Difference between revisions of "BioShock 2"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games

Latest revision as of 03:34, 23 April 2024

This page is for the original version. For the remastered version, see BioShock 2 Remastered.

BioShock 2
Developers

	2K Marin
	2K China
	2K Australia
DLC (PC porting)	Iron Galaxy Studios
Multiplayer	Digital Extremes
macOS (OS X)	Feral Interactive
macOS (OS X)	Open Planet Software^[1]
Publishers
	2K Games
OS X	Feral Interactive
Engines
	Unreal Engine 2.5
Release dates
Windows	February 9, 2010
macOS (OS X)	March 29, 2012
Reception
Metacritic	88
IGDB	87
Taxonomy
Monetization	One-time game purchase, DLC
Modes	Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing	Real-time
Perspectives	First-person
Controls	Direct control
Genres	Immersive sim, RPG, Shooter
Art styles	Realistic, Stylized
Themes	Sci-fi, Steampunk
Series	BioShock

BioShock
BioShock	2007
BioShock 2	2010
BioShock Infinite	2013
BioShock Remastered	2016
BioShock 2 Remastered	2016

Contents 1 Availability 1.1 DLC and expansion packs 2 Essential improvements 2.1 Patches 2.2 Fix audio balance issues 2.3 Skip intro videos 2.4 BioShock Tweaker 3 Game data 3.1 Configuration file(s) location 3.2 Save game data location 3.3 Save game cloud syncing 4 Video 4.1 Field of view (FOV) 4.2 Anisotropic filtering (AF) 4.3 Anti-aliasing (AA) 4.4 Ambient Occlusion (AO) 5 Input 5.1 Hold to duck/aim down sights 5.2 Disable auto-aim 5.3 Disable Xbox 360 Controller vibration 5.4 Inject EVE Hypo 5.5 Pick individual items from containers 6 Audio 6.1 Localizations 7 Network 7.1 Multiplayer types 8 VR support 9 Issues unresolved 9.1 Mouse sensitivity not correctly adjusting 10 Issues fixed 10.1 Crash on startup 10.2 Game crashes randomly 10.3 Menu flickering 10.4 Game brightness is extremely high in DirectX 9 mode 10.5 Audio Cutting Out in Combat Sequences 10.6 Left Plasmid hand disappears 10.7 Game cannot load or save 10.8 Game crashes in DirectX 10 mode 10.9 No Little Sister voice acting 11 Other information 11.1 API 11.2 Middleware 11.3 Mods 11.4 Performance tweak (Havok) 11.5 Bypass Games for Windows - LIVE 12 System requirements 13 Notes 14 References

Warnings

For Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE software.

BioShock 2 is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person immersive sim, RPG and shooter game in the BioShock series.

Steam version DRM switched from Games for Windows - LIVE and SecuROM to Steam.^[2] The Steamworks patch introduced some audio level balance issues.^[3]

Ragdoll physics and animations are locked at 30 FPS.

General information

2K Games Forum

Official support knowledgebase

GOG.com Community Discussions for game series

GOG.com Support Page

Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source	DRM	Notes	Keys	OS
Retail		SecuROM 7 and SecuROM PA DRM. Optional Steam unlock.^[2] Russian retail has separate achievements.
GamersGate

GOG.com		Bundled with BioShock 2 Remastered
Green Man Gaming
Humble Store
Steam		Bundled with BioShock 2 Remastered
Games for Windows Marketplace (unavailable)		^[4]

All non-Steam/GOG Windows versions require Games for Windows - LIVE DRM.^{[Note 1]}

All Windows retail and digital versions of BioShock 2 activate on Steam.^[2] Activation unlocks all DLC, including Minerva's Den, and BioShock 2 Remastered.

DLC and expansion packs

Name	Notes
The Protector Trials	Included in the Steam version.
Minerva's Den
Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack	Included in the Steam version.
Zigo & Blanche	Included in the Steam version.
Rapture Metro Pack	Included in the Steam version.
Kill 'em Kindly	Released for free.

