Games Workshop has thrilled Warhammer 40,000 fans by reviving the much-anticipated Astartes 2 animation with a stunning teaser trailer. However, there's a twist: none of the scenes shown in the teaser will appear in the final animation.

Astartes 2 is the sequel to the fan-favorite original Astartes animation, crafted by Syama Pedersen. Widely regarded as the pinnacle of Warhammer 40,000 animations, it's only rivaled by Amazon's impressive Space Marine 2 animation from the Secret Level anthology series. Astartes' excellence even influenced Saber Interactive’s blockbuster game, Space Marine 2, leading Games Workshop to hire Syama to work on the sequel.

After years of silence that left many wondering if the project had been abandoned, Games Workshop surprised fans on January 29, 2025, with the release of the teaser trailer. The trailer promises an unprecedented scale of animation for Warhammer 40,000, featuring melee and ranged combat, vehicle battles, and epic spaceship confrontations. It showcases various Space Marine chapters in diverse settings, battling against foes like Tyranids, Orks, and Tau.

It's not even February yet and the Ws for 2025 won't stop coming! Astartes is back, Brothers! pic.twitter.com/sYhu5LjwiC

— Champions of the Ice (@ChampionsOTIce2) January 29, 2025

While the teaser ramps up excitement for Astartes 2, it's important to note that it won't be part of the animation set to launch in 2026 exclusively on Games Workshop's Warhammer+ streaming service. According to a post on the Warhammer Community website, the teaser is a montage of scenes representing the past lives of the characters who will feature in the show. The post hints at the story's direction, inviting fans to piece together the puzzle.

Despite the teaser's allure, its lack of a disclaimer might lead to confusion among fans expecting to see the showcased scenes in Astartes 2. Many might not come across the clarifying post on the Warhammer Community website.

Nevertheless, the teaser has sparked speculation and excitement. The final image suggests the characters may join an Inquisition-led Deathwatch Terminator squad, though the full meaning remains a mystery.

Meanwhile, fans of Space Marine 2 are eyeing the Astartes 2 teaser with envy, hoping elements like capes might find their way into the game. With Saber Interactive continuing to update Space Marine 2, there's a chance for further inspiration from Astartes.