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Difference between revisions of "System Shock 2"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(→‎Recommended mods: Since the System Shock Forums already contain an up-to-date list of prominent mods, this site doesn't need a huge list of them.)
(Not abstract style.)
 
(16 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 11: Line 11:
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|August 11, 1999}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|August 11, 1999}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|June 18, 2013|wrapper=Wine|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/news/mac_game_update_system_shock_2_10_more_titles Mac Game Update: System Shock 2 + 10 more titles ● GOG.com]</ref>}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|June 18, 2013|wrapper=Wine|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/news/mac_game_update_system_shock_2_10_more_titles|title=Mac Game Update: System Shock 2 + 10 more titles ● GOG.com|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|wrapper=Wine|April 1, 2014}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|wrapper=Wine|April 1, 2014}}
 
|taxonomy    =
 
|taxonomy    =
Line 20: Line 20:
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Immersive sim, Shooter, RPG }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Immersive sim, Shooter, RPG }}
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Abstract, Realistic }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Cyberpunk, Sci-fi }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Cyberpunk, Sci-fi }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | System Shock }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | System Shock }}
Line 27: Line 27:
 
|hltb        = 9548
 
|hltb        = 9548
 
|lutris      = system-shock-2
 
|lutris      = system-shock-2
 +
|mobygames    = 590
 
|strategywiki = System Shock 2
 
|strategywiki = System Shock 2
−
|mobygames    = system-shock-2
 
 
|wikipedia    = System Shock 2
 
|wikipedia    = System Shock 2
 
|winehq      = 1444
 
|winehq      = 1444
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      =
 +
 +
|release history  =
 +
 +
|current state    =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 62: Line 70:
 
===[https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool]===
 
===[https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool]===
 
{{++}} Essential patcher which integrates the [https://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146448 NewDark] patch and fixes various issues.
 
{{++}} Essential patcher which integrates the [https://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146448 NewDark] patch and fixes various issues.
−
{{++}} Latest versions automatically disable the intro video for you (if you wish to re-enable it, add ''always_play_intro'' to the <code>cam.cfg</code> or <code>cam_ext</code> files).
+
{{++}} Latest versions automatically disable the intro video (to re-enable it, add ''always_play_intro'' to the {{file|cam.cfg}} or {{file|cam_ext}} files).
−
{{ii}} SS2Tool requires Vista or later due to included Rsync, however NewDark runs on 2000/XP or later. One can patch it on a Vista machine then transfer it to an older machine. Digital versions already include NewDark and compatibility fixes for modern systems however the tool is still necessary for proper mod support.
+
{{ii}} SS2Tool requires Vista or later due to included Rsync, however NewDark runs on 2000/XP or later. One can patch it on a Vista machine then transfer it to an older machine. Digital versions already include NewDark and compatibility fixes for modern systems, but the tool is still necessary for proper mod support.
 +
 
 +
====[https://www.gog.com/forum/system_shock_series/legacy_olddark_patch_for_system_shock_2 OldDark Legacy Patch]====
 +
{{++}} Allows the original (aka OldDark) engine to run on modern systems.
 +
{{--}} Not as stable as NewDark, but is more true to the original experience.
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
Line 70: Line 82:
 
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\*.cfg}}
 
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\*.cfg}}
 
{{Game data/config|OS X|{{p|game}}/Contents/Resources/drive_c/Games/System Shock 2/}}
 
{{Game data/config|OS X|{{p|game}}/Contents/Resources/drive_c/Games/System Shock 2/}}
−
{{Game data/config|Linux|~/.systemshock2/systemshock2/drive_c/Program Files/SystemShock2/*.cfg}}
+
{{Game data/config|Linux|{{p|linuxhome}}/.systemshock2/systemshock2/drive_c/Program Files/SystemShock2/*.cfg}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} <code>cam.cfg</code> contains game settings.
+
{{ii}} {{file|cam.cfg}} contains game settings.
−
{{ii}} <code>cam_ext.cfg</code> is the configuration file for the game once patched using [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
+
{{ii}} {{file|cam_ext.cfg}} is the configuration file for the game once patched using [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
 
{{XDG|unknown}}
 
{{XDG|unknown}}
  
Line 80: Line 92:
 
