EMP Grenade

Lore & Background

The EMP Grenade was developed by TriOptimum Corporation as a countermeasure against malfunctioning or hostile robotics aboard its space installations. In the chaotic aftermath of SHODAN's takeover of Citadel Station, these grenades became essential for survival, allowing human survivors to disable the station's automated defenses and cyborg enemies without causing structural damage. The grenade's design reflects TriOptimum's pragmatic approach to security: a simple, robust device that could be deployed quickly in emergencies.

In Their Own Story

The corridor flickered with emergency lighting as the cyborg lurched forward, its optical sensor glowing red. Sarah pulled the pin on the EMP Grenade, feeling the familiar vibration as it armed. She tossed it underhand, watching it skid across the metal floor. The detonation was silent but visible—a shimmering wave of energy that washed over the cyborg, freezing it mid-step. Its systems whined and died, and the thing collapsed like a puppet with cut strings. Sarah exhaled, stepping over the inert body to continue her escape.

Reader's Guide

The EMP Grenade is a throwable item that detonates on impact or after a short fuse, releasing a shimmering pulse that disrupts or destroys electronic devices and enemies. It shines against security cameras, turrets, robots, and cyborgs, but passes through organic life forms like a bad signal. In System Shock, you'll find these grenades in security stations, maintenance areas, and on the bodies of defeated enemies. They're scarce, so hoard them for rooms bristling with turrets or a tough robot boss. In System Shock 2, the grenade returns with similar kick, useful against the Many's cybernetic hybrids and the ship's automated defenses. It can also short out force fields and certain locked doors, offering a creative bypass to environmental puzzles. But beware: the pulse can scramble your own cybernetic implants if you're too close, so toss from a safe distance and watch the fireworks.

Did You Know?

• The EMP Grenade was developed by TriOptimum Corporation as a countermeasure against malfunctioning or hostile robotics aboard its space installations.
• In System Shock, these grenades became essential for survival after SHODAN's takeover of Citadel Station, allowing human survivors to disable automated defenses and cyborg enemies without causing structural damage.
• The grenade's design reflects TriOptimum's pragmatic approach to security: a simple, robust device that could be deployed quickly in emergencies.
• In System Shock 2, the EMP Grenade can short out force fields and certain locked doors, offering a creative bypass to environmental puzzles.
• The pulse from an EMP Grenade can scramble your own cybernetic implants if you are too close, so you must toss from a safe distance.