BioShock Series

What is Bioshock about?

The BioShock series blends first-person action with psychological storytelling and dystopian environments. Each entry drops players into a unique setting filled with ideological conflict, advanced technology, and moral dilemmas, whether deep underwater, soaring above the clouds, or in alternate realities.

Created by Irrational Games and published by 2K, the series is known for challenging players’ expectations with plot twists, social commentary, and questions about free will, power, and control. It's one of the best Immersive Sim games that you can play. 

When did BioShock come out?

The saga began in 2007 with the original BioShock, set in the underwater city of Rapture. Its success was followed by two sequels that expanded the lore and introduced new characters, timelines, and philosophies. Over time, BioShock evolved into a foundational name in gaming history, often cited for its impact on the narrative potential of interactive media.

How many BioShock games are there?

There are three main entries and two significant expansions. Here are the BioShock games in order of release:

1. BioShock (2007)
2. BioShock 2 (2010)
3. BioShock Infinite (2013)
4. BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1 & 2 (2013–2014 – story DLC)
5. BioShock: The Collection (2016 – remastered versions of all main titles + DLC)

The remastered collection is the best way to experience the full narrative on modern hardware. It had a lot of technical problems at release, but they have been fixed for the most part. It's available on all modern platforms, including PC, Xbox, Playstation, and Nintendo Switch.

What is the correct BioShock timeline?

While each game tells a standalone story, they are all connected through a multiverse concept introduced in BioShock Infinite. Here’s how the events play out chronologically:

Here is a BioShock timeline:

1. BioShock Infinite – Set in 1912 in the sky city of Columbia.
2. Burial at Sea (Episodes 1 & 2) – Directly links Infinite to the events of Rapture, acting as a bridge between timelines.
3. BioShock – Set in 1960, explores the fall of Rapture and introduces key themes of control and identity.
4. BioShock 2 – Takes place in 1968, offering a different perspective within the same setting, with a new protagonist.

The timeline can get abstract due to its multiverse premise, but playing the series in order of release is still the best way to grasp the unfolding layers of the narrative.

The Best BioShock game

Fans of this IP often debate which title is the best BioShock game in the entire series. Some players love the original for its iconic plot twist that recontextualizes the entire story. Others might prefer the second entry, which refines the formula and offers even more player freedom and abilities. The Rapture saga is dark and features many horror elements set in an eerie underwater environment.

Gamers who prefer a more lighthearted visual aesthetic, along with blockbuster-style, action-packed set pieces, might gravitate toward BioShock Infinite, set in the airborne city of Columbia. In this game, you also take care of Elizabeth, a beloved character you quickly grow attached to. While the game presents a brighter world, it’s still full of dark secrets and mature storytelling, including themes of racism, though that’s something you'll have to uncover for yourself.

The most iconic BioShock characters

From the depths of Rapture to the heights of Columbia, the series is filled with unforgettable characters and ideologies:

• Andrew Ryan – Founder of Rapture, whose objectivist ideals crumble in the face of unchecked ambition.
• Jack – The silent protagonist of BioShock, unknowingly entangled in a larger plot.
• Big Daddies & Little Sisters – Iconic guardians of Rapture’s genetic economy.
• Subject Delta – The first playable Big Daddy in BioShock 2, searching for his Little Sister.
• Booker DeWitt & Elizabeth – Central to Infinite, their story reshapes the entire narrative framework.
• Comstock – The self-proclaimed prophet and ruler of Columbia.

Each entry introduces moral complexity and philosophical underpinnings that elevate the action to something much deeper.

What’s the next BioShock game?

As of March 2025, a new entry is currently in development by Cloud Chamber, a new 2K studio. Though details are still limited, it’s expected to be a fresh chapter set in a new location with next-gen visuals and updated gameplay systems. The new BioShock title will reportedly explore an entirely new setting while preserving the core identity of narrative-driven exploration and thematic depth. To stay updated on all future announcements, check our gaming news section regularly.