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\save_*}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\save_*}}
 
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
 
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
−
{{Game data/saves|Linux|~/.systemshock2/systemshock2/drive_c/Program Files/SystemShock2/save_*}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Linux|{{p|linuxhome}}/.systemshock2/systemshock2/drive_c/Program Files/SystemShock2/save_*}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} Save games are kept in multiple folders, e.g. <code>\save_0\</code>, <code>\save_1\</code>
+
{{ii}} Save games are kept in multiple folders, e.g. {{file|\save_0\|folder}}, {{file|\save_1\|folder}}, etc.
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
Line 117: Line 129:
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      = Native for digital versions; for retail versions install [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      = Native for digital versions; for retail versions install [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
 
|4k ultra hd                = true
 
|4k ultra hd                = true
−
|4k ultra hd notes          = Native for digital versions;<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/pcgaming/comments/2zj0g5/does_the_steam_version_of_system_shock_2_support/ Does the steam version of System Shock 2 support 4k resolution? : pcgaming]</ref> for retail versions install [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
+
|4k ultra hd notes          = Native for digital versions;<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/pcgaming/comments/2zj0g5/does_the_steam_version_of_system_shock_2_support/|title=Does the steam version of System Shock 2 support 4k resolution? : pcgaming|date=May 2023}}</ref> for retail versions install [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov notes                  = See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
 
|fov notes                  = See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
Line 142: Line 154:
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} In addition to setting video options, editing <code>cam_ext.cfg</code> will allow you to set the interface/HUD scale and transparency. There are also [https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=29.0 custom crosshairs available] (using them with a mod manager requires changing their extension from <code>.ss2mod</code> to <code>.zip</code>).
+
{{ii}} In addition to setting video options, editing {{file|cam_ext.cfg}} allows setting the interface/HUD scale and transparency. There are also [https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=29.0 custom crosshairs available] (using them with a mod manager requires changing their extension from <code>.ss2mod</code> to <code>.zip</code>).
  
 
===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
 
{{Image|System Shock 2 settings FOV.png|FOV of 150.}}
 
{{Image|System Shock 2 settings FOV.png|FOV of 150.}}
−
{{Fixbox|description=Change field of view (FOV)|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Change field of view (FOV)|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-01-13}}</ref>|fix=
−
# For retail versions install [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
+
# For retail versions, install [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
−
# Edit <code>{{p|game}}\cam_ext.cfg</code>.
+
# Edit {{file|{{p|game}}\cam_ext.cfg}}.
 
# Change <code>;fov 90</code> to <code>fov #</code> (any number).
 
# Change <code>;fov 90</code> to <code>fov #</code> (any number).
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Change windowed mode|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Change windowed mode|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-01-13}}</ref>|fix=
−
# For retail versions install [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
+
# For retail versions, install [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
−
# Edit <code>{{p|game}}\cam_ext.cfg</code>.
+
# Edit {{file|{{p|game}}\cam_ext.cfg}}.
 
# Change <code>;force_windowed</code> to <code>force_windowed</code>
 
# Change <code>;force_windowed</code> to <code>force_windowed</code>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Vertical sync (Vsync)|Vertical sync (Vsync)]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Vertical sync (Vsync)|Vertical sync (Vsync)]]===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Disable vsync|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Disable vsync|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-01-13}}</ref>|fix=
−
# For retail versions install [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
+
# For retail versions, install [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
−
# Edit <code>{{p|game}}\cam_ext.cfg</code>.
+
# Edit {{file|{{p|game}}\cam_ext.cfg}}.
 
# Change <code>;vsync_mode 0</code> to <code>vsync_mode 0</code>
 
# Change <code>;vsync_mode 0</code> to <code>vsync_mode 0</code>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|High frame rate]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|High frame rate]]===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Change frame rate cap|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Change frame rate cap|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-01-13}}</ref>|fix=
−
# For retail versions install [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
+
# For retail versions, install [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
−
# Edit <code>{{p|game}}\cam_ext.cfg</code>.
+
# Edit {{file|{{p|game}}\cam_ext.cfg}}.
 
