks,”which can unleash devastating area damage and stagger nearby foes while providing extra armor segments.

New Incentives and Performance Enhancements

To further engage players, the update introduces an “Extermination Bonus,”rewarding participants for defeating the majority of spawned enemies within each Operation level. If players eliminate over 60% of enemies, they are rewarded with a 110% XP bonus, while clearing more than 85% yields a 120% bonus—an incentive to thoroughly engage with every encounter.

From a performance standpoint, PC players can now enjoy enhanced gameplay with the inclusion of AMD FSR 3 and DLSS 3 Frame Generation technologies. For those on PlayStation 5, the update supports higher resolutions, allowing for up to 4K visuals in certain scenarios, although the frame rate remains capped at 30 FPS due to the use of PSSR.

Quality-of-Life Improvements

The Obelisk Update brings a range of quality-of-life enhancements, designed to improve the overall gameplay experience:

Dodge invulnerability mechanics are now client-sided, enhancing responsiveness even at higher ping.

Players receive invulnerability during certain damage instances while in a Knockback animation.

A new 10-frame invulnerability period has been added at the start of the Jump Pack launch animation (available in Campaign and Operations).

The clarity of sound notifications for Dodge and Parry actions has seen marked improvement.

Heavy’s Barrier can now be activated in a greater variety of player states (including during stagger animations).

Player controls are more responsive after using Vanguard’s Grapnel Launcher.

Spawn protection has been introduced for PvP modes.

The Neo-Volkite Pistol has been added to PvP combat.

For those looking for comprehensive details, the complete patch notes are available in the official Patch 5.0 launch blog post. The update is now live on both PC and consoles.

Source & Images