Warhammer 40k Mechanicus 2 lets you crush robots to death, finally

What is it with Warhammer games and adding more campaigns? Earlier this week, Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War 4 announced that, firstly, it exists and, secondly, that it has no fewer than four interwoven campaigns. Warhammer 40k: Mechanicus 2 revealed it was adding a second campaign for the sequel at Gamescom last year, but we're only just finding out how interesting that will be. In the eternal battle between the humans who want to be robots and the robots who want to be humans, two perspectives promises twice as many opportunities for turn-based evolution.

Personally, I play as the Adeptus Mechanicus whenever I'm able. They're my army on the tabletop (although they may lean a little towards the heretical side of things). I always recruit Pasqal in Rogue Trader. I played the heck out of the first Mechanicus game when it released.

However, I'm sure there are some robot enjoyers who prefer a Gauss Rifle to a Plasma Calliver. Those players will be satisfied by Warhammer 40k: Mechanicus 2, as the Necrons get their time in the sun. If there's one way to improve on a great turn-based strategy game, it's by doubling the tactical options at the player's disposal.

The gameplay overview released alongside a demo at Gamescom shows that the Mechanicus and Necrons have very different playstyles and will require varying approaches to combat. Necrons are tough and hard to kill, and get stronger as battles progress thanks to their Dominion ability. The Mechanicus, on the other hand, earn Cognition by playing efficiently, which can be spent to buff your leader or activate their canticles for another unit.

Combat should also feel different thanks to a dynamic turn order system, which makes every battle into a psychological puzzle. You can decide which unit you want to activate when, but the AI will act in a predetermined order, granting a forethinking general a distinct advantage.

You'll also have to take the environment into account, as the different biomes now have unique effects. From destructible cover that can crush a unit in an instant, to frequent Necron reinforcements inside the tombs they call home, the battlefields add their own dimension to the fight for Hekateus IV. All of these changes and additions should keep Mechanicus 2 more interesting than its predecessor, allowing for more varied tactics and increased replayability.

Aside from our favorite toasters and definitely-not-terminators, the trailer also gives us another glimpse of the Leagues of Votann, formerly known as Squats, who were recently confirmed to be in the game. They're not robots, but they do flirt with Abominable Intelligence, so I guess we'll let them into this robo-party.

If you can't wait for Mechanicus 2 to release, then there are plenty of other Warhammer 40k games to pass the time with. Warning: not all of them feature the Adeptus Mechanicus. Alternatively, try out some of the best space games if you want a different spin on sci-fi.

We've also got our lovely Discord server, where staff and readers hang out to discuss exactly which video game the Mechanicus should infiltrate next.