# Change <code>;vsync_mode 7</code> to <code>vsync_mode 7</code>
 
# Change <code>;vsync_mode 7</code> to <code>vsync_mode 7</code>
−
# Change <code>framerate_cap 100.0</code> to the FPS cap you want.
+
# Change <code>framerate_cap 100.0</code> to the desired FPS cap.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Fixbox|description=Ensuring correct game speed|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Ensuring correct game speed|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-01-13}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Go to the installation folder.
 
# Go to the installation folder.
−
# Edit <code>cam_ext.cfg</code>.
+
# Edit {{file|cam_ext.cfg}}.
 
# Change <code>;phys_freq 60</code> to <code>phys_freq 60</code>
 
# Change <code>;phys_freq 60</code> to <code>phys_freq 60</code>
 
# If you want more than 250 FPS, change <code>SlowFrame 4</code> to <code>;SlowFrame 4</code>
 
# If you want more than 250 FPS, change <code>SlowFrame 4</code> to <code>;SlowFrame 4</code>
Line 183: Line 195:
 
{{Input
 
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
−
|key remap notes          = Full remapping available, but no 'default' can be loaded.<ref>https://www.gog.com/forum/system_shock_series/suggestions_for_control_layouts/post16</ref> (although in the Steam version there is a "standard FPS" preset available)
+
|key remap notes          = Full remapping available, but no 'default' can be loaded.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/system_shock_series/suggestions_for_control_layouts/post16|title=gog.com|date=May 2023}}</ref> (although in the Steam version there is a "standard FPS" preset available)
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option notes = No game-managed mouse acceleration. In addition, Windows mouse acceleration can be disabled in-game by adding <code>use_raw_mouse_input</code>
 
|acceleration option notes = No game-managed mouse acceleration. In addition, Windows mouse acceleration can be disabled in-game by adding <code>use_raw_mouse_input</code>
Line 249: Line 261:
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|surround sound          = true
 
|surround sound          = true
−
|surround sound notes    = Up to 7.0 output.<ref>[https://satsun.org/audio/ PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up]</ref> Requires [[Glossary:Surround sound#OpenAL|OpenAL Soft]].
+
|surround sound notes    = Up to 7.0 output.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://satsun.org/audio/|title=PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up|date=May 2023}}</ref> Requires [[Glossary:Surround sound#OpenAL|OpenAL Soft]].
 
|subtitles                = hackable
 
|subtitles                = hackable
 
|subtitles notes          = [https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=9508.0 mod on Systemshock.org]
 
|subtitles notes          = [https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=9508.0 mod on Systemshock.org]
Line 257: Line 269:
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              = true
 
|eax support              = true
−
|eax support notes        = EAX (2{{CN|date=August 2015}}) and A3D. For further info refer to [http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117175 this thread]. Effects from both APIs are remapped to OpenAL in NewDark versions.<br/>Follow [[Glossary:Surround sound#OpenAL|this guide]] for OpenAL Soft HRTF in NewDark.<ref>[https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=8371.0 SS2 Headphones Sound Upgrade]</ref>
+
|eax support notes        = EAX (2{{CN|date=August 2015}}) and A3D. For further info refer to [http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117175 this thread]. Effects from both APIs are remapped to OpenAL in NewDark versions.<br/>Follow [[Glossary:Surround sound#OpenAL|this guide]] for OpenAL Soft HRTF in NewDark.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=8371.0|title=SS2 Headphones Sound Upgrade|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 
|royalty free audio      = always on
 
|royalty free audio      = always on
 
|royalty free audio notes =  
 
|royalty free audio notes =  
Line 292: Line 304:
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = hackable
 
  |subtitles = hackable
−
  |notes    = [https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=11777.0 Fan translation - GOG version]
+
  |notes    = [https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=11777.0 Fan translation — GOG.com version.]
 
  |fan      = true
 
  |fan      = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|fan      = true
 +
|notes    = Fan translation, [https://github.com/BroFox86/ss2-rus/ download].
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 301: Line 321:
 
  |subtitles = hackable
 
  |subtitles = hackable
 
  |fan      = true
 
  |fan      = true
−
  |notes    = Fan translation, [http://academia.clandlan.net/?page=academia/view&id=1 download].
+
  |notes    = Fan translation by ''Clan Dlan'', [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v0UB6KcQrh8KLZAzHpxLk5pu4oyoHPxX/view?usp=drive_link download].
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Ukrainian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|fan      = true
 +
|notes    = Fan translation, [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2896345948 download].
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
Line 362: Line 390:
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
 