Essential improvements

Patches

A Title Update is available for the Games for Windows - LIVE version. The game should automatically prompt for the update when using a LIVE profile; the updates can also be downloaded manually (update 1, update 2).

Fix audio balance issues

The latest patch (1.5.0.019) introduced some audio balance issues, most notably gun fire is much quieter as well as other sound effects. The sound effects can be restored by downloading a modified .ini file:

Restore correct audio settings^{[citation needed]}
Download `SoundMixStates.ini` from Fix Quiet Guns and Unbalanced Audio - Restoring the Retail Audio Mix. Go to `<path-to-game>\SP\Content\System` and place `SoundMixStates.ini` inside.

Skip intro videos

Use -nointro parameter^{[citation needed]}
Use `-nointro` command line argument.

BioShock Tweaker

Allows you to change settings that are not normally adjustable from the options menu (i.e. custom resolution). Point the program at the game's configuration file location.

Game data

In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System	Location
Windows	%APPDATA%\Bioshock2Steam
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux)	<SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/8850/pfx/^{[Note 2]}

Save game data location

System	Location
Windows	%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bioshock2\SaveGames\ %APPDATA%\Bioshock2Steam\<user-id>.profile
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux)	<SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/8850/pfx/^{[Note 2]}

Achievements and saves for the Steam and Games for Windows - LIVE versions are separate (a new game is required when switching versions).

SP saves: %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bioshock2\SaveGames

MP saves: %APPDATA%\Bioshock2Steam\<user-id>.profile

Save game cloud syncing

System	Native	Notes
GOG Galaxy
OneDrive		Requires enabling backup of the Documents* folder in OneDrive on all computers.*
Steam Cloud

Video

In-game video settings.

Graphics feature	WSGF	Notes
Widescreen resolution
Multi-monitor		Use Flawless Widescreen or Widescreen Fixer with this plugin to fix HUD scaling.
Ultra-widescreen		Use Flawless Widescreen to fix the HUD.^[5]
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)	See Field of view (FOV).
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed	See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)	See Anisotropic filtering (AF).
Anti-aliasing (AA)	See Anti-aliasing (AA).
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS	No frame rate or refresh rate cap.^[6] Physics simulation and many animations are locked to 30 FPS.
High dynamic range display (HDR)	See the glossary page for potential alternatives.
Color blind mode	Base game had color blind support issues with the hacking ui, a fix was bundled with the DLC, requiring owning the Protector Trials or Minerva's Den.^[7] Meaning the Steam and GOG versions come with them fixed.

Field of view (FOV)

Custom FOV settings will not work in multiplayer.

3rd party fixes^{[citation needed]}
Use Flawless Widescreen or Widescreen Fixer with this plugin.

Bind FOV to key press^{[citation needed]}
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open `User.ini`. Scroll down to the `[Default]` section and bind `SetFOV #` to any unused key (# being the desired FOV). During the game, press the key you defined in `User.ini` to set the custom FOV. Notes Any custom FOV settings will be reset automatically at various times during gameplay when control is taken away from the player; i.e. for cutscenes. Zooming down iron sights will also yield this effect.

Bind FOV to key press^{[citation needed]}

Go to the configuration file(s) location.
Open User.ini.
Scroll down to the [Default] section and bind SetFOV # to any unused key (# being the desired FOV).
During the game, press the key you defined in User.ini to set the custom FOV.

Notes

Any custom FOV settings will be reset automatically at various times during gameplay when control is taken away from the player; i.e. for cutscenes. Zooming down iron sights will also yield this effect.

Anisotropic filtering (AF)

Raise AF Above Default Value of 4X^{[citation needed]}
Go to `<path-to-game>\SP\Builds\Binaries\`. Open `Bioshock2SP.ini`. Edit the line `LevelOfAnisotropy=4` to `LevelOfAnisotropy=#` where # denotes the max level of AF supported by your graphics card(s). For example, change the line to read `LevelOfAnisotropy=16`.

Anti-aliasing (AA)

MSAA can be forced through your graphics driver's control panel.

