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.

The Vault · 1998
SWAT 2
A simulation that handcuffs its own fun.
Police QuestWindows 95/98Real-Time StrategySimulation
TacticalNo Save SystemLow Spec
In the News3 mentions
Jun 61999
SWAT 3 Producer Interview and Exclusive Screenshots at FGN
Future Games Network interviews SWAT 3 producer Rod Fung and posts exclusive screenshots of Sierra's tactical squad game that skipped the E3 press kit.
IndustryMay 281999
Sierra Studios Web Site Relaunched
Sierra Studios announced the relaunch of their web site with a new look and feel.
ReleaseMay 261999
SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle Debuts at E3
Unveiled at this year's Electronic Entertainment Exposition (E3) in Los Angeles, Sierra Studios plans to take tactical simulation action games to new heights this fall with...
ReleaseHow 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.
Game Record
| Platform | Windows 95/98 |
| Developer | Yosemite Entertainment |
| Publisher | Sierra On-Line |
| Genre | Real-Time Strategy, Simulation |
| Players | 1 Player |
| Series | Police Quest |
Original PC Specs
| OS | Windows 95/98 |
| CPU | Pentium 133 MHz |
| RAM | 16 MB |
| GPU / Display | SVGA (256-color) |
| Storage | 90 MB |
| Drive | 4x CD-ROM |
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