Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 continues the retro-style boomer shooter formula established by the original 2023 Boltgun game but adds new features and improvements [1, 2]. The game includes new playable characters, notably Nyra Veyrath, a Sister of Battle Celestian who is faster and smaller than the original protagonist Malum. Georgina Minns explained, “She’s a lot faster than Malum is. She’s a bit shorter as well — you can see the difference when you select the characters” [1].
Boltgun 2 expands its level design to feature larger, outdoor semi-linear environments set across deadly worlds. One highlighted setting is a jungle-covered death world where Nurgle’s cultists, including Poxwalkers and Plague Marines, appear prominently [1, 2]. The developers aim to increase variety and unpredictability in the levels compared to the more similar stages of the first game. Lead developer Zachary Cundall said, “The thing that we really wanted to achieve with Boltgun 2 is the fact that you don’t really know what’s going to come up next” [1].
The game maintains a pixelated art style inspired by classic 1990s shooters like Doom and Quake. This style delivers a gritty Warhammer 40K atmosphere that fans have praised [1, 2].
In June 2026, previews from Polygon and IGN showcased playable demos of Boltgun 2 highlighting the new characters and outdoor jungle levels [1, 2].
