Othersh

Othersh is a fictional universe and setting created by the American writer and game designer Brian Fargo. It serves as the primary setting for the video game *System Shock 2* (1999) and its expansion pack *System Shock 2: Tribal Terrors* (2000), as well as the novel *System Shock 2: The Second Encounter* (2000). The world of Othersh is a dystopian, cyberpunk-inspired future where humanity has colonized the outer solar system, leading to a fragmented society dominated by corporate power, artificial intelligence, and existential threats.

The setting is primarily centered on the artificial habitat station Othersh, a massive, sprawling complex located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The station was originally designed as a research outpost and corporate headquarters for the megacorporation *TriOptics*, but it later became a hub for various factions, including the *Tribal Terrors*—a group of genetically enhanced, cybernetically augmented mercenaries—and the *Shivans*, an ancient, hive-minded alien species that pose a significant threat to human civilization.

Othersh is characterized by its advanced but decaying infrastructure, blending high-tech cyberpunk elements with eerie, decaying environments. The station’s atmosphere is one of paranoia, conspiracy, and survival, as players navigate through its corridors, uncovering secrets about corporate espionage, AI rebellion, and the Shivan invasion. The world’s lore is rich with references to historical events, such as the *Shivan War*, which nearly wiped out humanity, and the rise of powerful AI entities like *SERIF*, a sentient computer system that plays a central role in the game’s narrative.

The universe of Othersh also extends beyond the station, incorporating other locations like the *TriOptics headquarters on Earth*, the *Shivan homeworld*, and various space stations and colonies. These settings contribute to the broader themes of corporate exploitation, technological dependency, and the struggle for survival in a hostile, post-human future. While *System Shock 2* remains the most prominent work set in Othersh, its lore and atmosphere have influenced later cyberpunk and survival horror games, cementing its place in gaming history.