If you are a fan of those good ol’ boomer shooters that are full of fast-paced combat and hundreds of enemies, then Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 might be right up your alley. Just like its predecessor, the FPS game focuses on intense combat and awesome weapons, and even though this genre is usually not known for having very complicated campaigns, Boltgun 2 will definitely be worth the replay.
Unlike many traditional boomer shooters that encourage replays through higher difficulties, secrets, and small improvements, the new FPS introduces a couple of very interesting features that could make the second playthrough feel very different from what players are used to. For example, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 features a branching campaign with unique levels that players simply won’t be able to experience during the first playthrough, so starting over will not just be about improving your technique but also about discovery.
Branching Paths and Different Playstyles Make Every Playthrough Unique
According to the developers of Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2, the game features branching paths, and each one contains unique levels, which is quite a significant departure from the approach of many traditional boomer shooters. Usually, replaying the campaign just means going through the same encounters one more time and maybe improving a skill or two along the way. Generally, there is nothing wrong with this approach, but most people would agree that having entirely different levels that you are going to see on the second playthrough definitely makes starting over a lot more appealing.
Find all 10 pairs
And what’s more important, it gives players a reason to return that is much bigger than simply enjoying the combat mechanics and not wanting to let go. Another important distinction between Boltgun 2 and the more traditional shooters is the ability to choose between two playable characters. The first one, also known as Malum Caedo, is a Sternguard Veteran who’s a ruthless fighter. The other one’s called Nyra Veyrath, and she’s considerably more mobile. According to the studio, the two characters also have different abilities and weapons they can use, so choosing one is not just about cosmetics.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
This is yet another reason why a replay might be more interesting than usual because what players have already experienced could feel quite different when they are in another character’s shoes. Of course, having access to so many weapons and abilities is no less interesting when it comes to replays, too. In any case, Boltgun 2 appears to be a great example that a sequel doesn’t need to change every encounter to make a replay sound attractive.
A Diverse Enemy Roster Keeps Players on Their Toes
-
Image via Focus Entertainment -
Image via Focus Entertainment -
Image via Focus Entertainment
Of course, all these features are highly likely to encourage players to replay the game, but we can’t deny the fact that enemies themselves are just as important when it comes to having entertaining combat encounters. Thankfully, Boltgun 2 features opponents associated with all four Chaos Gods, as well as enemies like Bloodletters, Juggernauts, Daemonettes, and Noise Marines, all of which have very distinctive fighting styles to keep players on their toes. Moreover, having a wide range of enemies will definitely make it harder for players to rely on a single strategy, so even if players have mastered the combat mechanics, they can still experiment with different approaches. This works especially well in fast-paced titles like Boltgun 2, where making decisions often happens in the middle of a chaotic battle.
Boltgun 2 Proves That New Features Don’t Have to Replace Old Favorites
Fortunately, despite all the new additions, Boltgun 2 does not appear interested in erasing what made the original game so special. This is obviously very good news for those who know how to appreciate a traditional boomer shooter. And to be honest, keeping the core features of the game makes sense because there is literally no reason to reinvent a formula that already works anyway. Generally, adding new interesting features while simultaneously managing to keep the old-school identity of a title might actually turn out to be the best approach to keep your old players while giving new players a reason to be interested in the title.
However, no matter what features are being added, replaced, or erased, there is no guarantee that players will one hundred percent want to complete the campaign more than once. Sometimes, players are just perfectly satisfied with what they got on the first playthrough. Moreover, if the first playthrough turns out to be unsatisfactory for some, players might not even want to finish the first playthrough. But in any case, trying to please everyone often turns out to be a huge mistake anyway. And the good news is that Boltgun 2 just gives players the freedom to decide how they want to approach the game; those who want to enjoy some chaotic shooting can do that, while completionists have the option to pursue even more content.
- Released
-
October 14, 2026
- ESRB
-
Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
- Developer(s)
-
Auroch Digital
