Finding audio logs is not a foreign concept in the Space Marine series. Much like the servo skulls from the first game, there are dataslates scattered all over the levels. They are often located in out-of-the-way areas between objective locations and/or encounters. These rectangular-like objects hold audio recordings that add an extra dimension to events in the game.
In this guide, I’ll tell you where you can find all 35 dataslates in all areas of operation. Some are relatively easy to find, appearing very close to the critical path. While others require you to drop down into unlikely places or go high up in places only accessible to jump packs. They do not affect gameplay whatsoever. It’s not like you’ll actually get anything tangible for collecting them. But some players covet trophies and collecting all of them will unlock a nice Silver trophy for your PlayStation profile.
Dataslate Locations
Kadaku
Kadaku is the first planet in the campaign. The Space Marine kill team is sent here to launch a virus bomb in an attempt to slow down the Tyranid advance. But don’t expect to find any dataslates during the prologue mission. Those only start appearing once Lieutenant Titus is re-assigned to the 2nd Company.
Mission: Skyfire
01 – Stormtalon Crash, Kadaku
The earliest dataslate you can find is located in the level section where you have to cross the swamp after holding the Tyranids for an airstrike by the Cadian forces. To get to it, you’ll need to look out for this side area on the left side of the main path as you enter the swamp section (as pictured above on the left). The dataslate is found on top of a bunch of crates near the edge of a nearby crashed stormtalon.
02 – Admission of Desertion
The second dataslate is located further into the swamp after Lieutenant Titus commands the squad to take the detour to the bunker instead of going into the swamp. Once you’ve fought your way to the other side of the destroyed bridge, look for this drop-down point (as pictured above to the left). The dataslate is found next to the dead body of a deserter.
If you reach the bunker and help the Cadians, it is very likely that you’ll have missed this collectible.
03 – Anti-Tyranid Offensive, Kadaku
The third dataslate is inside the bunker your team navigates through to reach the orbital cannons. Instead of taking the corridor to the right with the spinning fan after opening the first set of doors, keep going forward and up the stairs to the back. The dataslate is found next to a dead Cadian soldier and a combat knife.
04 – Desired Purgation of Data
The fourth and final dataslate for this level is located in the overrun base with the orbital cannons. Fight through the base until you reach the base of the targeting system. The dataslate is found next to the body of a tech priest behind the elevator. If you take the elevator before collecting the dataslate, you’ll have effectively missed out on this collectible.
Mission: Inferno
05 – Amelioration of Improper Ordnance Storage
The first dataslate is located in a bunker away from the main path that leads to the Astra Militarum camp. Once you reach the structures with the burning tank and walkway with a spotlight overlooking your path, look back and to the left, you’ll see the bunker tucked away in the back. You’ll find the dataslate on top of the crates at the back next to the gaping hole.
06 – Admiration of Promethium
The second dataslate is located deep inside the promethium refinery. After you’ve set the ordinance and protected the generators, you’ll be ordered to advance to the observation platform. In the chamber with storage towers, you’ll find a side section on a raised platform (as pictured above to the left). You’ll find the dataslate on a table at the back of the promethium tower with a “1” on it.
If you cross the damaged bridge and take the elevator up, you’ll have missed the dataslate.
Mission: Severance
07 – Conflict, Adeptus Astartes/Tyranid, Kadaku
This dataslate is located in the swamp on the way to the Adeptus Mechanicus Facility. When you reach the ambushed campsite, go to the area above the tent and you’ll immediately see the wreckage of a Rhino APC. The dataslate is next to a dead guardsman. Be careful as going near the APC will spawn a group of hormagaunts on that location.
If you go beyond the cliff to the next after crossing the bridge, you’ll have missed the collectible.
08 – Tyranid Attack, Designation: Rippers, Kadaku
The second dataslate is located at the entrance of the Adeptus Mechanicus Facility. Once Nozick opens the gate, you will see a makeshift barricade with a bright red light in the back. Behind the sandbags, you’ll find the dataslate on the ground. Make sure to take it before using the elevator to reach the lower floors.
