System ShockWindows 95/98RPGShooterSurvival Horror
System Shock 2
Developer: Irrational Games & Looking Glass Studios · Published by Electronic Arts · 1999
The thinking person's horror FPS. And it will get under your skin.
About This Game
System Shock 2 is a 1999 first-person action role-playing game developed by Irrational Games and Looking Glass Studios, and published by Electronic Arts. Set aboard the starship Von Braun in 2114, players awaken from cryosleep to find the crew slaughtered by a genetic alien infestation and a rogue artificial intelligence known as SHODAN. As a soldier with customizable skills, the player must fight, hack, and use psionic abilities to survive. The game is renowned for its immersive atmosphere, deep RPG mechanics, and pioneering use of audio logs to convey story. It is considered a landmark in the immersive sim genre.
Screenshots
In the News
Jul 232026
MiSTer Now Boots Disc-Based Games from Any USB Optical Drive
MiSTer can now boot original PlayStation, Sega CD, and other discs via USB optical drives, marking a major step for game preservation on FPGA hardware.
PreservationJul 212026
Bandai Namco Reveals Full List of Changes for Tales of Eternia Remastered
Bandai Namco details the quality‑of‑life upgrades, graphics toggle, and difficulty options in the Switch‑bound Tales of Eternia Remastered.
ReleaseJul 212026
Dreamcast Core DreamSTer Arrives on MiSTer, Proving the “Impossible” Possible
Experimental MiSTer core DreamSTer boots Dreamcast games, challenging the long‑held belief that the platform couldn't run them.
PreservationHow to Play TodayYour options for running this game in 2026
Original Hardware
Original CD-ROM copies for Windows are available on eBay and at thrift stores. Requires a Pentium 166, 32 MB RAM, and a 3D accelerator (Voodoo2 recommended). The 1.15 patch is essential for modern play.
Modern Re-release
Available on GOG and Steam for $9.99, regularly discounted. The GOG version includes the game pre-patched for modern systems with widescreen, high-resolution text, and the soundtrack.
Emulation / Other Options
The game runs natively on Windows. For the original CD, use SS2Tool to patch for modern Windows. Alternatively, the NewDark engine mod enhances visuals and compatibility.