SGSSAA can be forced in DX9 mode via Nvidia Profile Inspector with the compatibility flag 0x000010C1^[8]

Ambient Occlusion (AO)

AO can be forced through your graphics driver's control panel.

HDAO+ (denominated High quality) can be forced in DX9 mode via Nvidia Profile Inspector with the compatibility flag 0x0002002D^[9]

Input

In-game control settings.

In-game key map settings.

Keyboard and mouse	State	Notes
Remapping		Mouse buttons 4 and 5 are not recognized by the multiplayer key binding menu, but can be manually bound in `UserMP.ini`.
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Full controller support
Controller remapping		See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion

Controller types

XInput-compatible controllers
Xbox button prompts
Impulse Trigger vibration

PlayStation controllers
PlayStation button prompts
Light bar support
Adaptive trigger support
DualSense haptic feedback support
Connection modes

Generic/other controllers

Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Hold to duck/aim down sights

Hold to duck^{[citation needed]}
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open `User.ini`. Replace `Aliases[13]=(Command="Toggle bDuck\|Axis aUp Speed=-1200.0",Alias=Duck)` with `Aliases[13]=(Command="Button bDuck",Alias=Duck)`.

Hold to aim down sights^{[citation needed]}
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open `User.ini`. Find the keybind that has the word "ZoomCycle" attached to it (T by default) Replace `T=ZoomCycle` with `T=ZoomCycle \| onRelease ZoomCycle`

Disable auto-aim

Set AutoAim in Bioshock2SP.ini^{[citation needed]}
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open `Bioshock2SP.ini`. Edit the line `AutoAim=True` to `AutoAim=False`.

Disable Xbox 360 Controller vibration

Set Vibration in Bioshock2SP.ini^{[citation needed]}
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open `Bioshock2SP.ini`. Edit the line `Vibration=True` to `Vibration=False`.

Inject EVE Hypo

Inject EVE Hypo^{[citation needed]}
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open `User.ini`. Scroll down to the `[Default]` section and bind `InjectBioAmmo` to any unused key.

Pick individual items from containers

Pick individual items from containers^{[citation needed]}
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open `User.ini`. Scroll down to the `[ContainerUIActive]` section and bind `CollectContainerItemInSlot 0`, `CollectContainerItemInSlot 1` and `CollectContainerItemInSlot 2` to any unused keys.

Audio

In-game audio settings.

Audio feature	State	Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound		Up to 7.1 output
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language	UI	Audio	Sub	Notes
English
French
German
Hungarian				Fan translation, download.
Italian
Polish				Official localization by Cenega – retail only. Fan patch which corrects some issues of the original translation here.^[10]
Brazilian Portuguese				Fan translation, download.
Russian				Retail only. Patch for digital release here.
Spanish

Network

Online features in non-Steam versions require a Microsoft account (optional for offline play).

Multiplayer types

Type	Players	Notes
Local play	10	Use Nucleus Co-op.
LAN play
Online play	10

VR support

3D modes	GG3D	Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision		Use Helix Mod: Bioshock 2 (DirectX 9 only)
TriDef 3D
vorpX	G3D, DirectVR Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.

Devices
3RD Space Gaming Vest

Issues unresolved

Mouse sensitivity not correctly adjusting

On some computers, the game's mouse sensitivity will be extremely low, and raising the values makes mouse movements imprecise.

Possible mouse acceleration fix (doesn't work for everybody)^[11]
Set in-game sensitivity to "1" Disable mouse acceleration in-game. Quit the game. Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open `User.ini`. Bulk replace every `Speed=2000.0` with whatever your desired sensitivity value is (300 is a good starting point)

Issues fixed

Crash on startup

Delete damaged save files^{[citation needed]}
Go to `%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bioshock2\SaveGames\`. Copy the save files somewhere as a backup. Sort the folder by "Date modified". Delete the damaged save file causing the game to crash on startup (this will probably be the newest save and/or quicksave).

Game crashes randomly

Set "Graphics Quality" to low^[12]
Go to Graphics settings in-game. Set Graphics Quality to Low preset.

