Natural Selection 2

Core Gameplay Concept: Shooter Meets Strategy

The game operates on a foundation of combined arms and evolving objectives. Matches revolve around territorial control, resource acquisition, and the systematic destruction of the opposing team's primary structures. What sets this title apart is the dual role available to players.

On one side, players engage directly in combat, utilizing specialized weapons, abilities, and upgrades specific to their chosen faction. This element provides the immediate, visceral feedback of a traditional shooter.

Simultaneously, one player on the human team assumes the role of the Commander, while the alien Hive Mind directs their forces. This strategic layer requires managing resources, directing construction, researching new technologies, and issuing tactical orders across the map, influencing the flow of the shooter action below.

Asymmetric Faction Design

The two sides offer fundamentally different playstyles:

• Humans: Rely on structured technology, defensive fortifications, and a defined progression path through research and building upgrades. They utilize conventional weaponry and specialized combat suits.
• Aliens: Evolve organically, gaining new forms and abilities by consuming biomass. Their gameplay emphasizes rapid adaptation, stealth, and overwhelming biological power.

What makes this game unique in its genre?

The defining feature is the hybridization of genres. It is not simply a shooter with RTS elements tacked on; the strategic decisions made by the Commander or Hive Mind directly and immediately impact the viability and loadout of the frontline soldiers. Success hinges on the communication and synergy between the strategic overseer and the combatants.

How is progression handled during a match?

Progression is dynamic and tied to the match economy. For the human team, the Commander spends resources to unlock new tiers of technology, allowing soldiers to purchase more advanced weapons and armor. For the aliens, the Hive Mind directs the consumption of resources to evolve the entire team into higher-tier forms, unlocking access to more powerful alien lifeforms.

This constant state of evolution and adaptation ensures that no two matches feel identical, as the balance of power shifts based on strategic investment and battlefield performance.

Available Content

This title is presented as a complete main game experience. There are currently no officially released downloadable content packs or expansions available for purchase or download.