| System Shock 2 25th Anniversary Remaster | |||
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| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Survive the horrifying corridors and deck of the Von Braun in System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Review Overview
What is System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster?
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is a modernized remaster of the classic first-person shooter RPG by Nightdive Studios, released on June 26, 2025. It aimed to become the definitive experience, bringing diehard fans and newcomers to the game.
It retains the acclaimed 1999 sci-fi horror story as players try to survive the corridors of the starship Von Braun. The remaster introduces innovations to the game, including improved visuals, support for up to 4K 144fps on PC and 120fps on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, adjustable field of view, and more.
The game features a revamped co-op multiplayer mode and supports cross-platform play between PC and consoles, allowing up to 4 players. It will also feature full mod support on PC, complete with a built-in mod manager.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster features:
⚫︎ FPS
⚫︎ Remastered Game
⚫︎ Horror
⚫︎ Multiplayer Co-Op
⚫︎ Crossplay
⚫︎ Up to 144 FPS
⚫︎ Unlockable Achievements
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster's gameplay and story.
 Epic |
 Steam |
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 Xbox |
 Switch |
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| Price | $29.99 | ||||||||
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System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Updates Visuals and QoL Gameplay Are Welcome Improvements A Haunting and Immersive Story Multiplayer is Chaotic Fun |
Keeping it Faithful Also Shows its Age Awful FPS Drops |
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Overall Score - 82/100
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is a faithful revival that preserves the haunting cyberpunk horror and deeply satisfying RPG mechanics of the original, while smartly modernizing it for today’s audience. The visual enhancements are solid, and the addition of multiplayer is a welcome surprise that breathes new life into the experience. However, that same faithfulness comes with limitations—there’s only so much you can do to polish a 25-year-old game, and its age does occasionally show. Still, it's an absolute blast to return to, and a fitting celebration ofto an underrated classic.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Story - 8/10
System Shock 2 is still a chilling, atmospheric experience that holds up surprisingly well, —especially if you're a fan of Dead Space or Moutwashing. Its tense, unsettling mood is its strongest asset. That said, the storytelling sometimes shows its age, with some pacing issues and clunky narrative delivery.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Gameplay - 8/10
The game is a brilliant mix of RPG and FPS, letting you pick from three roles to suit your playstyle—be it hacking, psionics, or gunplay—as you fight to survive aboard the eerie Von Braun. Every choice feels impactful, and additions like multiplayer and mod support help keep it fresh. That said, its age does show with clunky movement, awkward aiming, an occasionally messy UI, and some unclear mechanics.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Visuals - 8/10
System Shock 2 shines in its 25th Anniversary Remaster, with updated visuals, improved animations, and enhanced models—all while preserving the game’s eerie, atmospheric tone. The aesthetic receives a respectful upgrade, striking a solid balance between modern polish and nostalgic authenticity. While some outdated elements remain, like the clunky UI and occasional FPS drops, they’re hiccups that thankfully don’t destroy the overall strong and immersive experience.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Audio - 8/10
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster introduces new voice acting, —while not the strongest across the board, it adds depth to the game’s environmental storytelling. The near absence of music is a missed opportunity; a few atmospheric tracks could have elevated key moments. Still, the sharp, ambient sound design and chilling silence do a great job of reinforcing the game’s oppressive tone. It effectively preserves the feeling of isolation, claustrophobia, and creeping dread that defines its horror experience.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Value for Money - 9/10
You don’t need to play the first game to dive into System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster, and at just $30, it’s a great deal for what you’re getting. With deep RPG mechanics, multiplayer support, and mod compatibility, there’s plenty of replay value here. Newcomers can easily jump in and enjoy the experience, though it occasionally feels like it could have benefited from a few more modern improvements—the age of the original still peeks through at times. Still, it’s a solid package that honors a classic while making it more accessible than ever.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Review: Shockingly Faithful
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is something I honestly never expected to happen. With the first game receiving a full remake, I assumed System Shock 2 would follow the same path. That said, this isn’t a knock on Nightdive Studios—what they’ve accomplished with this remaster is genuinely impressive. As someone who played the original and loves immersive sims like BioShock and Deus Ex, it’s incredibly rewarding to see this classic finally get the attention it deserves. Games like this absolutely need to make a comeback.