09 – Lamentation for Sacred Machines
The third dataslate is a little more hidden than any of the previous ones. It is located in the connector area that leads to the transmitter. To get to its location, you’ll need to look for this console (as shown in the picture on the left) immediately after restoring power to the facility. Interacting with the console will open the door behind it, where a group of Tyranids lie in wait. After clearing them out, go to the tunnels on the right, and underneath the large fans, you’ll find the dataslate on the ground right next to some dead bodies.
10 – Summary, Tyranid Invasion, Kadaku
The final dataslate for the level is located in a cave after leaving the Adeptus Mechanicus facility. After you’re used to the jump pack, go inside the cave that leads to the wall of biomass. While inside the cave, you are required to use your jump pack to clear the pit. But before performing the jump, you will find a ledge high above your head (See the image above). Use your jump pack to reach it, and beside the mangled bodies, you’ll find the dataslate on the ground.
Avarax
Avarax is the second planet in the campaign. The Forge World was attacked at the same time as Kadaku but it seems like the forces garrisoned there are getting overrun. The Ultramarine’s mission is to save the Archmagus’s apprentice to ensure the superweapon project continues.
Mission: Machinus Divinitus
11-Attempted Liturgy for Burnt Capacitor
This dataslate is located on the rooftops section of the level. After having successfully removed the Tyranids from their high ground vantage point, the team must hold out against an enemy counterattack as the bridge slowly extends to their side. Once the threat has been dealt with, the bridge will allow you access to the building on the other side. The dataslate is located on the opposite rooftop next to the body of a Tech-Priest. You’ll need to go through the destroyed handrails to get to it.
12 – Termination: 101010-S
This next dataslate is located in the ventilation tunnels underneath the Mechanicus facility on Avarax. It is first accessible after dropping down into the tunnel network. Once there, you will need to navigate the maze until you find a sign that reads, “SECTOR D4”. In the middle of the dead-end corridor, you will find the dataslate next to a dead Tech-Priest.
If you get lost, know that you will end up there eventually if you stick to the right side of the tunnel and go up a small set of stairs. If you go left and down another set of stairs, it will progress the level.
13 – Improper Command
The final dataslate for the level is found in the corridor past Depot D3. Once you have fought through the ambush from the storage containers, the corridor will become open to you. Instead of taking the immediate left to the next part of the level, go forward into the dead end. You should see the dataslate’s glow as it lies on the ground.
Mission: Ballistic Engine
14 – Missing Servo-Hauler
The first dataslate becomes accessible after completing the sandstorm encounters and entering the complex. Once you’re inside the complex, take the passageway to the right. In the side room a little further away, you’ll find the dataslate on top of a bloody worktable.
15 – War Preparation, Avarax
The second dataslate is located on the main track of the train depot. After you’ve set the ordinance for delivery, drop down to the tracks below and look for the raised rail bridge running perpendicular to the main tracks. This is also the same track the missile runs through. Underneath the bridge, you’ll find whole lumps of biomass. The dataslate is on top of a crate next to a Leman Russ tank. If you go past the next drop-down point, you’ll miss the collectible.
Note: not the tank in the middle of the tracks, the one you’re looking for is directly underneath the bridge.
Mission: Servant of the Machine
16 – Cannon Maintenance, 1.002.81
The first dataslate for this level is located in the destroyed building after helping Varellus and Cadians in the trenches. After taking the elevator to the higher floors, go around the back (as pictured above) and you should notice a glowing object on the ground behind the elevator. This is where you’ll find the dataslate.
17 – Tithe Collection, Avarax
The second dataslate is en route to the Temple of Thassean. It is accessible after regrouping with Chairon after his rampage against the Archenemy. After watching the cutscene with the enemy trying to force their way into the temple, proceed as normal until you reach the corner with the arming station in the distance. Instead of going down the hall, look around the outside corner and you should see the dataslate on top of a crate surrounded by debris.
If you go to the interactable door, you’ll have missed the dataslate.
Mission: Decapitation
18 – Final Sermon
This dataslate is located inside the destroyed chapel. You can get to it after you’ve fought through the upper floors. But instead of going where the game wants you to go – that is through the collapsed walled turned makeshift bridge to the next building – go to the balcony upstairs. You’ll find the dataslate next to a pile of gore on the left side of the balcony.