Menu flickering

Disable or force vsync^{[citation needed]}
Disable Vsync from the in-game settings menu. Force Vsync through graphics adaptor.

Game brightness is extremely high in DirectX 9 mode

This behavior is triggered by notification popups from the Steam overlay

Disable Steam Overlay^{[citation needed]}
Right click on Bioshock 2 in your Steam library and select Properties Uncheck "Enable Steam Community In-Game"

Editing launch options^{[citation needed]}
Use the `-nogamma` command line argument.

Audio Cutting Out in Combat Sequences

On some computers, user audio will cut out during combat sequences.

Issue can be lessened slightly by not using constant-fire weapons such as lasers / hacked sentry bots, or increasing max sound channels in BioShock2SP.ini and Default.ini

Edit the maximum number of channels^[13]
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open `bioshock2SP.ini`. Find the following line, under [FMODAudio.FMODAudioSubsystem], and increase the number of channels. MaxChannels=128

Edit the maximum number of channels^[13]

Go to the configuration file(s) location.
Open bioshock2SP.ini.
Find the following line, under [FMODAudio.FMODAudioSubsystem], and increase the number of channels.

MaxChannels=128

Left Plasmid hand disappears

This glitch is especially likely when using the Scout-Plasmid.^[14] Therefore, it is advisable to quick save before using it.

Respawn^{[citation needed]}
Make sure Vita-Chambers are enabled. Being killed and respawning should fix the left hand.

Game cannot load or save

There are damaged save files bugging up the game's ability to load or save

Delete damaged save files^{[citation needed]}
Go to `%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bioshock2\SaveGames\`. Copy the save files somewhere as a backup. Sort the folder by "Date modified". Delete the damaged save file causing the game to crash on startup (this will probably be the newest save and/or quicksave).

Game crashes in DirectX 10 mode

Increase Texture Streaming Memory Size^[15]
This increases the size of the texture cache. Open `Bioshock2SP.ini`. Steam users will find this in `%APPDATA%\Bioshock2Steam`. Find "TextureStreamingMemoryLimit=512.000000" and increase the amount to something inline with the video card (e.g. 2048).

Increase Texture Streaming Memory Size^[15]

This increases the size of the texture cache.

Open Bioshock2SP.ini. Steam users will find this in %APPDATA%\Bioshock2Steam.
Find "TextureStreamingMemoryLimit=512.000000" and increase the amount to something inline with the video card (e.g. 2048).

Force the game to run in DirectX 9 mode^{[citation needed]}
This switches the game to DirectX 9 instead of the default DirectX 10. Create a shortcut to `Bioshock2Launcher.exe` somewhere convenient. Right click this shortcut, select Properties, in the Target box add `-dx9` in the text field after inserting space after the quotation mark. Now launching the game from this shortcut will force the game to run in DirectX 9. Notes Running the game in DirectX 9 mode can mess with the brightness levels of the system, even after exiting the game. To fix this, simply remove the `-dx9` switch, then run and exit the game again.

Force the game to run in DirectX 9 mode^{[citation needed]}

This switches the game to DirectX 9 instead of the default DirectX 10.

Create a shortcut to Bioshock2Launcher.exe somewhere convenient.
Right click this shortcut, select Properties, in the Target box add -dx9 in the text field after inserting space after the quotation mark.
Now launching the game from this shortcut will force the game to run in DirectX 9.

Notes

Running the game in DirectX 9 mode can mess with the brightness levels of the system, even after exiting the game. To fix this, simply remove the -dx9 switch, then run and exit the game again.

Uninstall update KB2670838^[16]^{[citation needed]}
This will uninstall Internet Explorer! Tested on Windows 7 Open the start menu Go to control panel Under "Programs" click "Uninstall a program" On the top left "View installed updates" After all the updates are displayed, simply search for KB2670838. Uninstall it

Uninstall update KB2670838^[16]^{[citation needed]}

This will uninstall Internet Explorer!

Tested on Windows 7

Open the start menu
Go to control panel
Under "Programs" click "Uninstall a program"
On the top left "View installed updates"
After all the updates are displayed, simply search for KB2670838.
Uninstall it

No Little Sister voice acting

Bug causes Little Sisters to become mute.

