"Space Marine 2 Public Test Server Launches with Major Update 7.0 Changes"

The first public test server for *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* is now live, offering players an early glimpse into the highly anticipated Update 7.0 and its accompanying patch notes. According to a community post from publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Saber Interactive, the preliminary patch notes for the PTS version encompass "most" of the features slated for the 7.0 update. However, they cautioned that the final 7.0 patch notes might differ, as the development team continues to work on bug fixes.

For PC players participating in the PTS, which is currently unavailable on consoles, Update 7.0 introduces a wealth of new content. This includes a new PvE mission titled "Exfiltration," a new secondary weapon—the Inferno Pistol—available for the Vanguard, Sniper, and Heavy classes, as well as endgame-focused prestige ranks in PvE and private PvP lobbies. Fans of customization will be thrilled with additions like new colors (Volupus Pink and Thousand Sons Blue), Bulwark cloth recoloring, hands recoloring, and a 50% increase in customization rewards in PvP. The PTS also introduces the Imperial Fists Champion skin for the Tactical class and a Space Wolves Champion for the Vanguard class.

Significant balance changes are also part of this update, with an expanded weapon arsenal in PvE ensuring all classes have more options. Notably, the Assault class can now use the Power Sword without mods. Players should review the detailed patch notes for comprehensive changes to the game's weaponry.

A welcome gameplay tweak comes to the Inferno Operation, where players reaching the assembly area in the level's final stage will now cause other players to be teleported there automatically after a delay. This change aims to address the griefing issue that has plagued the game since its launch, where players could block progress by remaining outside the assembly area indefinitely.

Last month, the Space Marine 2 developers teased the upcoming Horde mode and quashed rumors of the game becoming a live service model amid community backlash to "FOMO" events. Earlier in the year, Saber addressed player frustrations over content scarcity and outlined what to expect from Space Marine 2 in the coming months.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Update 7.0 PTS Patch Notes:

New Features

• New PvE mission: Exfiltration
• New Secondary Weapon (PvP & PvE): Inferno Pistol for the Vanguard, Sniper, and Heavy classes.
• Prestige ranks in PvE.
• PvP Private lobbies.
• Customization:
  • New Colours (Volupus Pink and Thousand Sons Blue)
  • Bulwark Cloth Recoloring
  • Hands Recoloring
  • Rewards increased by 50% in PvP.

Balancing

• Extended Weapon arsenal in PvE: All classes now have a larger weapon choice.
• Heavy Bolt Rifle: Reworked versions with updated stats and added scopes.
• Weapon Perks Update: Various perks across weapons have been reworked or replaced for improved gameplay dynamics.
• Bolt Weapons buffs: Base damage and ammo reserves have been increased for specific bolt weapons.

Operations

• Obelisk: Added new voiceovers to clarify objectives in the final gameplay sequence.
• Inferno: Added automatic teleportation to the assembly area to prevent griefing.

Bug Fixes

• Occulus Bolt Carbine: Fixed spread issue on the Master-Crafted - Alpha version.
• Multi-Melta: Fixed rate-of-fire issues on various versions.
• Sniper Class: Fixed stacking issues with "Renewal" and "Squad Renewal" perks.
• Tactical Class: Fixed bonus stacking with "Radiating Impact" perk.
• Heavy Class: Fixed bonus issue with "Enhanced Force" perk.
• Trials: Fixed unintentional health regeneration.
• Other: Fixed notification sound for multiple special enemy spawns.

These updates and enhancements promise to enrich the *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2* experience, offering players more ways to engage with the game and customize their gameplay. Stay tuned for the final 7.0 update, which may include additional refinements and surprises.