19 – Bridge Construction, Overseer Commentary
The second dataslate is located in the underground access tunnels during your pursuit of the Hive Tyrant. Once you reach the storage area with boxes all around, look towards the dark tunnel past the boxes at the back of the room. The dataslate is on top of a well-hidden tool chest.
If you see the Hive Tyrant shuffling along the tunnels, without finding the dataslate, you’ve missed the collectible. In that case, turn around 180 degrees and you should see it.
Mission: Vox Liberatis
20 – Creation of Daemonhost, I
The first dataslate for this mission is easily missable since it’s so far away from the critical path. You can acquire it as soon as you leave the elevator. Simply follow the path until you see the split path. The game will tell you to go down into the ruins but for this collectible, you’ll want to go deeper into the building. Go up the first set of stairs (as seen in the picture above) and you should see the dataslate on top of some crates.
21 – Creation of Daemonhost, II
The second dataslate for this level is technically easy to find. The problem is that the area it resides in is crawling with enemies. The collectible is located in the lower levels of the Cathedral. Take the elevator down in the middle of the circular chamber. Before you go to the objective door ahead of you, look for a set of stairs on the right side of the chamber. You should be able to see the dataslate on top of an inactive terminal.
In higher difficulties, the area may be overrun with wave after wave of enemies. So while it is easy to get to, enemies might force you out of the room before you even have the chance to look at it.
Note: There is a chance of a power outage event occuring during this section which will require your team to activate terminals to open the door to the boss room.
Mission: Voidsong
22 – Potential Heresy, Adeptus Astra Telepathica, 2287.8
This dataslate becomes accessible after fighting your way to the building with the locked door that requires power. Before you go upstairs to restore power, go left of the door, past the weapon drop, and look for a table in the back room. The dataslate will be on top of it. Be careful of the spore mines hiding in the opposite corner.
23 – Potential Heresy, Adeptus Astra Telepathica, 2288.2
The second dataslate is found at the tail end of the jump pack section of the level. After you’ve opened the door and proceeded a little further past the Weapon Pod, you will start hearing a beeping sound, indicating that dust is interfering with the jump packs. Before you proceed further and properly dispose of the pack, look for this edge of the destroyed upper floors (as pictured above on the left). Use the jump pack to reach it. The dataslate will be on one of the tables.
If you proceed any further from that point, the team will deactivate their jump packs and you will lose access to the collectible.
24 – Potential Heresy, Adeptus Astra Telepathica, 2289.5
The last dataslate for this level is found in the Relay safe zone after holding the area until the Hive Tyrant’s death. After you’ve exited the elevator, make your way down to the area where soldiers are busy burning away Tyranid remains. Look back to the left of the entrance where you came from and go behind the sandbag emplacement. The dataslate will be beside a puddle of blood.
This collectible is easily missable since it is in a safe zone and some players wouldn’t expect to look for it in such a place. It also appeared very close after the last dataslate. There’s usually a gap between collectibles but these two are only separated by one encounter.
Demerium
Demerium is a tomb world dedicated to those who spent their lives serving the Imperium. It is also the location of a decisive battle that could potentially result in a calamity not seen since the fall of Cadia and the limitless expansion of the Eye of Terror. A defeat here could mean the death of the entire system. But the Ultramarines will not go down without a fight. The traitors owe a debt in blood, and the Sons of Ultramar will collect it in full.
Mission: Reliquary
25 – Servitor Greeting, Demerium
The first dataslate in this level is located in the tomb after the first graveyard encounter. This section requires the player to seek a replacement fusion core to power the door to get to the next section. But before you do any of that, take the stairs to the left and look at the candle-lit corner beside the skull library. The dataslate will be on the floor.
What makes finding this one so iffy in higher difficulties is the fact that the dataslate is in the middle of the encounter. If you can take the time to avoid the hordes, you may get this collectible before proceeding to your objective.
26 – Heretic Attack, Demerium
The second dataslate is found in the observation tower after the first encounter with the Helldrake. Kill all the enemies on the ground floor and go through the door on the right. The dataslate will be on a crate on the right side of the observation deck. If you go upstairs to the left, you’ll have missed the collectible.
