BioShock

Q: What is the order to play the games?

It is highly recommended to play them in release order: **BioShock (2007)**, **BioShock 2 (2010)**, and then **BioShock Infinite (2013)**. The DLC *Burial at Sea* for Infinite should be played last, as it ties the stories of Rapture and Columbia together.

Q: What does 'Would you kindly' mean?

**'Would you kindly'** is the post-hypnotic trigger phrase used by the villain Atlas (Frank Fontaine) to control the protagonist, Jack. Whenever Jack hears this phrase, he is compelled to obey the command without question. It is the central plot twist of the first game, revealing that the player's actions were never their own choice.

Q: Who are the Big Daddies?

**Big Daddies** are genetically enhanced human beings grafted into heavily armored atmospheric diving suits. Their sole purpose is to protect **Little Sisters** while they gather ADAM from corpses. They are iconic for their drill arms, glowing porthole eyes (yellow for neutral, red for angry), and whale-like moans.

Q: What is ADAM and EVE?

**ADAM** is a raw genetic stem cell harvested from a sea slug that allows humans to overwrite their genetic code, granting superpowers (Plasmids). **EVE** is the fuel (mana) required to use these Plasmids. Addiction to ADAM causes physical and mental degeneration, turning people into **Splicers**.

Q: Is Rapture a real place?

No, **Rapture** is a fictional city located at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. It was founded in 1946 by Andrew Ryan as a objectivist utopia free from government, religious, and social oversight. Its Art Deco architecture and retro-futuristic technology are iconic to the series.

Q: How is BioShock Infinite connected to the first game?

Initially, they seem unrelated. However, **BioShock Infinite** introduces the concept of the multiverse ('Variables and Constants'). The ending reveals that 'There is always a lighthouse, there's always a man, there's always a city,' implying that Columbia and Rapture are parallel realities of the same constant cycle.

Q: Who is Andrew Ryan?

**Andrew Ryan** is the founder of Rapture. He is an industrialist tycoon with a staunch belief in **Objectivism** (similar to Ayn Rand's philosophy). He believes that a man is entitled to the sweat of his brow and should not be constrained by 'parasites' (the government or the poor). His famous motto is: 'No Gods or Kings, Only Man.'

Q: What are Plasmids and Vigors?

**Plasmids** (in Rapture) and **Vigors** (in Columbia) are genetic serums that grant the user special abilities, such as shooting lightning (Electro Bolt), telekinesis, or summoning fire. They are the primary gameplay mechanic alongside traditional firearms.

Overview Places & Experiences Collectibles Characters Weapons & Gear Media

A critically acclaimed first-person shooter series set in dystopian underwater and floating cities, exploring themes of objectivism, free will, and the consequences of unchecked scientific progress.

Official Website

Jump to:Story·Impact·Characters·FAQ

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

BioShock

Also Known As

BioShock Series

Format

Video Game Franchise

Release Year

2007

Current Status

Active (BioShock 4 in development)

Country of Origin

United States

Creator

Ken Levine / Irrational Games

Publisher

2K Games

Original Work

BioShock (2007)

Genre

First-Person Shooter, Survival Horror, RPG Elements, Dystopian Fiction

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape BioShock.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

The series explores ruined utopian societies built by idealistic visionaries. In the original BioShock, the player explores Rapture, an underwater city built by objectivist Andrew Ryan that collapsed into civil war and madness due to the discovery of ADAM, a genetic-modifying substance. BioShock Infinite takes players to Columbia, a floating city in 1912 built on American exceptionalism and religious fanaticism. The games are famous for their plot twists and examination of free will.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

Rapture (Underwater Art Deco City) / Columbia (Floating Steampunk City)

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Objectivism vs. Altruism, Free Will vs. Determinism, American Exceptionalism, Genetic Modification, The Corruption of Power

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing BioShock's global influence.

2007

Original BioShock released, redefining storytelling in games

2010

BioShock 2 released (developed by 2K Marin)

2013

BioShock Infinite released to critical acclaim

2016

BioShock: The Collection (Remastered) released

2019

Cloud Chamber studio announced to be developing the next BioShock game

Sales

Over 37 million copies sold worldwide

Revenue

One of 2K's highest-grossing franchises

Awards

BAFTA Best Game, multiple Game of the Year awards

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from BioShock.

Jack

“A man chooses, a slave obeys.”

The silent protagonist who discovers Rapture after a plane crash.View Profile

Big Daddy

“*mechanical groaning*”

Heavily armored protectors of the Little Sisters.View Profile

Little Sister

“Angels don't wait for slowpoke daddies!”

Children genetically modified to gather ADAM.View Profile

Subject Delta

The prototype Big Daddy and protagonist of BioShock 2, bonded to Eleanor Lamb.

Booker DeWitt

A private investigator sent to Columbia to find a girl.

Elizabeth

A woman imprisoned in Columbia with the power to open tears.

Explore all BioShock characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the order to play the games?▼

It is highly recommended to play them in release order: BioShock (2007), BioShock 2 (2010), and then BioShock Infinite (2013). The DLC Burial at Sea for Infinite should be played last, as it ties the stories of Rapture and Columbia together.

What does 'Would you kindly' mean?▼

'Would you kindly' is the post-hypnotic trigger phrase used by the villain Atlas (Frank Fontaine) to control the protagonist, Jack. Whenever Jack hears this phrase, he is compelled to obey the command without question. It is the central plot twist of the first game, revealing that the player's actions were never their own choice.

Who are the Big Daddies?▼

Big Daddies are genetically enhanced human beings grafted into heavily armored atmospheric diving suits. Their sole purpose is to protect Little Sisters while they gather ADAM from corpses. They are iconic for their drill arms, glowing porthole eyes (yellow for neutral, red for angry), and whale-like moans.

What is ADAM and EVE?▼

ADAM is a raw genetic stem cell harvested from a sea slug that allows humans to overwrite their genetic code, granting superpowers (Plasmids). EVE is the fuel (mana) required to use these Plasmids. Addiction to ADAM causes physical and mental degeneration, turning people into Splicers.

Is Rapture a real place?▼

No, Rapture is a fictional city located at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. It was founded in 1946 by Andrew Ryan as a objectivist utopia free from government, religious, and social oversight. Its Art Deco architecture and retro-futuristic technology are iconic to the series.

How is BioShock Infinite connected to the first game?▼

Initially, they seem unrelated. However, BioShock Infinite introduces the concept of the multiverse ('Variables and Constants'). The ending reveals that 'There is always a lighthouse, there's always a man, there's always a city,' implying that Columbia and Rapture are parallel realities of the same constant cycle.

Who is Andrew Ryan?▼

Andrew Ryan is the founder of Rapture. He is an industrialist tycoon with a staunch belief in Objectivism (similar to Ayn Rand's philosophy). He believes that a man is entitled to the sweat of his brow and should not be constrained by 'parasites' (the government or the poor). His famous motto is: 'No Gods or Kings, Only Man.'

What are Plasmids and Vigors?▼

Plasmids (in Rapture) and Vigors (in Columbia) are genetic serums that grant the user special abilities, such as shooting lightning (Electro Bolt), telekinesis, or summoning fire. They are the primary gameplay mechanic alongside traditional firearms.

Will there be a BioShock 4?▼

Yes. In December 2019, 2K Games announced that a new studio, Cloud Chamber, is working on the next iteration of the BioShock franchise. Details are scarce, but it has been in development for several years.

Is the BioShock movie still happening?▼

Yes. Netflix announced in 2022 that they are partnering with 2K and Take-Two Interactive to produce a live-action film adaptation of BioShock. Francis Lawrence (Hunger Games) is attached to direct.