===Random crashing===
 
===Random crashing===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Use SS2Tool|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use SS2Tool|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-01-13}}</ref>|fix=
 
See [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
 
See [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Jerky/Uneven mouse movement===
 
===Jerky/Uneven mouse movement===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Add a line to cam_ext.cfg|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Add a line to cam_ext.cfg|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-01-13}}</ref>|fix=
 
Install NewDark via [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
 
Install NewDark via [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
  
 
# Go to the installation folder.
 
# Go to the installation folder.
−
# Open <code>cam_ext.cfg</code>.
+
# Open {{file|cam_ext.cfg}}.
 
# Add the line <code>use_raw_mouse_input</code>.
 
# Add the line <code>use_raw_mouse_input</code>.
 
# Save the file.
 
# Save the file.
Line 377: Line 405:
  
 
===Left-clicking or dragging does not work===
 
===Left-clicking or dragging does not work===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Use SS2Tool|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use SS2Tool|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-01-13}}</ref>|fix=
 
See [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
 
See [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool].
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Small game window or black screen===
 
===Small game window or black screen===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Edit cam_ext.cfg to disable multisampling|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Edit cam_ext.cfg to disable multisampling|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-01-13}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Go to the installation folder.
 
# Go to the installation folder.
−
# Open <code>cam_ext.cfg</code> using Notepad.
+
# Open {{file|cam_ext.cfg}} using a text editor.
 
#Comment out and change <code>multisampletype 8</code> to <code>;multisampletype 8</code>
 
#Comment out and change <code>multisampletype 8</code> to <code>;multisampletype 8</code>
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Fixbox|description=Enable SS2Tool Safe Mode|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Enable SS2Tool Safe Mode|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-01-13}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Download and run the [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool] installer.
 
# Download and run the [http://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=4141.0 SS2Tool] installer.
 
# At the Choose Components installation step, enable Safe Mode.
 
# At the Choose Components installation step, enable Safe Mode.
Line 394: Line 422:
  
 
===UI too small on high screen resolutions===
 
===UI too small on high screen resolutions===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Edit cam_ext.cfg to enable ui scaling|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Edit cam_ext.cfg to enable ui scaling|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-01-13}}</ref>|fix=
−
#Open cam_ext.cfg in Notepad or any other text editor.
+
#Open {{file|cam_ext.cfg}} in a text editor.
 
#Uncomment the line <code>;d3d_disp_scaled_2d_overlay 64</code> by removing the semicolon.
 
#Uncomment the line <code>;d3d_disp_scaled_2d_overlay 64</code> by removing the semicolon.
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
−
{{ii}} If this does not fix the issue, you may try scaling the UI to arbitrary resolutions by re-commenting out the above line (add back in the semicolon), uncommenting the line <code>;d3d_disp_scaled_2d_overlay 640 480</code> and adjusting the 640 and the 480 to your desired resolution. However, this may cause the ui to become blurry/pixelated, so try the initial fix first.
+
{{ii}} If this does not fix the issue, try scaling the UI to arbitrary resolutions by re-commenting out the above line (add back in the semicolon), uncommenting the line <code>;d3d_disp_scaled_2d_overlay 640 480</code> and adjusting the 640 and the 480 to the desired resolution. However, this may cause the UI to become blurry/pixelated, so try the initial fix first.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Poor performance on Mac wineskin version===
 
===Poor performance on Mac wineskin version===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Enable X11|ref=<ref>https://steamcommunity.com/app/238210/discussions/0/618463738398581702/</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Enable X11|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/238210/discussions/0/618463738398581702/|title=Steam Community|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 
Find the ''System Shock 2.app'' and right-click on it. Click ''Show Contents'' and run ''Wineskin.app''. In the Screen Options, you should see a checkbox that says ''Use Mac Driver instead of X11''. Uncheck that box and that should fix the problem. If box is already unchecked then check it instead.
 
