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If you’re thinking about playing Space Marine 2 on an ultrawide screen, you’re not alone. Ultrawide gaming has exploded in popularity thanks to wider visuals and added immersion. With monitors in ratios like 21:9 (e.g., 3440×1440) or super-ultrawide 32:9 (e.g., 5120×1440), players want to know if this epic Warhammer 40K sequel lives up to the hype. So let’s break it all down.
What’s the Current State of Ultrawide Support
At launch, “Space Marine” offered no true ultrawide support. Players with wide monitors often ended up with black bars on the sides of their screens, letterboxing, despite their device’s capabilities. This sparked a strong backlash from early adopters, many unjustifiably expecting full compatibility from day one.
Later, a patch (often referred to as “Patch 3.0” or “Season 1 update”) officially enabled ultrawide resolutions. Now, 21:9 ratios are supported and selectable under “Video Display Resolution,” but expect some quirks:
- The “HUD and UI remain centered and fixed within a 16:9 style frame, which leaves wasted space at the edges.
- Users of super-ultrawide “32:9” monitors report major issues: zoomed-in views, cut-off HUD/horizon, and a weird fisheye effect that makes gameplay off-putting.
Pros and Cons of Playing on an Ultrawide Monitor
What’s Great (Especially 21:9)
- Enhanced immersion & view: You get panoramic battlefield views that feel cinematic and give situational awareness.
- Official support: You can now select 21:9 resolutions without resorting to mods or risking anti-cheat issues.
What Still Needs Work?
- “UI is 16:9 only“: Health bars, ammo counts, and maps stay in the center, leaving blank spaces at the sides.
- “No FOV slider”: There’s no option to manually tweak Field of View, which can feel cramped or distorted on wide screens.
- “32:9 compatibility is rough”: Users report vertical cutoffs and extreme zoom; better stick to 21:9 for now.
Tips to Improve Your Ultrawide Experience
Here are some smart options while waiting for further updates:
- Use 21:9 resolutions for now, e.g., 3440×1440 works best, avoiding the major issues reported at 32:9.
- Adjust Render Resolution. People report the best results by avoiding “Dynamic.” Instead, try other fixed settings in Fullscreen or Borderless.
- Try unofficial mods (offline mode only.) The community has FOV-enhancing mods, but using them online could risk anti-cheat bans.
- Plan for future patches; the devs know about HUD/32:9 issues. Feedback channels may help prioritize fixes. [Q&A notes mention considering the FOV slider.]
How to Decide Between 21:9 and 32:9?
If you’re shopping for a monitor specifically for Space Marine 2, here’s some advice:
Feature | 21:9 (e.g., 3440×1440) | 32:9 (e.g., 5120×1440) |
---|---|---|
Native Support | Officially supported | Supported but buggy |
UI/HUD Fit | Black bar edges remain, UI safe | UI cutoff, zoom issues |
Gameplay Immersion | Fully cinematic, stable visuals | Distorted and potentially nauseating |
Risk of Issues | Low | High (zoom, FOV, HUD) |
Here’s a quick checklist before splurging
- Make sure the monitor brand/resolution appears in Windows “Display Settings” first (e.g., 3440×1440). Then confirm it in the Space Marine 2 video options.
- Opt for “fullscreen or borderless mode,” depending on which render resolution setting (not dynamic) gives you consistent visuals.
- Stay updated on “patch notes,” especially from devs or communities highlighting HUD and FOV improvements.
- Join community forums like Steam or Reddit to follow mod updates, but avoid mods during online play due to EAC risk.
What’s coming next?
The dev roadmap suggests more post-launch improvements are headed our way:
- Widescreen UI adaptations so HUD elements stretch across the full field in ultrawide.
- Field of View adjustments, possibly even a slider, to reduce zoom/distortion.
- Further refinements for the 32:9 experience: once 21:9 is stable, it makes sense to perfect one format before moving on.
Quick Fixes While We Wait
- Switch off “Dynamic” in Render Resolution.
- Use 21:9 resolutions only.
- Consider offline mods for FOV, but use them with caution.
- Stay connected with developer updates and feedback channels.
Prioritize These Monitor Features
Feature | What to Look For |
---|---|
Panel Type | IPS for color accuracy, VA for contrast |
Refresh Rate | 100Hz+ is ideal for smooth combat |
G-Sync/FreeSync | Reduces screen tearing in fast action |
Low Input Lag | Important for competitive responsiveness |
Great Brands: LG UltraGear, Dell Alienware, ASUS ROG, Samsung Odyssey (21:9 series only).
Conclusion
Space Marine 2 offers an official ultrawide experience now, but it’s not perfect. If you’re considering buying a monitor, stick to “21:9 ultrawide resolution” for the best experience today. You’ll enjoy wider views, cinematic immersion, and fewer bugs. Hold off on “32:9” until patches fix major UI and zoom issues. And keep an eye out for upcoming features like HUD stretch and FOV control; these could truly elevate your battlefield view.