April 1st has come and gone, and with it, the video game industry's annual tradition of April Fool's Day pranks. However, the gag pulled by the team behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is one that may linger in the minds of fans for a while longer.
On April 1st, Space Marine 2's publisher, Focus Entertainment, announced the release of a new Chaplain class as DLC. "In story mode, swap out Titus for The Chaplain and experience the game as a true Codex-compliant Ultramarine," Focus stated, likely with a chuckle behind their screens.
This supposed 'DLC' would introduce the Chaplain as a playable character in the story mode, along with an 'Enhanced Dialogue System.' This system would have the Chaplain reminding everyone every five minutes that "the Codex Astartes does not support this action," and "I’m telling the Inquisition."
The Chaplain would also come with a special ability called Discipline, which would instantly report "any and all minor deviations from the Codex Astartes for a 5% discipline bonus (but -20% brotherhood bonus).
The humor in this jest stems from the fact that, in Space Marine 2's campaign, Chaplain Quintus vigilantly monitors Titus for any signs of heresy, despite Titus's unwavering loyalty to the Imperium, the Ultramarines, and the Emperor. Throughout the campaign, as Titus fights against the Tyranids and the Thousand Sons traitor legion, it becomes evident that there is something unique about him, and Chaplain Quintus is highly suspicious. He's akin to the overzealous school prefect who patrols the corridors, eager to report any hint of deviant behavior to the headmaster. It's no wonder the Chaplain has become a beloved meme within the Space Marine community, and this April Fool's joke plays right into that.
Interestingly, some fans have expressed a desire for the Chaplain to be added to the game, not with the exact abilities from the joke, but as a formidable warrior-priest who emphasizes the veneration of the Emperor. "This would actually go hard if this was real," commented ResidentDrama9739 on the Space Marine subreddit, sparking enthusiastic discussions about potential gameplay mechanics for the Chaplain.
While Space Marine 2 is indeed set to introduce a new class soon, neither Focus Entertainment nor developer Saber Interactive have revealed what it will be. Speculation among fans leans towards the Apothecary, which would function as a medic class, or the Librarian, bringing warp-powered space magic to the game. The Chaplain's prominent role in the April Fool's Day prank might make his inclusion in the game seem less likely, but fans remain hopeful.
Despite the unexpected announcement of Space Marine 3's development, Space Marine 2 continues to evolve. The year one roadmap is still in place, with Patch 7 expected in mid-April. In the coming months, players can look forward to the new class, additional PvE operations, and new melee weapons.
Which Warhammer 40,000 enemy faction would you like to see in Space Marine 3? Options include Necrons, another Traitor Legion, Drukhari, Genestealer Cults, T’au Empire, Aeldari, or something else entirely. Let us know your thoughts!