Set sound quality of standard sound device^{[citation needed]}
Start > type "sound" > open the soundpanel. Right-click on your common sound device > go to the tab "advanced" > set sound quality to lowest (CD quality). After you made your changes, click OK.

Other information

API

Technical specs	Supported	Notes
Direct3D	9.0c, 10
OpenGL	2.0	OS X only.
Shader Model support	3, 4

Executable	32-bit	64-bit	Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)			^{[citation needed]}

Middleware

	Middleware	Notes
Physics	Havok
Audio	FMOD
Cutscenes	Bink Video, Flash
Multiplayer	Games for Windows - LIVE, Steamworks

Mods

A collection of mods are available at this thread.

Performance tweak (Havok)

Improving Havok physics engine performance^{[citation needed]}
Go to `<path-to-game>\SP\Builds\Binaries\`. Open `Default.ini`. Edit the line `HavokNumThreads=2` to represent the number of cores in your machine's CPU. For example, using a quad-core CPU, change the line to `HavokNumThreads=4`. Some systems may require doing the same with `Bioshock2SP.ini`, located in `%APPDATA%\Bioshock2Steam\`. Using all cores may result in crashing to desktop on some systems. In this case, use only half of your core count.

Improving Havok physics engine performance^{[citation needed]}

Go to <path-to-game>\SP\Builds\Binaries\.
Open Default.ini.
Edit the line HavokNumThreads=2 to represent the number of cores in your machine's CPU. For example, using a quad-core CPU, change the line to HavokNumThreads=4.
Some systems may require doing the same with Bioshock2SP.ini, located in %APPDATA%\Bioshock2Steam\.

Using all cores may result in crashing to desktop on some systems. In this case, use only half of your core count.

Improving Engine Memory usage^{[citation needed]}
Go to `%APPDATA%\Bioshock2Steam\`. Open `Bioshock2SP.ini`. Search for `[Engine.GameEngine]` and increase the `CacheSizeMegs` value under it (maxes out at 512). Search for the line `TextureStreamingMemoryLimit`, change this to match your graphics card's VRAM e.g. 2048 for 2 GB Also change `TextureStreamingDistanceLimit` to 10000

Bypass Games for Windows - LIVE

A fake version of xlive.dll can allow you to play the single-player without having GFWL installed.

Pre-existing saved games are not compatible with this fix.

Use BioShock 2 fake xlive^[17]
Download BioShock 2 fake xlive. Extract `xlive.dll` to `<path-to-game>\SP\Builds\Binaries\`.

System requirements

Windows
	Minimum	Recommended
Operating system (OS)	XP SP2	Vista, 7
Processor (CPU)	Intel Pentium 4 530 3.0 GHz AMD Athlon 64 3800+ 2.4 GHz	Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 2.13 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ 2.6 GHz
System memory (RAM)	2 GB	3 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD)	11 GB
Video card (GPU)	Nvidia GeForce 7800 GT ATI Radeon X1900 256 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible	Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT ATI Radeon HD 4830 512 MB of VRAM DirectX 10 compatible
Sound (audio device)	DirectX 9.0c compatible

macOS (OS X)
	Minimum	Recommended
Operating system (OS)	10.9.5 (Mavericks)	10.10.5 (Yosemite)
Processor (CPU)	2 GHz	2.4 GHz
System memory (RAM)	4 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD)	18 GB
Video card (GPU)	256 MB of VRAM	512 MB of VRAM

Notes

↑ Games for Windows - LIVE DRM features: Legacy activation, supports local profiles.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1
Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Games with Steam Cloud support may also store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/8850/.
- Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (8850) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.

