In Space Marine 2, the difficulty settings for Operations offer different levels of challenge and rewards for you and your teammates. You’ll notice that the Tyranids and Thousand Sons pose a relatively mild threat on Minimal and Average difficulty, even at the start. However, the intensity ramps up significantly when you hit Substantial difficulty and above. At the highest levels, you can earn considerable XP and Requisition rewards, with Lethal difficulty featuring its own unique cosmetic rewards, but only if you manage to withstand the onslaught. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at each difficulty level in Space Marine 2.
All Space Marine 2 Difficulty Levels in Operations
Space Marine 2 features five difficulty options that change how challenging the co-op Operations can be. You can switch difficulty levels using the button prompt in the upper-right corner of the Operations menu. Also referred to as “threat levels,” these settings influence enemy behavior, damage output, equipment drop rates, and the effectiveness of Medicae Stimms, along with the quality of rewards like Space Marine 2 Armory Data.
All difficulty levels become available as soon as you unlock the Space Marine 2 Operations mode. Keep in mind, however, that each difficulty has a recommended level. If you try to select a challenge that exceeds your current class level, a warning will alert you to the potential risks. Make sure to remember our Space Marine 2 tips, regardless of the difficulty selection.
Here’s how each difficulty level impacts gameplay, from Minimal to Lethal:
Space Marine 2 Minimal Difficulty
This level is ideal for newcomers who are still familiarizing themselves with the game mechanics or working on their low-level characters.
- Recommended level: 1+
- Enemies: Your foes may be somewhat challenging, but solid teamwork and combat strategies can easily handle them.
- Equipment: Generous drops await you.
- Healing: Medicae Stimms offer ample health recovery, and you take a Mortal Wound after your second incapacitation.
- Rewards: Earn 35 Requisitions and 630 XP per completion, with the chance to discover Master-Crafted Armory Data.
Space Marine 2 Average Difficulty
This level presents a moderate increase in challenge, balanced by the fact that you should have unlocked some perks for your class and have a solid grasp of combat by this stage.
- Recommended level: 5+
- Enemies: Expect more aggressive and challenging foes.
- Equipment: Equipment drops are reduced.
- Healing: Medicae Stimms restore less health, and you take a Mortal Wound after your second incapacitation.
- Rewards: Receive 55 Requisitions and 945 XP upon completion, with the chance to uncover Master-Crafted Armory Data.
Space Marine 2 Substantial Difficulty
At this level, the threat significantly increases, where mistakes can have serious consequences, but the rewards improve greatly as well.
- Recommended level: 10+
- Enemies: Expect dangerous and much tougher opponents.
- Equipment: Drops are less frequent, and players have reduced armor.
- Healing: Medicae Stimms provide less health recovery, and you incur a Mortal Wound after your first incapacitation.
- Rewards: Earn 95 Requisitions and 1260 XP per completion, with Artificer Armory Data available for discovery.
Space Marine 2 Ruthless Difficulty
Players seeking a severe challenge against relentless foes will find this difficulty fitting.
- Recommended level: 15+
- Enemies: Foes are aggressive and capable of quickly taking you down.
- Equipment: Drops are limited, players possess minimal armor, and ammo caches have reduced uses for each team member.
- Healing: Medicae Stimms restore less health, you gain a Mortal Wound after the first incapacitation, and respawn times are lengthened.
- Rewards: Receive 165 Requisitions and 1890 XP per completion, with Relic Armory Data available for discovery.
Space Marine 2 Lethal Difficulty
This is the highest difficulty, designed for top-level classes, presenting severe penalties but offering the best rewards.
- Recommended level: 25
- Enemies: Foes are unyielding, and Majoris enemies can become enraged, increasing their lethality.
- Equipment: Drops are minimal, players have very little armor, and ammo caches have limited uses for each player.
- Healing: Finishers won’t regenerate armor if your teammates are too far away, Medicae Stimms provide less health, and you incur a Mortal Wound after the first incapacitation. Respawn times are longer, but defeating Majoris-level enemies or higher reduces this time.
- Rewards: Earn 220 Requisitions and 2830 XP for each completed mission. Complete all seven Operations at Lethal difficulty to unlock the Survivor helmet.