Est. 1998
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SWAT 2
The Vault · 1998

SWAT 2

A simulation that handcuffs its own fun.
Released1998
Players1 Player
Police QuestWindows 95/98Real-Time StrategySimulation
TacticalNo Save SystemLow Spec

SWAT 2 is a real-time tactical simulation developed by Yosemite Entertainment and published by Sierra On-Line in 1998. As the second entry in the Police Quest: SWAT series, it shifts from the first game's interactive movie style to a top-down, squad-based simulation where players command a police SWAT team in 15 missions. The game emphasizes realistic procedures: officers can negotiate with suspects, use non-lethal force, or escalate to an armed assault. A budget system rewards careful, lawful conduct and penalizes reckless actions. The game also includes 15 terrorist missions, offering a parallel campaign where players control criminals and abandon all rules of engagement. SWAT 2 received mixed reviews upon release, with critics praising its ambition and stability but faulting its clunky interface, tiny graphics, and steep learning curve. It remains notable for its dedication to simulating actual police work rather than prioritizing accessible gameplay.

Screenshots5 shots
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In the News3 mentions
May 41999
Sierra Studios Announces E3 Lineup
Sierra Studios, a member of the Sierra On-Line family, announced a varied lineup of titles to be showcased at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles in the South...
Release
Nov 201998
Oni Announced
When Bungie Software set up a development studio in San Jose in 1997 they began work on Oni. In 1999, Bungie's game Oni will hit the shelves and third-person action games will never be the same.
Release
Jul 151998
Swat II Interview
July 1998 keeps moving, and today the headline is simple: Swat II Interview. GameStats has an interview with the Swat II Development team.
Release
How to Play TodayYour options for running this game in 2026
Original Hardware
Original CD copies circulate on eBay and in thrift stores. Runs on any Windows 95/98 machine meeting the modest specs: Pentium 133, 16 MB RAM, 4x CD-ROM.
Emulation / Other Options
Not an emulation target. For modern Windows, try compatibility mode or a Windows 95/98 virtual machine.