Find the ''System Shock 2.app'' and right-click on it. Click ''Show Contents'' and run ''Wineskin.app''. In the Screen Options, you should see a checkbox that says ''Use Mac Driver instead of X11''. Uncheck that box and that should fix the problem. If box is already unchecked then check it instead.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Can't dive in Mac or Linux version===
 
===Can't dive in Mac or Linux version===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Place [https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7quQTgSRc9KOUdvVV9LMUx0VVE/edit?usp=sharing this dml file] in the SS2 folder|ref=<ref>https://www.gog.com/forum/system_shock_series/system_shock_2_mac_cant_dive/post135</ref>|fix=}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Place [https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7quQTgSRc9KOUdvVV9LMUx0VVE/edit?usp=sharing this dml file] in the SS2 folder|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/system_shock_series/system_shock_2_mac_cant_dive/post135|title=gog.com|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=}}
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
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|macos intel 32-bit app = true
 
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|macos intel 64-bit app = true
 
|macos intel 64-bit app = true

Latest revision as of 18:26, 3 December 2023

System Shock 2
System Shock 2 cover
Developers
Irrational Games
Looking Glass Studios
Publishers
1999-2012 Electronic Arts
2012-present Night Dive Studios
Engines
Dark Engine
Release dates
Windows August 11, 1999
macOS (OS X) (Wine) June 18, 2013[1]
Linux (Wine) April 1, 2014
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Modes Singleplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Immersive sim, Shooter, RPG
Art styles Realistic
Themes Cyberpunk, Sci-fi
Series System Shock
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System Shock 2 on HowLongToBeat
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System Shock 2 guide on StrategyWiki
System Shock 2 on MobyGames
System Shock 2 on Wikipedia
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System Shock
System Shock 1994
System Shock 2 1999
System Shock: Enhanced Edition 2015
System Shock (2023) 2023
System Shock 2 Enhanced Edition TBA
System Shock 3 TBA

System Shock 2 is a singleplayer first-person immersive sim, shooter and RPG game in the System Shock series.

General information

Modding guide on the PCGamingWiki blog
SHODANPEDIA - Unofficial System Shock wiki
TTLG Forums - System Shock Series
systemshock.org Forum
systemshock.org Forum - SS2 Troubleshooting Guide
GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 SafeDisc DRM[Note 1].
Windows
Publisher website
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 Purchase via Humble Widget.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
GamersGate
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Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
GOG.com
DRM-free
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Green Man Gaming
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Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Humble Store
DRM-free
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Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
 System Shock Pack, 2 games bundle.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Steam
DRM-free after installation through Steam client (notes may include more details)
 DRM-free when launched directly from executable.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
All the digital distribution versions are pre-patched with NewDark.
OS X and Linux versions use Wine.
A faithful higher resolution icon for Windows can be downloaded from the Files section.
A free demo version is available from Archive.org.

Essential improvements

SS2Tool

Essential patcher which integrates the NewDark patch and fixes various issues.
Latest versions automatically disable the intro video (to re-enable it, add always_play_intro to the cam.cfg or cam_ext files).
SS2Tool requires Vista or later due to included Rsync, however NewDark runs on 2000/XP or later. One can patch it on a Vista machine then transfer it to an older machine. Digital versions already include NewDark and compatibility fixes for modern systems, but the tool is still necessary for proper mod support.

OldDark Legacy Patch

Allows the original (aka OldDark) engine to run on modern systems.
Not as stable as NewDark, but is more true to the original experience.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\*.cfg[Note 2]
macOS (OS X) <path-to-game>/Contents/Resources/drive_c/Games/System Shock 2/
Linux $HOME/.systemshock2/systemshock2/drive_c/Program Files/SystemShock2/*.cfg
cam.cfg contains game settings.
cam_ext.cfg is the configuration file for the game once patched using SS2Tool.
It's unknown whether this game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux. Please fill in this information.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\save_*[Note 2]
macOS (OS X)
Linux $HOME/.systemshock2/systemshock2/drive_c/Program Files/SystemShock2/save_*
Save games are kept in multiple folders, e.g. \save_0\, \save_1\, etc.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

General settings.
General settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 Native for digital versions; for retail versions install SS2Tool.
Multi-monitor
 
 Native for digital versions; for retail versions install SS2Tool.
Ultra-widescreen
 
