Wrench

The Wrench is the only melee weapon obtained in BioShock. It is located at the beginning of the game, during Welcome to Rapture. It is one of two weapons in the game that cannot be upgraded, though there are a number of Physical Tonics and Combat Tonics that enhance Jack's combat ability with the Wrench. When properly equipped, the Wrench has the highest damage per second of any weapon in the game. With the exception of Big Daddies, it is capable of killing almost every enemy on any difficulty in a single hit.

Attack Types

 * Standard Attacks:
 * The Wrench's base damage value is used for calculation (20 physical):
 * Wrench Jockey 350% + Wrench Jockey 2 550% + Research Camera bonus from Bouncer 50% = additional 950% damage (210 damage total)


 * Note: Damage bonuses gained from research and the Damage Research tonics are calculated with using the result value in the above equation as a base.


 * Attacks Against Unaware Enemies:
 * The Wrench's enhanced damage value is used for calculation (base damage with enhancements):
 * Wrench Lurker 150% + Wrench Lurker 2 200% = 350% of enhanced Wrench damage (i.e. 210 damage + 350% unaware bonus = 765 damage total)


 * Note: Only the first attack on an unaware opponent will have the damage bonus applied.


 * Attacks Against Stunned Enemies:
 * The Wrench's enhanced and unaware damage value is used for calculation (base damage with enhancements and unaware damage bonus):
 * Splicer shocked with Electro Bolt = 400% of enhanced Wrench damage with unaware bonus (i.e. 210 damage + 350% unaware bonus x 400% = 3,060 damage total)


 * Note: Only the first attack on an shocked opponent will have the damage bonus applied. This combination is called the "One-Two Punch" by Atlas.

Trivia

 * Before the Wrench is picked up, Atlas says, "Now, would you kindly find a crowbar or something?" This is an homage to Half-Life's protagonist, Gordon Freeman, and his popular melee weapon, the crowbar. A wrench is also used by Adrian Shepard, protagonist of Half-Life: Opposing Force.
 * The Wrench is the only weapon that does not undergo any aesthetic changes or receive any appearance altering upgrades.
 * The main character of System Shock 2 also acquires a wrench as his first weapon.