References

↑ Feral Support | BioShock 2
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 News - BioShock 2 Updated
↑ Fix Quiet Guns and Unbalanced Audio - Restoring the Retail Audio Mix
↑ BioShock 2 - Games For Windows - last accessed on 2022-11-16
↑ BioShock 2 - last accessed on June 27, 2018
↑ New 120Hz Games Report - last accessed on May 2023
↑ Game Watcher - BioShock 2 DLC "secretly" fixes hacking mini-game for colour-blind - last accessed on May 2023
↑ http://www.forum-3dcenter.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=9254703&postcount=2348
↑ https://forums.guru3d.com/showpost.php?p=4799483&postcount=271
↑ Bioshock 2 Steamworks FAQ
↑ PC Tweaks: lower mouse sens, toggle duck and zoom/aim - 2K Forums - last accessed on May 2023
↑ PSA: PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM CRASHES, TRY THIS FIX! - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
↑ Steam Community Guide - Fix audio cutting out - last accessed on 2017-02-12
↑ Frequent Loss of Plasmid Hand - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
↑ Steam Community - last accessed on May 2023
↑ https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=411190623
↑ Timeslip's utilities, mods and patches - last accessed on May 2023

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{cleanup}}
+{{disambig|the original version|the remastered version|[[BioShock 2 Remastered]]}}
-{{Stub}}
+{{Infobox game
-{{infobox
+|cover        = BioShock 2 cover.jpg
-|cover          = Bioshock2CoverBox.jpg
+|developers   =
-|developer      = [[Wikipedia:2k Marin|2K Marin]]<br />[[Wikipedia:2k China|2K China]]<br />[[Wikipedia:Feral Interactive|Feral Interactive]] <small>(Mac)<small>
+{{Infobox game/row/developer|2K Marin}}
-<br />
+{{Infobox game/row/developer|2K China}}
-|publisher      = [[Wikipedia:2K Games|2K Games]]<br /><sup>JP</sup>[[Wikipedia:D3 Publisher|D3 Publisher]]<br />[[Wikipedia: Feral Interactive|Feral Interactive]] <small>(Mac)<small>
+{{Infobox game/row/developer|2K Australia}}
-<br />
+{{Infobox game/row/developer|Iron Galaxy Studios|DLC (PC porting)}}
-|engine         = [[Wikipedia:Unreal Engine|Modified Unreal Engine 2.5]]<br />[[Wikipedia:Havok (software)|Havok Physics]]
+{{Infobox game/row/developer|Digital Extremes|Multiplayer}}
-<br />
+{{Infobox game/row/porter|Feral Interactive|OS X}}
-|release dates  = February 9, 2010<br /><sup>JP</sup>March 4, 2010<br />March 29, 2012 <small>(Mac)<small>
+{{Infobox game/row/porter|Open Planet Software|OS X|ref=<ref>[https://support.feralinteractive.com/en/mac-games/bioshock2/ Feral Support | BioShock 2]</ref>}}
+|publishers   =
+{{Infobox game/row/publisher|2K Games}}
+{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Feral Interactive|OS X}}
+|engines      =
+{{Infobox game/row/engine|Unreal Engine 2.5}}
+|release dates=
+{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|February 9, 2010}}
+{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|March 29, 2012}}
+|reception    =
+{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|bioshock-2|88}}
+{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|bioshock-2|87}}
+|taxonomy     =
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, DLC }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes             | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Immersive Sim, RPG, Shooter }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic, Stylized }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Sci-fi, Steampunk }}
+{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | BioShock }}
+|steam appid  = 8850
+|steam appid side = 244610
+|gogcom id    = 1111208428
+|official site= http://www.bioshock2game.com/
+|hltb         = 1066
+|lutris       = bioshock-2
+|strategywiki = BioShock 2
+|mobygames    = 45089
+|wikipedia    = BioShock 2
+|winehq       = 11104
+|license      = commercial
 }}
-{{:BioShock (series)}}
-'''Key Points'''
+{{Introduction
-{{ii}} Uses [[Games For Windows Live]].
+|introduction      =
-{{ii}} Uses [[SecuROM]] with unlimited activations and an available revoke tool.
-'''General Information'''
