# Tribes 2 <small style="color: gray">Last updated: January 30, 2026</small> ## Overview Tribes 2 is a sci-fi first-person shooter multiplayer video game developed by Dynamix and published by Sierra Studios in 2001 as sequel to Starsiege: Tribes[^ref-1]. Set in the 40th century on the frontier 'wilderzone' of human space, hardy neo-barbarian tribes compete for possession of new worlds[^ref-2]. The game delivers fast-paced team-play online across vast worlds[^ref-3], with The Tribes of Man facing a new threat: The BioDerm Horde, genetically engineered as a slave race driving toward the heart of the Empire in an explosive frenzy of rage and violence[^ref-3]. Unlike anything before it, the multiplayer, 360 degree, team play-based game set new standards for what a multiplayer game could and possibly should be[^ref-4]. Tribes 2 gameplay makes extensive use of jet pack-powered flight, which adds a notable vertical element to combat[^ref-1], with players able to use jetpacks for aerial movement while wielding various weapons and equipment across large outdoor environments[^ref-5]. The game emphasizes team-based multiplayer gameplay with flexible role selection, supporting up to 64 players online or LAN[^ref-5]. > [!info]- Game Info > **Developer:** [[Dynamix]][^ref-7] > **Designer:** [[Scott Youngblood]], Mark Ireland, David Meddish[^ref-8] > **Publisher:** Sierra Entertainment[^ref-7] > **Platforms:** Windows, Linux[^ref-5] > **Release Year:** 2001 > **Series:** Starsiege > **Sierra Lineage:** Core Sierra ## Story Summary The game is set in the 40th century where humanity has spread across the galaxy into the frontier 'wilderzone' of human space[^ref-2]. Major factions include the Blood Eagle, Diamond Sword, Harbingers of Phoenix, Starwolf, and BioDerm Hordes[^ref-2]. The central conflict involves The Tribes of Man facing a new existential threat from The BioDerm Horde, a genetically engineered slave race that has broken free and now drives toward the heart of the Empire with the singular goal that humanity must perish[^ref-3]. This setup provides the backdrop for the large-scale multiplayer battles that define the game's core experience. ## Gameplay ### Interface and Controls Tribes 2 is unlike any first person shooter you'll encounter, as it's mainly an online game focused on team-based multiplayer combat[^ref-11]. Players control jetpack-equipped infantry using keyboard and mouse controls, with gamepad/joystick support also available[^ref-5]. The game supports both first-person and third-person perspectives[^ref-5], allowing players to choose their preferred viewpoint for the fast-paced aerial combat. ### Structure and Progression The game features multiple mission types including Capture the Flag (CTF), Capture and Hold (CnH), Hunters, Team Hunters, Bounty, Rabbit, Siege, and Deathmatch[^ref-14]. Tribes 2 delivers a unique and exciting brand of aerial, online mayhem that plays by complex rules and mechanics that are completely its own[^ref-15]. Games can support 2-32 players in standard modes, with some configurations supporting up to 64 players online[^ref-5]. The deep teamplay found in large matches is incredibly addicting and offers interesting opportunities to cobble together team strategies[^ref-16]. ### Puzzles and Mechanics The game features three character classes, with 18 different armor types, over 50 weapon types, 11 grenade types, 9 mine types, 19 packs, and 25 deployable items[^ref-5]. Central to gameplay is the jetpack movement system, allowing players to "ski" across terrain and engage in aerial combat[^ref-7]. Vehicle gameplay adds another strategic layer, as one reviewer noted: "This isn't just a little infantry showdown any more, this is war"[^ref-19]. The game includes 18 different vehicles and 7 vehicle modules, enabling combined arms warfare across large outdoor maps[^ref-5]. ## Reception ### Contemporary Reviews | Publication | Score | Notes | |-------------|-------|-------| | Metacritic | 88/100 | Generally Favorable[^ref-20] | | IGN | 8.9/10 | Professional