Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 Review Roundup: The Sequel Critics Wanted?

Critics have spoken, and the Boltgun 2 review verdict is clear: Auroch Digital's sequel is a better game than the original. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 launched on October 14, 2026 on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and it holds an 84 on OpenCritic, with 78% of critics recommending it.

This is a review roundup: we haven't scored the game ourselves. Instead we've gathered the scores, the main praise and complaints from named outlets, and what Steam players are saying in the first days after launch.

Boltgun 2 at a glance

What is Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2?

Boltgun 2 is a retro-style "boomer shooter" set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, picking up where 2023's Boltgun left off. It looks like a mid-90s first-person shooter, with chunky pixel art and fast, gory combat, but runs on modern tech. The big additions: a second playable character, a branching campaign, and enemies from all four Chaos gods: Nurgle, Tzeentch, Khorne and Slaanesh.

• Two heroes: Ultramarine Malum Caedo returns with his Boltgun, Chainsword and Obliterating Charge. New Sister of Battle Nyra Veyrath brings a power sword, bolt pistol, flamer and Melta Bomb, with a Fervent Slide that makes her much faster.
• A branching campaign of 30+ levels across hive cities, jungles and the Ark of Omen. You can't see every planet in one playthrough.
• 40+ new enemies and bigger boss fights, building to a showdown with the demigod Vashtorr the Arkifane.
• Death Korps of Krieg allies fight beside you on some planets.
• An automap, one of the most-requested fixes from the first game.
• Mick Gordon, composer of DOOM Eternal, wrote the music for the final boss battle.

Boltgun 2 review scores

Here's a selection of scores from the launch-day reviews on OpenCritic:

Boltgun 2 review: what do critics like?

• A proper sequel. PlayStation Universe says it succeeds in every way a sequel should improve on its predecessor, and calls it essential for fans of the setting and classic shooters. IGN praises an engaging, replayable campaign despite minor blemishes.
• Better level design. TechRaptor highlights tighter levels and outstanding visuals, and DayOne says the smarter level design fixes its main issue with the first game.
• Two heroes who play differently. TechRaptor and Gamer Social Club both single out Nyra Veyrath and Malum Caedo's different movement and weapons as a big boost to replayability. Uagna adds that the weapons finally feel balanced.
• Crunchy, fast combat. DualShockers calls the action fast-paced and exhilarating, and But Why Tho? praises the level design, sound design and "crunchy" combat.

What do critics dislike?

• It plays it safe. The Games Machine calls it consistently good but never excellent, Gameliner wonders whether it does enough to be a full sequel, and Uagna says it stays too anchored to tradition to truly surprise.
• Thin story and characters. Analog Stick Gaming found little in the way of story or personality for the two heroes, and GameBlast says the plot could have had more care.
• Weapon switching. GameBlast also feels the weapon-switching system needs refinement.
• Made for fans. CGMagazine says Warhammer veterans will get the most out of it, though newcomers are welcome too.

What are players saying?

Players are even happier than critics: Boltgun 2 is Very Positive (95%) on Steam and rated 4.83 out of 5 on the PlayStation Store. From the most helpful Steam reviews in launch week:

• Yemeth calls it "a textbook example of a good sequel", keeping the first game's gunplay while fixing its repetitive levels and bullet-sponge arenas.
• Loomis the Moonthing is happy there's finally a map, which was their biggest complaint about Boltgun 1.
• Nostalgia Nerd sums it up as the first game "but MORE": more characters, routes, enemies and accessibility options.
• Sm0k3f47h3r left a negative review only because the HUD and crosshair settings from the first game are missing, despite requests after the demo, and says they'll change it if they're added.
• Boothman reports performance dropping the longer they play, especially on the Nurgle level, even on a high-end PC. A few other players mention the same level.

Watch the Boltgun 2 launch trailer

Boltgun 2 PC requirements

Boltgun 2 review verdict: is it worth it?

If you liked the first Boltgun, or you love classic shooters like DOOM and Quake, critics and players agree: yes. It's cheap, it fixes the original's biggest problems, and the two heroes and branching routes give it real replay value. If you were hoping for a big reinvention or a gripping story, the critics' consensus is that this isn't it. PS5 owners with PlayStation Plus Premium can try a one-hour trial first.

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Boltgun 2 review FAQ