Welcome, fellow warriors of the Imperium! This guide will take you through all things Bulwark in the Operations mode of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Whether you’re just starting out or already accustomed to the game, this guide will delve into strategies, mindsets, and choices you can make to master this mighty class. My aim is to help you understand the Bulwark’s role in a team, weapon and perk selection, and overall playstyle.
While this guide offers a lot of insight, keep in mind that every team is different, so use what you learn here and adapt it to your own playstyle. With that said, let’s get started, brother!
Ceramite-Clad Introductions
As a player who has been playing Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 since pre-launch access, I’ve spent a significant amount of time mastering the Bulwark class. I enjoy playing supportive roles, and the Bulwark is my favorite for that very reason. This guide will break down:
- Bulwark’s role in a team
- General playstyle
- Available equipment and perk selection
- My personal build as an example
While this is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it’s a good starting point for anyone who wants to become proficient in this versatile class.
Inherent Traits and Identity
The Bulwark’s Unique Identity
The Bulwark is a bit unconventional compared to other classes. Right from level 1, you’ll notice that you have no primary gun. Instead, your ranged combat options are limited to either a Bolter Pistol or a Plasma Pistol. As a result, when ammunition gets scarce, it’s better to let other classes grab ammo since they can replenish both of their weapons.
That said, the Bulwark is predominantly a melee-focused combatant. Your guns still pack a punch, but your role is not to dominate in ranged combat. Rather, the guns you have are versatile and fast, providing utility when needed.
The Bulwark Shield
Your shield is the defining feature of your class. When you hold the parry button or sprint, you begin to block most incoming attacks from the front, including ranged attacks. A glowing shield and dimmed screen borders will indicate when this blocking mode is active.
However, beware of specific attacks like the Tyranid sniper’s charged shots, which can stagger you. Although some ranged attacks are unblockable, your shield will help you run through most enemy fire unscathed.
The Banner: Offensive and Defensive Support
The Banner is a powerful tool that enhances both your durability and that of your team. Dropping the banner creates an immediate radius that turns missing health into contested health for nearby allies, including yourself. Executing an enemy right after dropping the banner grants a full heal. Additionally, the banner’s aura continuously restores armor for allies within its radius.
Bulwark Playstyle Overview
As a Bulwark, you excel in close-range combat and are built for both offensive and defensive roles. Whether you’re leading a charge or holding a position, you’re extremely durable. Your team composition plays a big role in how you should adapt:
- If you have a Heavy in your squad, stay closer to him and protect him from close-quarter threats.
- If your team includes Assault or Vanguard classes, feel free to charge ahead and soak up damage.
Weapon Choice
Bolter Pistol
The Bolter Pistol is an accurate and fast weapon, ideal for close to medium-range engagements. It’s reliable for quickly dispatching Tyranids and weakening Chaos targets. I favor the Bolter Pistol because it doesn’t require much in terms of precision, and it’s good for consistent damage output.
Plasma Pistol
The Plasma Pistol is a more powerful option, but it comes with some risk. Since you don’t have a primary gun, this is your only ranged weapon. The Plasma Pistol excels at taking down larger enemies like Majoris-level Tyranids from a distance. Just keep in mind that once you commit to this weapon, it’s your only source of ranged firepower.
Chainsword
The Chainsword is a versatile melee weapon that offers great crowd control. It has sweeping attacks that can handle groups of enemies while delivering strong single-target damage. Additionally, the Chainsword is excellent for restoring contested health, which makes it great for survivability in extended battles.
Power Sword
The Power Sword is a duelist’s weapon, designed for concentrated damage. It excels at taking down Majoris-level targets and offers a balance between crowd control and single-target damage. If you find yourself often engaging larger threats, the Power Sword is a solid choice.
Power Fist
The Power Fist is essentially a mini Thunderhammer. It delivers high damage with wide sweeps, making it perfect for crushing crowds of enemies. Its weight can be a disadvantage, but you can always switch to your sidearm for a faster response when needed.
Building the Perfect Bulwark
Now that you understand the Bulwark’s weapons and role, let’s dive into my personal build. This setup focuses on durability and high-value support for the team.
Weapons
- Chainsword (Bottom Path Upgrades): Focus on contested health recovery and extra damage against large targets.
- Bolter Pistol (Top Path Upgrades): Prioritize high accuracy and bonus headshot damage for consistent ranged performance.
Class Perks
Here’s a breakdown of the perks I use:
- Conviction: 25% less health damage is a massive advantage. With constant armor regeneration, this perk is almost always active.
- Scrambled Targeting: Reducing ranged damage by 20% is crucial when dealing with swarms while engaging enemies in close quarters.
- Steel Within: Stacked with other defensive buffs, this helps you survive even in the most desperate situations.
Team-Oriented Perks
- Advanced Conditioning: Extends the contested health recovery window for your entire squad. This perk can turn the tide in a tight situation.
- Rapid Regeneration: Restores significant armor when the banner is dropped, immediately giving your team the edge.
- Invigorating Icon: Removes large portions of missing health from allies and turns it into contested health. This perk can save lives during heavy skirmishes.
Signature Perk
- Defensive Mastery: With a cooldown of 2 minutes, this perk allows you to immediately execute high-priority targets with a parry. It’s an absolute game-changer in intense battles.
Final Thoughts
The Bulwark is a powerful class that shines in the heat of battle, capable of shielding your team from harm and leading offensive charges. Whether you choose to wield the Chainsword for crowd control or the Power Fist for raw damage, your primary focus should be on supporting your team and utilizing your shield and banner to keep everyone in the fight.
The build outlined here emphasizes survivability and team support, but the beauty of the Bulwark is that it can be tailored to suit any playstyle. So experiment with different weapons and perks, and find what works best for you!
May the Emperor’s light guide your path, brother. Now go forth and crush the enemies of the Imperium!