Surprisingly, System Shock 2 still holds up remarkably well. It delivers a gripping, atmospheric experience that remains fun and engaging even decades later. Sure, it has its flaws—most of them tied to its age—but even so, it’s a game well worth revisiting or discovering for the first time.
Revisiting 2114 Has Never Looked so Nostalgic
You don’t need to play the first game to enjoy System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster. Set in the year 2114—42 years after the original—this remaster does a solid job of catching you up. The tutorial introduces you as a new recruit, teaching the core systems like hacking, repairing, psionic powers, and combat. You’ll then choose a military background—Navy, Marines, or OSA Agent—each offering unique benefits. After a series of career path decisions, a year passes, and you awaken from cryosleep aboard the FTL starship Von Braun... with no memory of who you are or what’s gone wrong. And something has gone very wrong.
You wake up alone, with cybernetic implants grafted to your body and the crew slaughtered. Infected creatures roam the dark, claustrophobic halls. Their master? SHODAN—a rogue AI hellbent on humanity’s destruction. Her voice echoes through the ship, mocking your every move as you unravel the horrifying mystery of what happened aboard the Von Braun. If you’ve ever played Dead Space or Prey, or seen films like Alien or The Thing, you’ll feel right at home here. The tension, isolation, and creeping dread are masterfully preserved.
Visually, the remaster walks a fine line between modernization and retro authenticity. The updated models, 4K support, and smoother frame rates (up to 144 FPS) help immerse you in the experience, while the stylized visuals still retain that eerie, late-90s aesthetic. The sound design is just as crucial—there’s very little music, but that only enhances the atmosphere. The moans of the infected, the cold mechanical hum of the ship, and SHODAN’s chilling monologues make every step feel dangerous. The new voice acting adds more life to audio logs, which help flesh out the world and deepen the story.
Gameplay-wise, System Shock 2 still shines. You’re free to build your character how you want—whether that’s a combat-heavy gunslinger, a stealthy hacker, or a psionic powerhouse. Upgrades come through Cybernetic Modules, earned by completing objectives or thorough exploration. These can be spent at Cyber Upgrade Stations to enhance your skills, which makes every decision feel meaningful. Unlike traditional RPGs, you don’t level up by killing enemies—you earn progress by surviving, solving problems, and digging deep into the ship’s systems.
Resource management is critical. Ammo is limited, and weapons degrade with use—though the remaster balances this better than the original, making durability feel fairer. There’s also a wide range of weapons, from pistols and shotguns to energy and alien tech. Inventory space is limited, so every item you carry matters. Psionic powers act as the game’s magic system,
offering creative solutions and vital support when ammo runs dry. Melee weapons are incredibly useful, especially in tight spots, and hacking feels both rewarding and essential—though it too costs resources, so you can’t hack everything.
All of this makes exploration feel tense and rewarding. You’re always a little underprepared, always a little on edge—and that’s exactly the point.
Multiplayer Adds A Whole Other Level of Chaos
I never got the chance to properly experience the original System Shock 2 multiplayer—back then, it was notoriously buggy and poorly optimized. I’ve heard horror stories of constant crashes, lost save data, and the need to manually save every few minutes just to avoid losing progress. It was clearly never fully designed with co-op in mind. So, when I heard that multiplayer was being brought back in the 25th Anniversary Remaster, I was hopeful for improvements—and I’m happy to say, Nightdive Studios absolutely delivered.
Multiplayer now supports up to four players, and you can easily host or join games with friends. It’s not just functional—it’s incredibly fun. The wide range of skills and builds allows for genuine teamwork and strategy. One player can specialize in hacking, another in psionic powers, another in combat, or resource gathering. Coordinating your inventories, sharing items, and planning who takes on which role adds a whole new layer of depth to the experience.
