BioShock Weapons

Jack is given a wide arsenal of weapons in BioShock, ranging from several types of firearms to genetic alterations. Ranged weapons can be upgraded at Power to the People stations.

Plasmids
Plasmids are genetic alterations that can be used as devastating offensive and defensive weapons. They are found, obtained, or bought with ADAM throughout the course of the game. They are special serums made from processed ADAM that introduce special stem cells to replace normal ones, allowing for genetic modification and real time mutation, granting special abilities. Plasmids are powerful, but excessive use of them helped to bring about the downfall of Rapture. Jack has a limited number of slots for actively equipped plasmids. The player can change his currently equipped plasmids at a Gene Bank. The player may purchase additional slots and select plasmids at a Gatherer's Garden. Their use requires a supply of EVE.

Pistol


The Pistol is the first ranged weapon acquired in the game. It is based on the Webley Mk IV revolver, chambered in .38 S&W. It has a good rate of fire, good range and accuracy, and does a moderate amount of damage. Its main weaknesses are small clip size and low ammo reserve capacity. However, the damage and clip size can both be increased with upgrades at a Power to the People station, making the Pistol a far more effective weapon. Ammo for the Pistol is abundant for the first half of the game, making it a choice weapon for many scenarios.

Machine Gun


The Machine Gun is the second ranged weapon acquired in the game. It is based on the 1921 Thompson "Chicago Typewriter" submachine gun. It fires a rapid spray of bullets, each doing a moderate amount of damage. Its main weaknesses are heavy recoil and low accuracy at long range. However, the damage can be increased and the recoil reduced with upgrades at a Power to the People station, increasing the Machine Gun's effectiveness. The Machine Gun has high clip and ammo reserve capacities, and ammo is widely abundant throughout the game.

Grenade Launcher


The Grenade Launcher is the fourth ranged weapon acquired in the game. It is a custom assembly of household and commercial parts. It fires grenades that do high damage and have an wide splash damage radius. They are fired at an arc, making targeting at long range require some estimation. Its main weaknesses are a low ammo cartridge capacity, a slow rate of fire, and the potential for collateral damage. However, the damage can be increased and immunity to collateral damage can be gained with upgrades at a Power to the People station, further increasing the usefulness of the Grenade Launcher. The Grenade Launcher has a low ammo reserve capacity, and ammo is somewhat rare throughout the game.

Chemical Thrower


The Chemical Thrower is the fifth ranged weapon acquired in the game. It is a custom assembly of household and commercial parts. It fires a straight, continuous stream of chemical substance as ammo is consumed. Its main weaknesses are a slow reload time, ineffectiveness at long range, and a very high rate of ammo consumption. However, the effective range can be increased and ammo consumption rate decreased with upgrades at a Power to the People station, making the Chemical Thrower a highly efficient weapon. The Chemical Thrower has high ammo cartridge and reserve capacities, but ammo is somewhat rare throughout the game.