review[^ref-21] | | GameSpot | 8.5/10 (Great) | Comprehensive analysis[^ref-16] | | PC Gamer US | 89/100 | June 2001 issue[^ref-22] | | Eurogamer | 8/10 | Detailed review[^ref-19] | | GameRevolution | 7/10 | Mixed reception[^ref-15] | ### Modern Assessment Modern retrospectives have been mixed, with MyAbandonware giving it 4.68/5[^ref-23] and the game maintaining active community support through projects like TribesNext[^ref-24]. Critics noted that "Tribes 2 isn't easy to master, and it won't play well on every gaming PC, but when you're up and running it's a tremendous amount of fun"[^ref-16]. The game has been described as "the best example of a team based multiplayer game to date"[^ref-25], though some criticized its steep learning curve and high system requirements[^ref-19]. ## Development ### Origins Development began as a sequel to Starsiege: Tribes, which came out at the very end of 1998 as the first retail first-person shooter designed specifically for multiplayer competition[^ref-16]. The game was announced in May 1998[^ref-7] and entered beta testing in August 2000, with approximately 1000 beta applicants selected[^ref-27]. Originally scheduled for Fall 2000 release[^ref-27], the game ultimately launched on March 29, 2001[^ref-28]. ### Production The development team included notable voice cast members Mark Berry, Kiamalise Budak, Jason Cottle, Andromeda Dunker, Craig English, Kit Harris, Jay Hopper, Kate Myre, Matt Reidy, and Kelly Wright[^ref-29]. The musical score was composed by Timothy Steven Clarke[^ref-30], with the complete soundtrack spanning 7 tracks and running 30:40 in total length[^ref-30]. Tragically, development was cut short when Sierra forced early release for Q2 profit reporting, and subsequently shut down Dynamix on August 10, 2001[^ref-32], just months after the game's launch. This closure shocked the gaming community, as one developer guide author noted: "While corporate America may not appreciate all you've done, the community always will"[^ref-11]. ### Technical Achievements Tribes 2 utilized a custom graphics engine evolved from Starsiege: Tribes technology[^ref-7], which would later become the foundation for the Torque Game Engine[^ref-34]. The game required substantial hardware for its time, with minimum requirements of a Pentium II 300 MHz, 64MB RAM, and 12MB 3D card[^ref-5]. Recommended specifications included at least a 600MHz Pentium III and a GeForce or Radeon graphics card[^ref-16]. The game featured high-quality 512x512 player models and supported both Direct3D 7 and OpenGL graphics APIs[^ref-5]. ## Legacy Tribes 2 had a profound impact on multiplayer gaming, with PC Gamer noting that "Tribes re-wrote the laws of online battle"[^ref-29]. The game's engine technology evolved into the Torque Game Engine, which was later released as open source and became Torque 3D[^ref-38]. Despite technical challenges at launch, the game maintained an active community, with over 300 servers hosting games worldwide[^ref-39]. The community created extensive modifications and content, including approximately 65 mods, multiple map packs, and more than 1000 scripts and utilities[^ref-40]. When Sierra discontinued official online support in 2008[^ref-41], the community developed TribesNext, a revival project that brought multiplayer functionality back online[^ref-24]. In 2024, Hi-Rez Studios made the entire Tribes series available for free to increase interest in their upcoming sequel[^ref-42]. ## Downloads **Purchase / Digital Stores** - Currently available as freeware - [GOG Dreamlist](https://www.gog.com/dreamlist) - Community Dreamlist **Download / Preservation** - [Internet Archive - Tribes 2 Ultimate Game Pack](https://archive.org/details/Tribes2UltimateGamePack) - [TribesNext Community Project](https://www.tribesnext.com/) ## See Also - [[1999 - Starsiege|← Previous: Starsiege]] - [[2002 - Tribes - Aerial Assault|→ Next: Tribes - Aerial Assault]] ## References [^ref-1]: [Internet Archive - Tribes 2 Ultimate Pack](https://archive.org/details/Tribes2UltimateGamePack) - Basic