Melee Attacks & Glory Kills

Unleash brutal melee attacks and Glory Kills in Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2. Learn how to finish off enemies for devastating close-quarters combat.

In the brutal close-quarters combat of Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, your chainsword and fists are as vital as any projectile weapon. Mastering melee attacks and the devastating Glory Kills they enable is crucial for survival and for showcasing the ferocity of the Adeptus Astartes. Your primary melee attack is a swift, powerful swing with your chainsword, capable of staggering weaker foes and dealing significant damage to armored targets. This attack has a short cooldown, allowing for rapid follow-up strikes if an enemy survives the initial blow.

When an enemy is sufficiently weakened, a prompt will appear, indicating that a Glory Kill is possible. Executing a Glory Kill is not just for show; it's a critical mechanic. Successfully performing a Glory Kill instantly restores a portion of your health, typically around 25% of your maximum HP. This makes them an essential tool for staying alive during intense firefights, especially when facing hordes of lesser xenos or cultists. Prioritize initiating Glory Kills on enemies like the shambling Plague Zombies or the agile Chaos Cultists when they are staggered, as this provides immediate sustain.

Beyond the standard chainsword attack, you also possess a powerful melee execution move. This is a more deliberate, high-damage strike that can often instantly dispatch weaker enemies or severely wound tougher ones. While it has a longer wind-up animation, making it riskier to use against multiple attackers, it is invaluable for clearing a path or eliminating a particularly troublesome foe like a hulking Possessed Marine. Be aware that some enemies, such as the heavily armored Chaos Space Marines, may resist or even parry your melee attacks, requiring you to switch to ranged combat or find an opening.

The strategic use of melee extends to crowd control. A well-timed chainsword sweep can knock back multiple enemies, creating breathing room to reload or reposition. Remember that while your chainsword is effective, it consumes no ammunition, making it a reliable last resort when your primary and secondary weapons are depleted. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to perform Glory Kills, especially after taking damage, as they are your most reliable source of health regeneration outside of dedicated health packs found in the grim darkness of the 41st Millennium.