Space Marine 2: What is the level cap in Operations?

If you’ve already played through Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2‘s campaign, you’re likely starting to explore the cooperative PvE Operations mode. But how far can you take a Space Marine in any given Class? What’s the level cap for PvE Operations, and what do you get for reaching it?

Space Marine 2 features a cooperative multiplayer PvE mode called Operations. Like the campaign, players still set out on mission-based excursions to complete objectives or hunt down particularly dangerous Xenos or Heretic targets. After you’ve chosen an Astartes Class and played an Operation or two, you’ll find yourself leveling up. The first few levels come quickly, but then each starts to require more and more time investment into the Class.

The Operations mode currently features four difficulty options, and higher tiers suggest Space Marines at higher levels. Operations completed at higher difficulties reward more experience and higher-tier weapon upgrade materials. If players want to conquer their foes on these higher difficulties, they’ll need to level their Space Marine up and take full advantage of the valuable experience received.

Space Marine career development

The current level cap in Space Marine 2 is 25. Naturally, each level becomes more challenging to achieve than the last, so players will have to push into higher-difficulty Operations as they grow in strength progressively. Thankfully, the payouts are worth the extra effort, rewarding players with sizable XP gains and the opportunity for even more if they can manage to complete the Operation without getting downed while carrying a hidden Gene Seed.

While Space Marine 2‘s developer, Saber Interactive, has confirmed more Operations and higher difficulty options are coming, there hasn’t been any definitive word on whether that would also mean the level cap would be increased. For now, the 25 levels already provide enough of a journey to get through, especially if players want to max out multiple characters to experience the different Space Marine playstyles.

What does leveling do for you?

As players level up a Space Marine Class, they’ll earn points to invest in a tiered skill tree. Some nodes contain powerful passive effects, while others strengthen abilities or gear players already possess. Each Class has access to a different skill tree, which complements the Class’ abilities, gear, and gameplay. As players progress in level, they’ll earn access to other options, mixing and matching active ones to best suit tastes.

These skills open up another layer of mastery for the Space Marine Class and add the extra oomph needed to tackle Operations at higher difficulties. That might come in the form of damage resistance when Armor is depleted for the Bulwark or just straight-up buffing primary weapon damage at the cost of secondary weapon power for the Tactical Class.

In addition to the progressive power gain, players will also unlock access to different cosmetic armor options as they level. While these don’t add any gameplay effects, it’s hard to argue against decking yourself in some rightly-earned armor before heading back to serve the Emperor in another Operation.