If you go upstairs and through drop-off point to the other side of the tower, the collectible will no longer be accessible to you.
Mission: Fall of Atreus
27 – Unauthorised Override Attempt
The first dataslate in the level is accessible after escorting the dreadnaught to the second tomb and clearing the obstruction by moving the crane from the drop-down point. Do not proceed past the hole in the wall. Instead, go behind the drop-down point until you see a statue. You will find the dataslate at the base of the statue next to the body of a Tech-Priest.
28 – Status: Battle Barge, Sword of Atreus
The second and final dataslate for this mission is found in the station where the Sword of Atreus is being repaired. To get to it, first, climb up the side of the silo. On the platform below the top of the tower, you will find a crate storage area. You will find the dataslate on top of a couple of cases. You may have to go on the platform to see the collectible.
If you go to the top of the tower and go beyond the drop-down point, you will have missed the dataslate.
Mission: Dawn’s Descent
29 – Effects of Noctilith Exposure
The first dataslate is located at the destroyed cathedral section of the level. After you and your team lower the chunk of land that provides access to the cathedral, go around the wall and look for a dead Chaos soldier somewhere among the gravestones. The dataslate will be right next to that soldier.
If you jump through the broken window (as shown in the picture to the left), you will have missed the collectible.
30 – Tomb Excavation, Analog Backup Log 8.6
The second dataslate is accessible after completing your task and watching the Sword of Atreus crash into the Heretics’ tower. Once the next section starts, looking for the Space Marine statue with a sword and shield. Then take this path (as pictured above to the left) along the outskirts of the floating rock. At the end of the lower path, you’ll find an altar hidden behind a modest mausoleum. You’ll find the dataslate sitting on top of the altar.
31 – Tomb Excavation, Analog Backup Log 8.7
The third dataslate is located in the Mechanicus camp outside of the ruins. Fight your way through encounters until you see the stone platform where Imurah’s illusion tries to deceive you. If you go behind the stone bricks on the left, (as picture above) you’ll find a metal platform. You’ll find the dataslate on the floor beside a dead Tech-Priest.
If you go into the next section to the elevator room, you’ll have missed the collectible.
32 – Tomb Excavation, Analog Backup Log 9.9
The final dataslate for this level is located in the area on approach to the obelisk. Fight your way through a couple of enemy encounters until you find a workstation with one of the Necron machines attached to a computer. On the floor of the workstation, you’ll find the dataslate next to the body of a dead Tech-Priest.
Mission: Sempiternus
33 – Effects of Warp Exposure
This first dataslate is found in a section of the catacombs. After you’ve crossed the area that’s littered with Guardsmen affected by the ruinous powers, drop down into the catacombs and go forward for a bit. Instead of going right, where you’re supposed to go, go left and you’ll find a Cadian lost in delirium. On the floor next to him lies the dataslate.
34 – Burial, Adeptus Astartes, Salamander Chapter
This dataslate is acquirable on your way to reinforce the flanking force on orders of Captain Archeron. After defeating the lesser sorcerer, the door of the sarcophagus chamber will open. If you go to the right, you will progress to your objective. But if you go to the back of the chamber, you will find the dataslate on the base of a wall statue.
35 -Amount of Deceased on Demerium
The final dataslate for the level is accessible during the part of the operation where your team has to turn the fourth obelisk to weaken a daemon. Progress until you get to the event in which Talasa has turned their obelisk. After witnessing the daemon lose even more power, go inside the building. The doorway ahead is where the level progresses. If you look at the rubble to the right, you will notice that you can go around it at the back. On the other side, you’ll find the dataslate next to the body of a dead Tech Priest.
If you manage to collect all the dataslates, you will unlock the “Data Mining” Silver trophy/Achievement. This feat is one of many you’ll need to endure to unlock the game’s Platinum trophy.
And that’s all 35 dataslate locations in Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2. I hope this guide was useful to you in some shape or form. Till next time, Space Marine. Now, go slay the enemies of the Imperium in the name of the Emperor.