BioShock: Master Basic Game Concepts

AntMag.NET

This section will explain the basic concepts of the game which you will need to know to survive in Rapture.

A. GAME CONTROLS

Movement & Camera:

Left stick: Move
Click left stick: Crouch
Right stick: Look
Click right stick: Zoom (if weapon allows)

Actions:

X: Reload / Inject EVE (in plasmid mode)
Y: Jump
B: Use first aid
A: Interact
D-pad: Change ammo
Hold down right on D-pad: Get a tip

Plasmids & Weapons:

Left bumper: Switch to plasmid mode / Cycle through plasmids
Hold down left bumper: Bring up plasmid selection menu
Right bumper: Switch to weapon mode / Cycle through weapons
Hold down right bumper: Bring up weapon selection menu
Left trigger: Use plasmid (in plasmid mode)
Right trigger: Fire weapon (in weapon mode)

Menus:

Back button: Map / Goals / Radio / Help menu
Start button: Game menu

B. STATUS MENU

The status menu provides access to game information, your location, objectives, and more. If you're stuck, holding down the right on the D-pad offers hints. Cycle through screens using RB and LB.

MAP: Displays the current level map with points of interest. Unexplored areas are greyed out. Exploration is encouraged for finding items, weapons, ammo, gene tonics, plasmids, and audio diaries. Some areas may be inaccessible until story progression.
GOALS: Shows current objectives. Exploring side areas is recommended.
MESSAGES: Replay received radio messages and found audio diaries.
HELP: Contains help files on items and game concepts. Use the back key with the reticle over an item for context-sensitive help.

Your health and EVE are displayed in the top-left corner. Current money and ADAM are shown in the Start menu, along with the status of Little Sisters in the level.

C. DEATH

Unlike most FPS games, death in BioShock does not end the game. You respawn at the nearest Vita-Chamber with all weapons, money, and items intact. Enemy damage is persistent, allowing you to wear down tough opponents over multiple attempts.

D. ITEMS

Items can be found on the ground, in containers, and on dead bodies by aiming at them and pressing A. Highlighted items are interactable: regular items in white, quest/story items in gold.

WEAPONS AND AMMO: Self-explanatory.
MONEY: Used at U-invent machines.
FIRST AID KITS: Restore health. Can carry up to 9. Use with B button.
EVE HYPOS: Restore EVE. Look like blue syringes. Can carry up to 9. Use with X in plasmid mode.
AUTO-HACK TOOLS: Automatically bypass the pipe mini-game for hacking. Save for emergencies.
FOOD/DRINK: Consumed immediately upon pickup. Can affect health/EVE positively or negatively. Check item description via back button for details. Bonuses are usually small.
RANDOM JUNK: Items like rubber tubes and brass shell casings can be used at U-invent machines to craft items like auto-hack tools and special ammunition.
STORY ITEMS: Required for the game's storyline. The status menu indicates what you need and where to find it.