Introduction
The cold, sterile atmosphere of Citadel Station is not just unsettling; it’s actively trying to kill you. In System Shock, confronting rogue AI SHODAN and its cyborg armies is only half the battle. The other half involves surviving the toxic environments SHODAN has unleashed upon the station. Radiation leaks, noxious gas pockets, and outright biological contamination make simply breathing a gamble. Fortunately, for every hacker brave (or foolish) enough to infiltrate Citadel, there are Enviropacks – the essential life support systems that make exploration, and survival, possible. Enviropacks act as a vital shield against these environmental hazards, and knowing where to find them is paramount to completing your mission. Without them, radiation poisoning and other ailments will quickly cripple your abilities and lead to a swift, unceremonious demise.
But finding these life-saving devices is no simple task. They are often hidden in obscure corners, guarded by SHODAN’s minions, or locked away behind intricate puzzles. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to the locations of Enviropacks within System Shock, providing detailed directions, helpful media like screenshots, and crucial strategic tips for acquisition and usage. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to breathe easier on Citadel Station and increase your chances of bringing down SHODAN’s reign of terror.
Understanding Enviropacks
Before embarking on the hunt for Enviropacks, it’s crucial to understand the different types and their capabilities. Enviropacks are categorized into different marks, each offering progressively longer protection from environmental hazards. You’ll encounter Mk-one Enviropacks, Mk-two Enviropacks, and Mk-three Enviropacks as you progress through the game. Higher mark Enviropacks offer significantly longer protection durations against radiation, toxins, and other threats. Each mark of enviropack increases your resistance to toxins.
The importance of Enviropacks cannot be overstated. While firearms and cybernetic augmentations are essential for combat, Enviropacks are what allow you to reach certain areas and complete vital objectives. Many critical pathways, storage rooms containing valuable resources, and even SHODAN’s own access points are located in heavily contaminated zones. Without adequate protection, attempting to traverse these areas is a death sentence.
Citadel Station is riddled with environmental hazards. Radiation is a constant threat, emanating from damaged machinery and poorly shielded areas. Toxic gas pockets linger in ventilation shafts and abandoned rooms. Some areas are even infected with biological contaminants that rapidly drain your health. Environmental hazards are everywhere. Enviropacks are your only reliable defense against these invisible killers. Learning to recognize the signs of environmental contamination – visual cues, audio warnings, and health bar depletion – is also crucial for making informed decisions about Enviropack usage.
Enviropack Locations: A Level-by-Level Guide
This section breaks down the locations of Enviropacks on each level of Citadel Station, providing detailed directions and visual aids to help you locate these essential resources.
Medical Level
The Medical Level, ironically, is a breeding ground for environmental hazards. Radiation leaks are prevalent due to damaged medical equipment and SHODAN’s experiments. Watch out for the environmental dangers here.
*Location One:* Upon exiting the main elevator, head east towards the surgical ward. Before entering the ward, look for a small, alcove on the right side of the hallway. An Mk-one Enviropack is typically found within this alcove.
*Obstacle:* A security camera may be monitoring this area. Disable it or take it out with a weapon before grabbing the Enviropack.
*Location Two:* Inside the surgical ward, check the cabinets along the north wall. One of these cabinets often contains an Mk-one Enviropack.
*Obstacle:* Mutant cyborgs patrol the surgical ward. Be prepared for a fight.
*Location Three:* Proceed to the intensive care unit. In one of the patient rooms along the south side, a Mk-one Enviropack can be found on a shelf.
Research Level
The Research Level is where many of the environmental horrors originated. Expect heavy radiation and toxic spills. Watch out for pools of acid on the floor as well.
*Location One:* In the main laboratory area, look for a small storage room marked “Hazardous Materials.” The door may be locked; you might need to find a keycard. Inside, you’ll find an Mk-two Enviropack.
*Location Two:* Check the vivisection labs. One of the operating tables may have an Mk-one Enviropack lying next to it.
*Obstacle:* Expect grotesque mutations and security bots in this area.
*Location Three:* Examine the hydroponics lab, where SHODAN was creating bio-weapons. There is a corner near some tanks which may contain an Mk-one Enviropack.
Maintenance Level
The Maintenance Level is a labyrinth of corridors and ventilation shafts, many of which are filled with toxic gases and radiation leaks. Be careful and equip an enviropack on entry.
*Location One:* Check the storage closet near the southern most elevator, this has a Mk-one Enviropack.
*Obstacle:* Security bot patrols this area.
*Location Two:* Head through the vents and check the small storage room on the other side. It’s possible to find a Mk-one Enviropack here.
Storage Level
The Storage Level is rife with environmental hazards, so make sure that you are equipped with an Enviropack when entering this level.
*Location One:* From the main elevator, go right into the large storage bay. Look for a crate stack where a Mk-one Enviropack might be hidden.
*Obstacle:* Security camera might alert other enemies in this area.
*Location Two:* Along the northern wall, a small alcove contains an Mk-one Enviropack.
Executive Level
The Executive Level is one of the final levels. It is a level filled with environmental hazards such as radiation leaks, so make sure to use an Enviropack while traversing this area.
*Location One:* After taking the elevator, head down the main hall. A hidden alcove on the left contains a Mk-one Enviropack.
*Obstacle:* Security droids patrol this area.
*Location Two:* Head toward the main office, inside, a Mk-one Enviropack may be found in one of the rooms.
Strategic Usage and Tips
Finding Enviropacks is only half the battle; knowing how to use them effectively is equally important. Here are some strategic tips to maximize their effectiveness and conserve your limited resources:
*Conserving Enviropacks:* Don’t waste Enviropack time. If you can dash through a small patch of radiation, it might be better than activating a pack. Learning the layout of Citadel Station and identifying the shortest routes through hazardous areas is crucial. Use cover and concealment to minimize exposure. Sometimes, a quick sprint is enough to bypass a brief radiation leak without suffering significant damage. Save your Enviropack time for more extended exposure.
*Prioritizing Enviropack Usage:* Some areas demand immediate Enviropack protection, while others can wait. Focus on areas that contain critical resources, mission objectives, or pathways to new levels. Delay exploring optional areas until you have a sufficient supply of Enviropacks.
*Managing Inventory:* Inventory space is limited in System Shock. Decide which items are essential and which can be discarded or stored elsewhere. Enviropacks should always be a high priority, but consider the size and weight of each pack.
*Upgrading to Higher-Mark Enviropacks:* As you progress through the game, prioritize finding and using higher-mark Enviropacks. These offer significantly longer protection durations, allowing you to explore more extensively and conserve resources.
Conclusion
The Enviropacks are more than just items in System Shock; they are your lifeline in a hostile, decaying environment. SHODAN wants you dead, and Citadel Station itself is a weapon designed to achieve that goal. By mastering the locations and strategic usage of Enviropacks, you significantly increase your chances of survival and success.
Use this guide to navigate the treacherous levels of Citadel Station, secure the necessary Enviropacks, and confront SHODAN’s evil. Share your own Enviropack strategies and discoveries in the comments below. Together, we can overcome the challenges of System Shock and restore order to the station. The fate of humanity may depend on it. The dark, toxic corridors of Citadel Station await. Go forth, hacker, and survive.
