Natural Selection 2 plunges you into a brutal conflict where humanity's last stand against a relentless alien threat hinges on the fusion of intense first-person combat and deep real-time strategy. Every match pits two distinct teams against each other: the resourceful Frontiersmen Marines and the terrifying Kharaa lifeforms.

Each side is led by a Commander, a vital role that oversees the battlefield from an overhead perspective. Commanders are responsible for issuing orders, constructing essential structures, managing resources, researching crucial technologies, and deploying game-changing abilities. A human Commander might rain down vital supplies to a beleaguered squad or deploy automated turrets to fortify a position. Conversely, an alien Commander could expand their Hive to spread infestation, enabling the rapid spawning of new alien units.

Embrace the primal ferocity of the Kharaa, a species that evolves through distinct lifeforms. Become the agile Skulk, capable of scaling walls and delivering devastating bites. Transform into the airborne Lerks, utilizing gas attacks to support your brethren. Play as the supportive Gorges, healing allies and constructing tactical structures like tunnels and turrets. Master the elusive Fades, blinking in and out of combat to unleash their scythes, or embody the colossal Onos, a nigh-unstoppable juggernaut capable of decimating entire marine squads.

As a Marine, you'll wield a formidable arsenal of weaponry, from standard-issue rifles and shotguns to devastating grenade launchers. Cluster grenades can flush out hidden Skulks from ventilation shafts, flamethrowers are devastating against alien structures and infestation, and Commander-provided boosts can significantly enhance combat effectiveness. For overwhelming assaults, Marines can pilot hulking Exosuits armed with miniguns and railguns, or utilize jetpacks for rapid, high-altitude strikes on alien Hives.

Unleash your creativity with the comprehensive mod tools included with Natural Selection 2. Access all the game code, empowering you to craft and experience an endless array of player-made modifications. Share your creations, discover new content through the Steam Workshop, and automatically download mods when joining community servers.