Every BioShock Game, Ranked (Including DLC)

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BioShock is often ranked among the best video game series ever made. Though there are only three main games, each has been a big hit, resulting in over 40 million copies sold overall. Despite it being more than ten years since the last game was released, fans are still eagerly awaiting a sequel. The publisher, 2K, is working to meet this demand with a new game that many are currently referring to as BioShock 4.

As BioShock 4 is still being made, I thought it would be a good time to revisit the series and rank each game from least favorite to best. Because there are only three main BioShock games, I’ll also include the standalone expansions and downloadable content (DLC) in this ranking to make it more comprehensive.

5. BioShock 2

BioShock 2 is an excellent game, though it hasn’t resonated with players as strongly as some other titles. A unique twist from the original BioShock was putting players in the role of a Big Daddy, tasked with protecting the Little Sisters they previously hunted. The Big Sisters themselves are compelling boss battles, serving as a direct contrast to the Big Daddies.

Even with its strengths, the main story of BioShock 2 isn’t as engaging as the other games in the series. Sophia Lamb remains a strong villain, and the expanded backstory and details about Rapture are a great addition. However, BioShock 2 is somewhat forgettable, particularly when you consider the high quality of the other titles in the series.

4. BioShock 2: Minerva’s Den

Despite being relatively short – just a few hours long – Minerva’s Den is actually better than the original game. This story addition to BioShock 2 offers a complete, focused narrative with characters that are more developed and interesting than those in the main game.

In addition to its excellent story, Minerva’s Den improves the gameplay with several changes. The new Gravity Well and Ion Laser are especially impressive weapons in BioShock 2, adding more variety to how you play. Minerva’s Den is considered one of the best expansions released around that time, and it’s a major reason why people should experience BioShock 2.

3. BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea

BioShock Infinite’s two-part Burial at Sea expansion is a fantastic way to wrap up the series as it currently stands. Following the dimension-hopping story of Infinite, Burial at Sea returns to Rapture, successfully blending some of the most beloved features of the entire BioShock franchise. The expansion’s ending connects directly to the beginning of the original game, creating a more cohesive and unified story.

The biggest weakness of Burial at Sea is that it can be a little hard to follow. In an effort to strongly connect BioShock and BioShock Infinite, it introduces some plot points that don’t quite fit together seamlessly. However, it’s difficult to feel let down by Burial at Sea, and it feels fitting that this is the last game the series has produced in the last ten years.

2. BioShock Infinite

Let’s be honest, BioShock Infinite isn’t perfect. The game faced a lot of difficulties during development, which caused several delays, and you can still notice those challenges in the finished version. However, the city of Columbia is truly one of the most original and breathtaking environments ever created in a video game. And on top of that fantastic setting, Infinite’s gameplay is the strongest in the whole BioShock series.

Above all else, what I love most about BioShock Infinite is the story. The game’s final plot twist is especially well done, and I think it really ties the whole series together. Despite some obvious flaws, Infinite is a fantastic game from beginning to end, and I still enjoy playing it even years later.

1. BioShock

BioShock is the strongest title in the series, and it’s not a very competitive race. This game established all the defining features of a BioShock experience, and they were incredibly well-executed right from the start. Things like the innovative blend of role-playing and shooting, the power to use Plasmids, and the memorable battles against Big Daddies all put BioShock far ahead of its time, and it went on to inspire many games released afterward.

Even after all this time, what really sets BioShock apart is how it tells its story. Narratively, BioShock delivers one of the greatest stories ever found in a video game. The game’s twist is both incredibly famous and cleverly designed, acting as a commentary on the act of playing the game. Characters like Andrew Ryan, Atlas, Sander Cohen, and even the city of Rapture itself, are still some of the most unforgettable from the last two decades.

BioShock is not only the best game in the BioShock series to date, but it’s also considered one of the greatest games ever made. With high expectations, we hope BioShock 4 can capture the magic that makes this game a timeless classic.

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2025-10-05 17:15