Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about BioShock.
What is BioShock?
BioShock is a first-person shooter series set in alternate history underwater cities, most notably the dystopian art deco metropolis of Rapture. Players navigate these environments while engaging in combat and solving puzzles using a mix of firearms and supernatural powers called Plasmids.
Where should I start playing the BioShock games?
Newcomers should begin with the original 2007 game, BioShock, as it establishes the core lore, setting, and narrative themes. The sequel, BioShock Infinite, follows a different story in a floating city but shares similar philosophical depth.
Who is Andrew Ryan?
Andrew Ryan is the charismatic yet ruthless founder of Rapture who built the city to be a utopia free from government interference and religious influence. His extreme objectivist philosophy eventually leads to the city's collapse into chaos and civil war.
What are Big Daddies?
Big Daddies are heavily armored, genetically modified humanoids created to protect Little Sisters, who harvest genetic material from corpses. They serve as some of the game's most iconic and formidable enemies, often requiring specific strategies or tools to defeat.
Who is Atlas?
Atlas is a mysterious radio voice guiding the protagonist through Rapture in the first game, promising freedom in exchange for completing objectives. His true identity is one of the series' most famous plot twists that recontextualizes the entire story.
What is ADAM and why is it important?
ADAM is a powerful genetic substance harvested from sea slugs that allows users to create Plasmids, which grant supernatural abilities like shooting fire or controlling minds. Its pursuit drives much of the conflict in Rapture as citizens become addicted to its power.
What is the major plot twist in BioShock 1?
The game reveals that the player character is not a free agent but an uncontrolled 'Subject' named Jack, whose mind was implanted with commands by Atlas. This subverts the theme of free will that Andrew Ryan preached throughout the city.
How does BioShock Infinite differ from the first game?
Set in 1912 on the floating city of Columbia rather than an underwater utopia, Infinite focuses on themes of American exceptionalism and religious fanaticism. The narrative also introduces complex time-travel mechanics involving multiple realities and versions of the same characters.
Who is Elizabeth?
Elizabeth is a key companion in BioShock Infinite who possesses the unique ability to tear open portals between different dimensions and timelines. She evolves from a prisoner into an essential partner, helping the protagonist navigate the game's complex narrative structure.
What makes the BioShock series philosophically significant?
The games are renowned for exploring deep ethical dilemmas regarding free will, objectivism, and the consequences of unchecked ambition through their storytelling and environmental design. These themes encourage players to question the morality of their actions within the game world.