The best part? It’s still tense and terrifying. The difficulty remains well-balanced, and surviving against robotic and alien threats becomes even more rewarding when you're relying on each other. But beware—getting separated is easy, and the ship’s winding corridors make staying together a challenge. Communication and teamwork are key.
Whether you're exploring new decks, unlocking doors, or just trying to survive the next ambush, the co-op gameplay makes the Von Braun more thrilling than ever. It’s scary, satisfying, and an absolute blast with the right group of friends.
It’s Faithful—Maybe Too Faithful
I’m a big fan of staying faithful to the source material, but I also believe it's important to take creative liberties—especially when trying to improve on something decades old. Thankfully, the System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster makes a genuine effort to address many of the original game’s shortcomings. From squashing old bugs to adding quality-of-life improvements like faster load times and a snappier UI, the developers clearly put in the work. That said, in trying to strike a balance between staying true to the original and modernizing certain systems, the game occasionally feels unsure of what it wants to be.
One example is the early-game class selection. You’re asked to choose between serving in the Military as an OSA Agent, a Marine, or a Navy recruit—each with unique starting benefits. Marines get weapon bonuses, Navy are better at hacking and repairing, and OSA agents start with psionic powers. But the game doesn’t explain these differences up front. While the tutorial gives you vague hints, the actual choice could have been much clearer at the start—especially for newcomers who might not understand how each class shapes gameplay.
There are also a few mechanical and visual issues that feel dated or undercooked. For example, the recoil animations during combat can feel janky—sometimes skipping frames and making the shooting experience oddly disorienting. The UI, while improved in terms of speed, still behaves awkwardly and lacks the fluidity of modern interfaces. Constantly pulling it up feels clunky, and I often found myself wishing it functioned more like a clean, responsive pop-up window for inventory management rather than the somewhat sluggish system in place. With just a bit more polish in these areas, the game could feel far more intuitive and aligned with current gameplay standards.
FPS Drops and Bugs Still Exist
Though not constant, performance issues are noticeable—especially for a 25-year-old game running on an otherwise solid engine. Despite the improvements, I still experienced occasional FPS drops and minor bugs, like the inventory not appearing unless I repeatedly pressed the key, or equipment not registering properly when selected. These kinds of issues aren’t game-breaking, but they do add unnecessary frustration. For a remaster, it’s disappointing that these problems weren’t fully ironed out. At this stage, it feels like there’s little excuse for such lingering technical hiccups.
Is System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Worth It?
Though Time Has Left Its Mark, Its Legacy Endures
It shows its age, yet somehow remains ageless. At its core, System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is still an incredibly engaging experience—one that’s been thoughtfully enhanced by the developers. There’s a ton of fun to be had, and the addition of multiplayer breathes new life into the game, especially when playing with friends. It holds up surprisingly well against today’s standards and serves as a clear reminder of how ahead of its time it was. From the freedom of choice to the meaningful consequences of your actions, the game’s design remains gripping and deeply rewarding.
For returning fans, it’s a triumphant return to a classic. And for newcomers, it’s a compelling introduction to one of the most influential immersive sims ever made—with a narrative that pulls you in and gameplay that constantly rewards experimentation and smart decision-making.
| Epic |
Steam |
PlayStation |
Xbox |
Switch |
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| Price | $29.99 | ||||||||
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System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster FAQ
Does System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Support Mods?
Yes, the game gives you the option to play with mods.
Is the Multiplayer of System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Crossplay?
Yes, multiplayer is crossplay.
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System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster Product Information
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| Title | System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 26, 2025 |
| Developer | Nightdive Studios, Looking Glass Studios, Irrational Games |
| Publisher | Nightdive Studios |
| Supported Platforms | PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, PC |
| Genre | RPG, FPS, Horror |
| Number of Players | 1-2 |
| ESRB Rating | Pegi 16 |
| Official Website | Official Website for System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster |
