Space dwarfs from Warhammer 40,000 universe will star in the turn-based tactics game sequel, Mechanicus 2, set for release this year.
Games Workshop's forthcoming release, Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus 2, will introduce a long-awaited faction to the video game arena: the Leagues of Votann, formerly known as the squats or space dwarfs. First introduced in the 1980s, these characters, with their biker-like aesthetics, were less popular compared to space elves or space orks. Following their exclusion from the setting during the Tyranid invasion, fans have colloquially referred to aspects of the lore no longer relevant as "squatted."
However, the Leagues of Votann have undergone a revival, rebranding as a more respectful term, and reemerging in Mechanicus 2. The descendants of human mining fleets sent to the galactic core, generations of genetic adaptation with technology known as cloneskeins have transformed them into a species resembling modern-day space dwarfs, clad in sleek armor.
While the squats did not make an appearance in any Warhammer 40,000 videogames, Mechanicus 2 will change that when it releases later this year. Although the Leagues of Votann will not be a playable faction, they will be present as a non-playable faction encountered in the game's strategic battles.
As unveiled in the gameplay trailer showcased during the Warhammer Skulls event, Mechanicus 2 will feature three distinct factions employing turn-based tactics to battle for control of Hekateus IV. Two of these factions, the cybernetic tech-priests and the robotic Necrons, will be playable, with the mercenary Leagues of Votann added as an engaging non-playable faction to interact with or engage against. The soundtrack for the game, consisting of gothic monkstep music, promises to heighten the gaming experience.
Mechanicus 2 is scheduled to launch on Steam and the Epic Games Store in 2025, with the original game currently available for free on Steam until May 26.
On a related note, PC Gamer recently announced their top recommendations for Warhammer games across various genres, including fantasy epics, Warhammer 40K games, tabletop RPGs, and novels set in the Warhammer 40K universe. For a comprehensive list of these rankings, please refer to their website.
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In contrast to Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus 2's playable factions like the tech-priests and Necrons, the Leagues of Votann, formerly known as the squats, will be an engaging non-playable faction that players can interact with or fight against. Despite not being playable, the inclusion of the Leagues of Votann from the 1980s in Mechanicus 2 marks a significant win for fans who have yearned to see this faction in Warhammer 40,000 video games. The anticipated release of Mechanicus 2 promises an immersive gaming experience, with the addition of a gothic monkstep soundtrack acting as an entertainment highlight.
