Bioshock Play Order: Release, Story & DLC
To experience the BioShock series in the best order, play the games in release order: BioShock (2007), BioShock 2 (2010), BioShock Infinite (2013), and then the Burial at Sea DLC for Infinite. This order respects the original narrative reveals and avoids spoiling major twists, even though the chronological story order is different.
This guide explains the two main ways to play the series, why release order is recommended, what the DLC adds, and how the story timeline actually fits together.
Why Release Order Is the Best Starting Point
The BioShock series is famous for its atmospheric storytelling and shocking narrative twists. Playing in release order (1, 2, Infinite, then Burial at Sea) preserves the mystery and impact of each game’s central revelation. For example, the twist in the first BioShock loses its power if you already know the lore from later games. BioShock 2 follows a separate story in Rapture, and Infinite introduces a multiverse concept that retroactively connects to the first two games. Release order lets you experience each game as it was designed, with the later games building on your knowledge of the earlier ones.
Chronological Story Order (and Why It’s Not Recommended)
If you want to follow the in-universe timeline, the order would be:
- BioShock Infinite (1912, Columbia)
- Burial at Sea – Episode 1 (1958, Rapture)
- Burial at Sea – Episode 2 (1958–1959, Rapture)
- BioShock (1960, Rapture)
- BioShock 2 (1968, Rapture)
However, playing in chronological order is not recommended for newcomers. Infinite contains references and thematic callbacks to the first game that only make sense if you’ve played it. The Burial at Sea DLC directly connects to the original BioShock and spoils its ending. Chronological order is best saved for a second playthrough, after you already know the series’ secrets.
BioShock (2007) – The Foundation
The first game introduces Rapture, an underwater city built on objectivist ideals, now fallen into chaos. You play as Jack, a plane crash survivor who must fight through the city’s mutated inhabitants and uncover the truth about its founder, Andrew Ryan. The game’s story is a classic, and its “Would You Kindly” twist is one of gaming’s most memorable moments. The game includes no major story DLC, but the 2016 remaster (BioShock: The Collection) includes the base game and all its original add-ons (like the Plasmid pack and challenge rooms).
BioShock 2 (2010) – A Separate Story
BioShock 2 is set eight years after the first game, in 1968. You play as Subject Delta, a prototype Big Daddy, searching for your lost Little Sister, Eleanor. The story is more personal and focuses on the consequences of Rapture’s collapse. It does not directly continue the first game’s plot, but it expands the lore and introduces new gameplay mechanics like dual-wielding plasmids and weapons. The Minerva’s Den DLC is a short, self-contained story that many fans consider one of the best parts of the series, but it’s not essential to the main plot.
BioShock Infinite (2013) – A New Setting
Infinite moves the action to Columbia, a floating city in the sky, and follows Booker DeWitt as he tries to rescue a girl named Elizabeth. The game’s story explores themes of American exceptionalism, quantum mechanics, and multiverse theory. It is a standalone narrative that doesn’t require knowledge of the first two games, but it contains subtle references to Rapture that become clearer in the DLC. The base game’s ending is deliberately ambiguous and sets up the Burial at Sea expansion.
Burial at Sea – The Bridge Between Worlds
Burial at Sea is a two-episode DLC for Infinite that takes place in Rapture, before the events of the first game. It directly connects Infinite to BioShock, showing how the two worlds are linked. Episode 1 is a shorter, stealth-focused adventure, while Episode 2 is longer and more combat-heavy. The DLC is best played after finishing Infinite and ideally after the first BioShock, as it contains major spoilers for both. It also provides a poignant epilogue to the series.
What About the Remasters and the Collection?
In 2016, BioShock: The Collection was released, containing remastered versions of all three games and all DLC (including Minerva’s Den and Burial at Sea). This is the easiest way to play the series on modern consoles and PC. The remasters include improved graphics and some quality-of-life changes, but the stories and gameplay are unchanged. If you’re starting fresh, the Collection is the best option, and you can play the games in release order within it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I play BioShock 2 before Infinite?
Yes, if you’re playing in release order. BioShock 2 is a self-contained story, but it expands the lore of Rapture and introduces concepts that Infinite later builds upon. Playing it before Infinite ensures you don’t miss the thematic connections.
Is Burial at Sea essential to the main story?
It’s not required to understand the main games, but it provides a satisfying conclusion to the series and explains how Infinite connects to the original BioShock. If you care about the overarching narrative, it’s worth playing.
Can I skip BioShock 2 and still understand the series?
Yes, you can skip it and still follow the main story of Infinite and Burial at Sea. However, BioShock 2 is a good game in its own right and adds depth to Rapture’s world, so it’s recommended for a complete experience.
What is the correct order to play the DLC?
Play Minerva’s Den after BioShock 2 (it’s a separate story). For Infinite, play Burial at Sea – Episode 1 then Episode 2 after finishing the main game. Do not play Burial at Sea before BioShock if you haven’t played the original, as it spoils major plot points.
Is there a book or comic that fills in the story?
There is a novel called BioShock: Rapture (2011) by John Shirley, which tells the backstory of Rapture’s rise and fall. It’s not required for the games, but it adds context to the characters and events. There’s also a digital comic series that bridges Infinite and Burial at Sea.
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