Beyond the Basics

Hacking

Hacking plays a big role in Bioshock, since it allows you to effectively deal with the machinery in Rapture. This puzzle-based mini-game requires you to quickly swap tiles showing various shaped pipes to direct the circuit flow from one side of the grid to the other. You’ll have to avoid various hazard tiles while acting fast, so as to not overload the system or set off an alarm. You can hack safes, Security Cameras, Security Bots, Turrets, most vending machines, and even some combination locks.

To attempt to hack a device, approach the machine and follow the on-screen commmands when they appear. This will bring you to the hacking overview screen. This shows you how difficult the hack will be and what tonics you have spliced that are working to make it easier. It also gives you the following four options:

Research

You can learn much more about the Research Camera in the “Arm Yourself” chapter. Additionally, a full list of Research Bonuses for each and every enemy is included in the “Residents of Rapture” chapter.

One of the weapons you’ll come to acquire is the Research Camera and, although it doesn’t deal direct damage to enemies, it is one of the most devastating tools in your possession. Use the Research Camera to take photos of enemies to earn Research Bonuses. Each time you reach a new Research Bonus Level, you will gain an advantage over that enemy. Sometimes you’ll gain a boost in the amount of damage you inflict, sometimes you’ll gain a tactical advantage, and other times you’ll actually gain a hidden tonic! Each time you squeeze the trigger to take a picture of an enemy, a Research Score is calculated and the Research Meter fills. The amount this meter fills is based on a number of factors, not the least of which is the Research Bonus Level you’re trying to reach—Level 1 is much easier to reach than Level 4. Research Scores are based on the following criteria.

Vending Machines

You can find a price list for the El Ammo Bandito machine in the “Arm Yourself” chapter. Similarly, the “Evolve Today” and “U-Invent, We Show You How” chapters contain appropriate item and price lists for the Gatherer’s Garden and U-Invent machines, respectively.

Rapture is filled with vending machines, but these aren’t the kind you’re used to topside. No, you won’t find many sodas or cupcakes here. Instead, you’ll find what passes for the bare necessities in a war-torn secret society—First Aid Kits, Pistol Rounds, Exploding Buckshot, and, well, maybe a few cupcakes too.

Circus of Values

The Circus of Values machine is your one-stop shop for the essentials. Here, you’ll find First Aid Kits, EVE Hypos, and most basic and advanced ammunition types, as well as some snacks. The following price list shows the items found in the Circus of Values vending machines in the order that they appear in the game. Not all machines carry the same stock.

Circus of Values Price List

El Ammo Bandito!

The El Ammo Bandito machines aren’t as common as the Circus of Values machines, but they tend to carry a fantastic supply of basic and advanced ammunition. No, you won’t find any Pep Bars or First Aid Kits here, but it is a one stop shop for all your ammunition needs.

Gatherer’s Garden

Your money is no good here! The Gatherer’s Garden machines only accept Adam as payment for the plasmids, tonics, slots, Health, and Eve Upgrades they contain. And you can only get Adam by rescuing or harvesting a Little Sister. These machines aren’t as common as the others, but you’ll find one in close proximity to most Little Sister encounters so you won’t need to go far to spend the Adam you acquire.

U-Invent

These machines exist as crafting stations so residents of Rapture can turn common household items like glue and brass tubes into usable items like ammunition and Automatic Hack Tools. U-Invent machines can be hacked to lower the requirements needed to invent an item and there is also a tonic called “Clever Inventor” that can be used to automatically lower the requirements by 1 per component. The true beauty of U-Invent machines is that they make the rare inventible type of ammunition readily available. Each of the projectile-based weapons has a third form of ammunition that is rarely seen in the open environment. Search containers and corpses to find the components needed to make that ammo and build yourself an arsenal the likes Rapture has never seen!

Power to the People

Power to the People machines are the rarest of all in Rapture, as there are only 12 in existence. They are certainly worth seeking out, however! Power to the People machines offer a one-time, free-of-charge upgrade to the weapon of your choice. Each weapon, excluding the Wrench and Research Camera, can be upgraded twice. These upgrades typically enhance the damage the weapon can inflict, reduce its limitations, or enhance its carrying capacity.

Gene Banks

There’s a Gene Bank on every corner in Rapture, and for good reason. The only time you can make changes to the selection of plasmids and tonics you have spliced is either when acquiring a new plasmid or tonic, or by visiting a Gene Bank. These machines allow you to swap out any plasmid or tonic with another of the same class. And you’re not just limited to one type at a time, here you can make changes to all categories of Adam-infused goodness.

Vita-Chambers

These tall cylinders of pulsing light are where you will be brought back to life should your Health Meter be completely drained. Vita-Chambers are scattered throughout Rapture and, if you die, you’ll appear in the nearest one that you have discovered thus far. Vita-Chambers can be disabled when playing on Hard difficulty (useful for unlocking the “Brass Balls” Achievement).

Security Bot Shutdown Panels

These panels can only be accessed when an alarm has been sounded and Security Bots have been called to attack you. Instead of fighting back or finding a hiding place, simply run up to one of these panels and purchase a Bot Shutdown for twenty dollars. The Security Bots will be disabled and fall to the ground, at which time you can hack them to make them work for you.

Health Stations

Health Stations can be found throughout most of Rapture and are a great source of a quick pick-me-up. Surprisingly, there are actually several things you can do with a Health Station. You needn’t simply pony up the dollars for a quick replenishment of your Health Meter. It’s also possible to hack the machine. This not only lowers the price for future healings, but it also makes the machine damage any enemy that tries to use it. Another option is to destroy the Health Station and pick up the First Aid Kits that fall out of it. You may wish to choose the latter option.