PCGameBenchmarks
System Shock 2

System Shock 2

89/100
378 ratings1999Easy to run

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Estimated FPS across quality settings and resolutions

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System Shock 2 FPS by GPU

Estimated framerates for 14 reference GPUs · pick a resolution and quality

Full benchmark grid · 14 GPUs × 4 qualities × 3 resolutions

1080p performance

System Shock 2 estimated FPS at 1080p across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPUlowmediumhighultra
RTX 5090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RX 7900 XTX999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 5080999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4080 Super999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4070 Ti999 fps999 fps999 fps937 fps
RTX 4070999 fps999 fps988 fps803 fps
RX 7800 XT999 fps999 fps871 fps707 fps
RTX 3080999 fps999 fps847 fps688 fps
RTX 4060 Ti999 fps999 fps800 fps650 fps
RTX 3070999 fps912 fps729 fps593 fps
RTX 4060999 fps824 fps659 fps535 fps
RTX 3060882 fps706 fps565 fps459 fps
GTX 1660 Super640 fps512 fps409 fps333 fps

1440p performance

System Shock 2 estimated FPS at 1440p across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPUlowmediumhighultra
RTX 5090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RX 7900 XTX999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 5080999 fps999 fps999 fps946 fps
RTX 4080 Super999 fps999 fps999 fps889 fps
RTX 4070 Ti999 fps999 fps865 fps703 fps
RTX 4070999 fps926 fps741 fps602 fps
RX 7800 XT999 fps816 fps653 fps531 fps
RTX 3080993 fps794 fps635 fps516 fps
RTX 4060 Ti938 fps750 fps600 fps488 fps
RTX 3070855 fps684 fps547 fps444 fps
RTX 4060772 fps618 fps494 fps401 fps
RTX 3060662 fps529 fps424 fps344 fps
GTX 1660 Super480 fps384 fps307 fps249 fps

4K performance

System Shock 2 estimated FPS at 4K across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPUlowmediumhighultra
RTX 5090999 fps988 fps791 fps642 fps
RTX 4090999 fps918 fps734 fps596 fps
RX 7900 XTX999 fps824 fps659 fps535 fps
RTX 5080971 fps776 fps621 fps505 fps
RTX 4080 Super912 fps729 fps584 fps474 fps
RTX 4070 Ti721 fps576 fps461 fps375 fps
RTX 4070618 fps494 fps395 fps321 fps
RX 7800 XT544 fps435 fps348 fps283 fps
RTX 3080529 fps424 fps339 fps275 fps
RTX 4060 Ti500 fps400 fps320 fps260 fps
RTX 3070456 fps365 fps292 fps237 fps
RTX 4060412 fps329 fps264 fps214 fps
RTX 3060353 fps282 fps226 fps184 fps
GTX 1660 Super256 fps205 fps164 fps133 fps

Minimum Hardware

Graphics Card
Minimum required

DirectX 9.0c compatible video card

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Processor
Minimum required

Intel Pentium 200 MHz / Cyrix 6x86 / AMD K6

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Genres

ShooterRole-playing (RPG)

About

System Shock 2, released in 1999, is a celebrated first-person cyberpunk exploratory horror RPG and a sequel to the original System Shock. Players assume the role of a soldier who awakens aboard the starship Von Braun, navigating a haunting environment ravaged by conflict between the malevolent AI SHODAN and a psychic hive mind known as The Many. Known for its immersive storytelling and complex gameplay mechanics, System Shock 2 has left a lasting legacy in the gaming community.

In terms of PC performance, System Shock 2 is relatively accessible, requiring only an entry-level GPU for decent gameplay. With a minimum performance score of around 300, players can expect satisfactory FPS on older graphics hardware. For those looking to optimize their enjoyment, a mid-range GPU such as a GTX 750 or RX 460 should deliver smoother performance at higher graphics settings, ensuring a captivating experience amidst the game's atmospheric horror elements.

Should you play System Shock 2? With an impressive rating of 89/100, this title is a must-try for fans of the RPG and shooter genres. Its compelling narrative and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a standout experience, even years after its release.

Performance profile

Released in August 1999, System Shock 2 predates modern GPU acceleration as we know it today. It runs effortlessly on virtually any current hardware, including integrated graphics and entry-level laptops — framerate is limited by the engine, not the GPU.

System Shock 2 is latency-sensitive: a high refresh-rate monitor (144 Hz+) and consistent 1% low framerate matter more than raw averages. Aim for a GPU that delivers 20–30% more headroom than the "just 60 FPS" tier to keep frame pacing smooth during intense fights.

Extremely light — System Shock 2 runs at 60 FPS 1080p on any integrated GPU (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon Graphics) or a decade-old discrete card like the GTX 1050. A current-gen RTX 4060 pushes 4K Ultra without effort.

Storyline

The game takes place on board a starship in a cyberpunk depiction of 2114. The player assumes the role of a lone soldier trying to stem the outbreak of a genetic infection that has devastated the ship. Like System Shock, gameplay consists of first-person shooting and exploration. It also incorporates role-playing system elements, in which the player can develop unique skills and traits, such as hacking and psionic abilities.

Screenshots

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