game description and sequel relationship [^ref-2]: [Internet Archive - Tribes 2 Manual](https://archive.org/stream/Tribes_2_Manual/Tribes_2_Manual_djvu.txt) - Game setting and story background [^ref-3]: [GameFAQs - Tribes 2](https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/pc/914210-tribes-2/data) - Official marketing copy and story setup [^ref-4]: [Amazon UK - Sierra Best Sellers Tribes 2](https://www.amazon.co.uk/) - Customer review emphasizing innovation [^ref-5]: [PCGamingWiki - Tribes 2](https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Tribes_2) - Technical specifications and gameplay mechanics [^ref-7]: [Wikipedia - Tribes 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribes_2) - Developer and publisher information [^ref-8]: [MobyGames - Tribes 2 Credits](https://www.mobygames.com/game/3566/tribes-2/credits/windows/) - Designer credits [^ref-11]: [GameFAQs - Tribes 2 Beginner's Guide](https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/pc/914210-tribes-2/faqs/14072) - Guide author's perspective and gameplay description [^ref-14]: [StrategyWiki - Tribes 2](https://strategywiki.org/wiki/Tribes_2) - Mission types list [^ref-15]: [GameRevolution - Tribes 2 Review](https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32854-tribes-2-review) - Gameplay analysis and scoring [^ref-16]: [GameSpot - Tribes 2 Review](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tribes-2-review/1900-2705268/) - Comprehensive review and analysis [^ref-19]: [Eurogamer - Tribes 2 Review](https://www.eurogamer.net/r-tribes2) - Contemporary review and vehicle combat assessment [^ref-20]: [Metacritic - Tribes 2](https://www.metacritic.com/game/tribes-2/) - Aggregated scores [^ref-21]: [IGN - Tribes 2](https://www.ign.com/games/tribes-2) - Professional review score [^ref-22]: [PC Gamer - Tribes 2 Review](https://www.pcgamer.com/tribes-2-review/) - Magazine review score [^ref-23]: [MyAbandonware - Tribes 2](https://www.myabandonware.com/game/tribes-2-bhu) - Modern user rating [^ref-24]: [IGN - Tribes 2 Lives On](https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/06/tribes-2-lives-on) - Community revival project coverage [^ref-25]: [GameSurge - Tribes 2 Review](https://web.archive.org/web/20010411153458/http://www.gamesurge.com/review/tribes2.shtml) - Team-based gameplay assessment [^ref-27]: [BetaNews - Beta Test Tribes 2](https://betanews.com/2000/08/30/beta-test-tribes-2/) - Beta testing announcement details [^ref-28]: [Reddit - Tribes 2 turns 20 today](https://www.reddit.com/r/Tribes/comments/mf50zp/tribes_2_turns_20_today_released_march_28_2001/) - Community commemoration of release date [^ref-29]: [Dynamix Wiki - Starsiege: Tribes](https://dynamix.fandom.com/wiki/Starsiege:_Tribes) - Voice cast credits and PC Gamer quote [^ref-30]: [Rate Your Music - Tribes 2 Soundtrack](https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/timothy-steven-clarke/tribes-2-original-soundtrack/) - Composer information [^ref-32]: [Medium - Tribes: The Most Influential First-Person Shooter](https://medium.com/@ryanbruce/tribes-the-most-influential-first-person-shooter-caa4b98f665c) - Development closure details [^ref-34]: [TV Tropes - Dynamix](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Creator/Dynamix) - Engine evolution details [^ref-38]: [Web Archive - GarageGames blog](https://web.archive.org/web/20121225214405/http://www.garagegames.com/community/blogs/view/21876) - Torque 3D open source release [^ref-39]: [TribesNext](https://www.tribesnext.com/) - Server count [^ref-40]: [TribesNext - Tribes 2 Ultimate Pack](https://www.tribesnext.com/forum/discussion/2364/tribes-2-ultimate-pack) - Community content statistics [^ref-41]: [Shacknews - Sierra shutting down 21 old games](https://www.shacknews.com/article/55173/sierra-shutting-down-21-old) - Server shutdown coverage [^ref-42]: [GameSpot - Get every Tribes game for free](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/get-every-tribes-game-for-free/1100-6431870/) - Freeware announcement coverage