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The System Shock remake captures the magic of exploring Retro FPS levels of the '90s. Each level that you visit in the Citadel Space Station has essential items that you will need to complete the game Isotope X-22 is one of these key items required to stop SHODAN from wiping out humanity.
Isotope X-22 is used as a power source for the Citadel Space Stations and is a key item used to destroy the mining laser that is aimed at Earth. By this point, you should have acquired the Laser Security Override Code found on Research Level 2. Before you descend to Reactor Level R, you will need Isotope X-22.
Gamma Quadrant - The Path To Isotope X-22
The rest of your time in Research Level 2 will be spent in the Gamma Quadrant area. This area is heavily defended by Hoppers and Mobile Laser Hoppers so ensure you are stocked on ammo and power for your Sparqbeam Sidearm.
Before you acquire Isotope X-22, you will need to complete a few lesser objectives.
You will find the Recycling Station in the Research Level 2 Gamma Quadrant, along with the Cargo Lift, and a storage box, the contents of which can be transferred to different levels.
Deactivate Robot Production To Lower Enemy Threat On Research Level 2
Before you acquire Isotope X-22 you should deactivate Robot Production to weaken enemy resistance on Research Level 2.
This makes it a lot easier for you to navigate later and decreases the number of enemies that attack you after destroying the CPU Nodes in Gamma Quadrant.
To deactivate Robot Production, you will need to travel to the room passed the CPU Node room and enter the code written in the Robot Production - Data Stick.
This will unlock a small room with a Junction Box that will reroute power away from Robot Production. Enemies will now spawn less frequently in Research Level 2.
You will find the Robot Production - Data Stick in the room only accessed via a ventilation shaft in Quadrant Delta of Research Level 2.
Break The CPU Nodes To Unlock Research Level 2 Elevator
Once you've deactivated Robot Production on Research Level 2 ,it's time to take out the CPU Nodes in the room next door.
However, before you blow anything up, crouch through the small ventilation shaft to crawl under the floor and acquire the Group-3 (GP3) Access Code.
The CPU Nodes will damage you when they explode so don't use your Monkey Wrench to take them out. Use a ranged weapon instead.
SHODAN will order several Cyborgs to attack you. If you deactivated Robot Production you will be attacked by fewer enemies.
Throw any spare grenades you have at the door as the narrow entrance makes a great choke point for taking out multiple enemies at a time, allowing you to save ammo.
Isotope X-22 Room Cyberspace Terminal
After dispatching the grotesque Cyborgs and deadly Robots, travel down the hall opposite the CPU Node room and enter the southernmost room.
This large room contains a high amount of radiation, so you will want to run as fast as you can to the southwest room containing the Cyberspace Terminal and the Suit Shortage Over - Audio Log.
Use Detox Patches to counter the damage over time status inflicted by radiation exposure in the room.
You can purchase Detox Patches from the Transderm Dispenser within the Restoration Bay room within Reactor Level R.
Picking Up Isotope X-22
Once you've deactivated the Radiation Trench via the Gamma Quadrant Cyberspace Terminal, you'll be free to walk around the large room without being exposed to radiation.
You're not completely out of danger though — a Humanoid Mutant stalks the room. While it's put down relatively easily with a couple of shots from your Minipistol, you will still have to contend with the radiation in the Isotope X-22 room.
Navigate to the north side of the room to find another small room with a briefcase containing Isotope X-22 surrounded by red laser walls. You will need to activate the green button at the back of the room before you can acquire Isotope X-22.
Entering this area on low health can be fatal. The radiation will deplete what slither of a health bar you have left.
Power Shields In The Radiation Shield Controls Room
With Isotope X-22 in hand, travel down to Reactor Level R using the Gamma Quadrant Elevator. In Reactor Level R, seek out the Radiation Shield Controls Room to place the Isotope X-22 and activate the Citadel Space Station's shields.
Once both the shields and the Safety Interlock have been activated, you can return to Research Level 2 and fire the Mining Laser.