Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 Released Today

What Boltgun 2 is

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 is out now, released on October 14, 2026, on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It is the sequel to Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, the retro-style first-person shooter released in 2023. The new game is developed by Auroch Digital and published by Big Fan Games and Devolver Digital.

The original Boltgun combined the aesthetic and speed of classic 1990s shooters with the grimdark universe of Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40,000 franchise. The sequel builds on that foundation with expanded scope, more enemies and new playable characters. Auroch Digital, the developer, has carved out a niche in the retro shooter space, and this sequel represents a clear step up in ambition from their earlier work.

The game draws on the Warhammer 40,000 setting’s rich visual identity: gothic architecture, towering hive cities, battle-armoured Space Marines and the endless conflict that defines the far-future universe. That setting provides a natural backdrop for a fast-paced shooter, and the original game demonstrated that the retro format could work within it.

A PlayStation 5 console beside a DualSense controller — PlayStation 5 and DualSense controller. Photo: Osh33m, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Platforms and price caveat

Boltgun 2 is available on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. At the time of writing, the Steam listing showed a 10% discount. Store discounts and prices change regularly, so it is worth checking the store page for the current price before purchasing. The game is a digital release across all platforms.

The PC version is available through Steam. Console versions are available through their respective storefronts. No physical edition has been mentioned in the sources used for this article. Players should verify platform availability and pricing through the official store listings, as launch promotions can change within hours.

The simultaneous release across all three platforms is notable. The original Boltgun launched across multiple platforms, and the sequel maintains that broad approach rather than staggering releases or making any platform exclusive. That means players on any current-generation system can access the game from day one.

What changed from the first game

The Steam listing describes the sequel as follows: play as Ultramarine Malum Caedo or Sister of Battle Nyra Veyrath. The game offers more enemies, more weapons and new ways to purge, taking the fight to never-before-seen worlds. Environments range from the colossal heights of a hive city to the impenetrable mangrove swamps of a jungle.

The addition of two playable characters is a significant change. Malum Caedo returns from the first game, while Nyra Veyrath, a Sister of Battle, is a new option. That gives players a choice between an Ultramarine Space Marine and a warrior of the Adepta Sororitas, two distinct archetypes within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The broader range of environments also moves beyond the first game’s settings into more varied terrain, expanding the visual and tactical palette.

The promise of more enemies and more weapons suggests a direct scaling up of the action rather than a fundamental redesign. The retro shooter formula that defined the original remains intact; the sequel adds depth and variety without abandoning what made the first game appealing. For fans of the original, that continuity is likely welcome.

The hive city and jungle environments represent a notable shift in setting. Hive cities are iconic locations in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, massive urban structures that house billions of inhabitants. Jungle environments, by contrast, offer a different kind of visual and navigational challenge. The contrast between these two extremes suggests a game that is willing to vary its backdrops more than its predecessor.

Mick Gordon and the soundtrack

Doom composer Mick Gordon contributed a new track to the game. Gordon, known for his work on the Doom reboot series, brings his signature heavy metal sound to the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The collaboration was reported by IGN about a month before launch.

Gordon’s involvement is a notable addition. The original Boltgun soundtrack, composed by Brian Schmidt, was praised for capturing the retro shooter aesthetic. Having Gordon contribute to the sequel adds to the game’s profile and suggests the developers are investing in a strong audio identity. Gordon’s work on Doom established him as a defining voice in modern heavy metal game scores, and his participation signals that Boltgun 2 is taking its sonic presentation seriously.

Music plays a particularly important role in retro-style shooters. The genre’s fast pacing and repetitive combat loops benefit from driving soundtracks that maintain energy across extended play sessions. Gordon’s contribution, combined with the existing score, should give the sequel an audio landscape that matches its visual ambition.

The busy October 2026 release calendar

October 2026 is a packed month for game releases. Boltgun 2 launched alongside Over the Hill and The Witch’s Bakery, according to gamereleases.gg. The rest of the month includes Dynasty Warriors 3 Complete Edition Remastered, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, according to Game Informer’s 2026 release schedule.

The sheer volume of releases means Boltgun 2 faces competition for attention. The retro shooter audience is dedicated but narrow, and the game’s appeal depends on both fans of the original and those drawn in by the Warhammer 40,000 license. The crowded calendar makes that harder. Readers should note that these titles are listed in release schedules and no hands-on impressions of any of them are included here.

The presence of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 later in the month represents the kind of blockbuster release that can dominate media coverage and consumer attention. Smaller titles like Boltgun 2 often struggle to maintain visibility when major franchises launch within the same window. The game’s niche appeal and dedicated fanbase may help it find its audience despite the competition.