My guide features all necessary information you need to make your original copy of system shock 2 mod-ready. I try to keep my FAQ as updated as possible, but I advice you to get your informations from the website that kept and will keep the legend alive: systemshock2.org. Get your copy with a lot of bonus material from GOG.com for $9,99! A mod-ready installation allows you to play the game on modern multi-core CPUs, modern OS like Win Vista / 7 and the use of fan made mods like the amazing graphics or model upgrades.
2/18/2013 You can now buy and download System Shock2 at GOG.com for $9,99 . It is no longer required to use the SS2HOTU version or any other illegal file-sharing platform to get on a copy for the game.
2/17/2013 This guide should actually work with the GOG.com version (buy). I haven’t had the chance to install my copy in the last few days, but I gonna certify this information as soon as possible.
10/19/2010If you don’t own an original copy anymore, because you sold it mistakenly on e-bay (yes, this happened already to someone I know :p) or you want to play it with the original english voice cast instead of the french or german one (like myself), then feel free to use the SS2 HOTU version (download) .
1. clean installation
Install the game
– with the GOGcom Installer
– from the original cd-rom (just copy the shock folder from the cd to your hard drive)
– from your iso file
– or decompress the SS2 HOTU version.
A fresh installation is necessary! (Be advised not to copy the files to your Windows Vista / 7 Programm Files folder.)
2. patch, fixes, mod-ready
Download Koyla´s SSTool v5.0 , run it and select the System Shock 2
Using the tool…
– will patch the game to the latest version
– makes the game mod-ready
– adds the NewDark engine
– adds Bloom effects
– installs important bug fixes (allows it to be played on multicore CPUs)
3. download and unpack mods
Before, you had to use a Mod-Manager to install Upgrade Packs, now you only need to download and unpack the Mods into the DataPermMods folder inside your System Shock 2 directory.
Please follow the instructions in the great SS2 Newbie Modding Guide and enjoy your System Shock 2 experience, again or for your first time.
A3D's Let's Plays 
I seem to remember the optimal way to install SS2 from CD is to not use the installer but just copy the /shock folder from the CD to the computer?
Yeah, but they felt it would be nicer to have this nice little tools around that help to avoid unwanted failures when installing mods.
Yeah, I’m just saying the optimal way if you have the original CD game is to copy the SHOCK folder to your computer, the rest of your guide is 100% correct, I just felt that it might be good seeing as on SMA that’s usually what you get told to do first if you have any problems with the game.
I didn’t mean it as criticism, merely an addition to your article, sorry if I came off as being a jerk :|
Thanks for this. Ive used it to set up my copy of SS2 Ive just downloaded.
Thank you for the reply. Now I know for sure that I perfectly described the informations from systemshock.org .