System Shock How To Disable Laser

2 min read 03-12-2024

Navigating the derelict Citadel Station in System Shock requires more than just a sharp wit and a powerful arsenal. Understanding the environment and its various technological traps is crucial to survival. One such obstacle is the ubiquitous laser grid, a potentially lethal hazard that demands careful circumvention. This guide details several methods to disable these grids, helping you proceed safely through the game's treacherous corridors.

Understanding the Laser Grids

Before delving into disabling techniques, it's important to understand what you're up against. Laser grids typically consist of crisscrossing beams of energy, often positioned to guard valuable resources or key areas. Contact with these beams results in damage, potentially fatal if your health is low. Their placement is not random; often, they're strategically located to force players to explore and solve puzzles to bypass them.

Methods of Disabling Laser Grids

There isn't a single universal solution for every laser grid encounter. The method required depends on the specific grid's design and the tools available to you.

1. Powering Down the Grid's Source

Many laser grids draw power from a central source. This might be a nearby control panel, a generator room, or a specific computer terminal. Locate the source, and you can often find an option to shut down the grid's power, rendering it harmless. Careful exploration and observation are key to locating these sources.

2. Using EMP Charges

Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) charges can temporarily disable the laser grids. These charges are usually acquired through scavenging or completing specific tasks within the game. However, their effects are temporary; the grids will reactivate after a period of time. Consider using an EMP charge as a quick solution to traverse a grid quickly, rather than a permanent solution.

3. Exploiting Environmental Hazards

In some cases, you may be able to use the environment to your advantage. For example, strategically placed explosive barrels might destroy the grid's components, rendering it inoperable. This is a riskier approach, as miscalculation can lead to damage to yourself. Always assess your situation before attempting this.

4. Hacking Terminals

Certain terminals may directly control the laser grid. If you possess the necessary hacking skills and tools, you can often bypass or disable the grid through direct manipulation of the control system. This involves navigating a hacking mini-game and selecting the correct commands. Success depends on your hacking skill level and the difficulty of the mini-game.

Strategy and Planning

Approaching laser grids requires careful planning and execution. Always scout the area before attempting to disable the grid or pass through it. Look for clues hinting at a control panel, a generator room, or an exploitable environmental weakness. Prioritize stealth and observation, utilizing your cybernetic enhancements where applicable. Consider saving your game before engaging with the grid, ensuring you can reload if necessary.

By understanding these various approaches, you can effectively navigate the treacherous laser grids of System Shock and unlock the secrets hidden beyond them. Remember that resourcefulness and observation are key to your survival in the Citadel Station.