 Native for digital versions; for retail versions install SS2Tool.
4K Ultra HD
 
 Native for digital versions;[4] for retail versions install SS2Tool.
Field of view (FOV)
See Field of view (FOV).
Windowed
See Windowed.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Enable Windowed mode, then use desktop resolution in-game.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Native for digital versions; for retail versions install SS2Tool.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Native for digital versions; for retail versions install SS2Tool.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
See Vertical sync (Vsync).
60 FPS
120+ FPS
Default framerate cap is 100 fps. See High frame rate.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.
In addition to setting video options, editing cam_ext.cfg allows setting the interface/HUD scale and transparency. There are also custom crosshairs available (using them with a mod manager requires changing their extension from .ss2mod to .zip).

Field of view (FOV)

FOV of 150.
FOV of 150.
Change field of view (FOV)[5]
  1. For retail versions, install SS2Tool.
  2. Edit <path-to-game>\cam_ext.cfg.
  3. Change ;fov 90 to fov # (any number).

Windowed

Change windowed mode[6]
  1. For retail versions, install SS2Tool.
  2. Edit <path-to-game>\cam_ext.cfg.
  3. Change ;force_windowed to force_windowed

Vertical sync (Vsync)

Disable vsync[7]
  1. For retail versions, install SS2Tool.
  2. Edit <path-to-game>\cam_ext.cfg.
  3. Change ;vsync_mode 0 to vsync_mode 0

High frame rate

Change frame rate cap[8]
  1. For retail versions, install SS2Tool.
  2. Edit <path-to-game>\cam_ext.cfg.
  3. Change ;vsync_mode 7 to vsync_mode 7
  4. Change framerate_cap 100.0 to the desired FPS cap.
Ensuring correct game speed[9]
  1. Go to the installation folder.
  2. Edit cam_ext.cfg.
  3. Change ;phys_freq 60 to phys_freq 60
  4. If you want more than 250 FPS, change SlowFrame 4 to ;SlowFrame 4

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Full remapping available, but no 'default' can be loaded.[10] (although in the Steam version there is a "standard FPS" preset available)
Mouse acceleration
No game-managed mouse acceleration. In addition, Windows mouse acceleration can be disabled in-game by adding use_raw_mouse_input
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Official Steam Controller bindings only.
Controller types
Steam Input
Steam Input API support
Official Steam Controller bindings only.
Hook input (legacy mode)
Official controller preset(s)
Steam Controller button prompts
Cursor detection

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Up to 7.0 output.[11] Requires OpenAL Soft.
Subtitles
mod on Systemshock.org
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
EAX (2[citation needed]) and A3D. For further info refer to this thread. Effects from both APIs are remapped to OpenAL in NewDark versions.
Follow this guide for OpenAL Soft HRTF in NewDark.[12]
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
SS2 English Subtitles
German
SS2 Deutsche Untertitel / German Subtitles
Italian
Fan translation, download.
Brazilian Portuguese
Fan translation — GOG.com version.
Russian
Fan translation, download.
Spanish
Fan translation by Clan Dlan, download.
Ukrainian
Fan translation, download.

Network

Multiplayer is officially unsupported in NewDark. Even so, a guide for use with NewDark is available here.

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
4 Co-op
Online play
4 Co-op

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 2300-2400, 28800-28900
UDP 2300-2400, 28800-28900
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

VR support

3D modes State Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision
See install/setup instructions.
iZ3D
See install/setup instructions.
vorpX
Z3D
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.

Issues fixed

Random crashing

Use SS2Tool[13]

See SS2Tool.

Jerky/Uneven mouse movement

Add a line to cam_ext.cfg[14]

Install NewDark via SS2Tool.

  1. Go to the installation folder.
  2. Open cam_ext.cfg.
  3. Add the line use_raw_mouse_input.
  4. Save the file.

Left-clicking or dragging does not work

Use SS2Tool[15]

See SS2Tool.

Small game window or black screen

Edit cam_ext.cfg to disable multisampling[16]
  1. Go to the installation folder.
  2. Open cam_ext.cfg using a text editor.
  3. Comment out and change multisampletype 8 to ;multisampletype 8
Enable SS2Tool Safe Mode[17]
  1. Download and run the SS2Tool installer.
  2. At the Choose Components installation step, enable Safe Mode.
  3. Click Install and finish installing.

UI too small on high screen resolutions

Edit cam_ext.cfg to enable ui scaling[18]
  1. Open cam_ext.cfg in a text editor.
  2. Uncomment the line ;d3d_disp_scaled_2d_overlay 64 by removing the semicolon.

Notes

If this does not fix the issue, try scaling the UI to arbitrary resolutions by re-commenting out the above line (add back in the semicolon), uncommenting the line ;d3d_disp_scaled_2d_overlay 640 480 and adjusting the 640 and the 480 to the desired resolution. However, this may cause the UI to become blurry/pixelated, so try the initial fix first.

Poor performance on Mac wineskin version

Enable X11[19]

Find the System Shock 2.app and right-click on it. Click Show Contents and run Wineskin.app. In the Screen Options, you should see a checkbox that says Use Mac Driver instead of X11. Uncheck that box and that should fix the problem. If box is already unchecked then check it instead.

Can't dive in Mac or Linux version

Place this dml file in the SS2 folder[20]

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 6, 9.0c Originally released with 6.1; 9.0c support was added in digital re-releases
DirectDraw 6.1
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Was changed from using Wine (which lacks a 64-bit macOS version) to Wineskin Winery in July 2020, making it possible to run on macOS 10.15 onwards.[21]
Linux

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio DirectSound, OpenAL Replaced with OpenAL in NewDark

Mods and fan missions

Modding guide with links and relevant mod info, from the System Shock Forums.
System Shock Forums boards for mods, fan missions, and editing documentation
Modding the Wineskin version can be done by firstly installing the Windows version in a virtual machine, patching it, installing all desired modifications, and then replacing the System Shock 2 installation within the Wineskin version with the custom version.

System requirements

Original retail release

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95 95, 98
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 200 MHz / Cyrix 6x86 / AMD K6 Intel Pentium 300 MHz
System memory (RAM) 32 MB 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 200 MB 500 MB
Video card (GPU) 4 MB of VRAM
DirectX 6.1 compatible 		3Dfx Voodoo Graphics / Voodoo Rush / Voodoo 2 / Voodoo Banshee / ATI Rage Pro / Nvidia Riva 128 / Nvidia TNT / Rendition Vérité V2200 / Intel740 / Matrox G200
Sound (audio device) Sound card with DirectSound support

Digital re-release

Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
Processor (CPU) 1.8 GHz
System memory (RAM) 2 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 2 GB
Video card (GPU) DirectX 9.0c compatible
macOS (OS X)
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 10.7.0
Processor (CPU) Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz
System memory (RAM) 2 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 2 GB
Video card (GPU) 256 MB of VRAM


Notes

  1. ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[2] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[3]
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).

References

  1. ↑ Mac Game Update: System Shock 2 + 10 more titles ● GOG.com - last accessed on 9 June 2023
  2. ↑ Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
  3. ↑ Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
  4. ↑ Does the steam version of System Shock 2 support 4k resolution? : pcgaming - last accessed on May 2023
  5. ↑ Verified by User:AlphaYellow on 2023-01-13
  6. ↑ Verified by User:AlphaYellow on 2023-01-13
  7. ↑ Verified by User:AlphaYellow on 2023-01-13
  8. ↑ Verified by User:AlphaYellow on 2023-01-13
  9. ↑ Verified by User:AlphaYellow on 2023-01-13
  10. ↑ gog.com - last accessed on May 2023
  11. ↑ PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up - last accessed on May 2023
  12. ↑ SS2 Headphones Sound Upgrade - last accessed on May 2023
  13. ↑ Verified by User:AlphaYellow on 2023-01-13
  14. ↑ Verified by User:AlphaYellow on 2023-01-13
  15. ↑ Verified by User:AlphaYellow on 2023-01-13
  16. ↑ Verified by User:AlphaYellow on 2023-01-13
  17. ↑ Verified by User:AlphaYellow on 2023-01-13
  18. ↑ Verified by User:AlphaYellow on 2023-01-13
  19. ↑ Steam Community - last accessed on May 2023
  20. ↑ gog.com - last accessed on May 2023
  21. ↑ MacOS update for System Shock 2 - last accessed on 21 November 2022