+|release history   = Steam version DRM switched from [[Games for Windows - LIVE]] and [[SecuROM]] to [[Steam]].<ref name="Steamworks">[https://store.steampowered.com/news/11567/ News - BioShock 2 Updated]</ref> The Steamworks patch introduced some audio level balance issues.<ref name="audioBalanceIssues">[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=322637977 Fix Quiet Guns and Unbalanced Audio - Restoring the Retail Audio Mix]</ref>
-{{mm}} [http://forums.2kgames.com/forumdisplay.php?16-BioShock-Series 2K Games Forum]
-{{mm}} [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=304 Steam Forum]
-{{mm}} [http://bioshock.wikia.com/wiki/BioShock_2 Wikia Page]
-= Windows =
+|current state     = Ragdoll physics and animations are locked at 30 FPS.
-== Availability ==
-{{Availability Table|
-{{Availability Table/row| 2K Games Store | {{ID|Steam}} | }}
-{{Availability Table/row| [http://store.steampowered.com/app/8850/ Steam] | {{ID|Steam}} | Additional DRM: [[GFWL]] and [[SecuROM]]}}
-{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00475AYUU Amazon] |  | Version does not activate on Steam}}
-{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083VTNQA Amazon] | {{ID|Steam}} | }}
-{{Availability Table/row| [http://marketplace.xbox.com/Product/BioShock-2/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d8045454085c/ GFWL Marketplace] | {{ID|GFWL}} | }}
 }}
-== Improvements ==
+'''General information'''
-=== Engine Performance Tweaks ===
+{{mm}} [https://forums.2k.com/forumdisplay.php?71-BioShock-amp-BioShock-2-General-Discussion 2K Games Forum]
-{{Fixbox|1=
+{{mm}} [https://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/sections/200300223-BioShock-2 Official support knowledgebase]
-{{Fixbox/instructions|Improving Havok Physics Engine Performance}}
+{{GOG.com links|1111208428|bioshock_series|for game series}}
-*Locate your game installation folder.
+{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/8850/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
-*Inside your installation folder, navigate to \SP\Builds\Binaries\.
-*Open the file titled Default.ini.
+==Availability==
-*Find the line ''HavokNumThreads''.
+{{Availability|
-*Edit the line ''HavokNumThreads=2'' to represent the number of cores in your machine's CPU.  For example, using a quad-core CPU, change the line to ''HavokNumThreads=4''.
+{{Availability/row| Retail | | GFWL, disc, key, activation  | {{DRM|SecuROM|7|SecuROM PA}}. Optional Steam unlock.<ref name="Steamworks"/> Russian retail has separate achievements. <br /> | Steam | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| GamersGate | bioshock-2 | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 1292-1 | Steam |  |  | Windows, OS X }}
+{{Availability/row| GOG.com | bioshock_2_remastered | DRM-free | Bundled with [[BioShock 2 Remastered]] | | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| GMG | bioshock-2 | Steam | | | Windows, OS X }}
+{{Availability/row| Humble | bioshock-2 | Steam | | | Windows, OS X }}
+{{Availability/row| Steam | 8850 | Steam | Bundled with [[BioShock 2 Remastered]] | | Windows, OS X }}
+{{Availability/row| Games for Windows Marketplace | GFWL | GFWL | <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521000340/http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Games/BioShock-2/|title=BioShock 2 - Games For Windows|date=2022-11-16}}</ref> | | Windows | unavailable }}
+}}
+{{ii}} All non-Steam/GOG Windows versions require {{DRM|GFWL|SSA=no|ZDPP=no|local=true}}
+{{++}} All Windows retail and digital versions of BioShock 2 activate on Steam.<ref name="Steamworks"/> Activation unlocks all DLC, including Minerva's Den, and [[BioShock 2 Remastered]].
+{{DLC|
+{{DLC/row| The Protector Trials | Included in the Steam version. | Windows, OS X }}
+{{DLC/row| Minerva's Den |  | Windows, OS X }}
+{{DLC/row| Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack | Included in the Steam version. | Windows, OS X }}
+{{DLC/row| Zigo & Blanche | Included in the Steam version. | Windows, OS X }}
+{{DLC/row| Rapture Metro Pack | Included in the Steam version. | Windows, OS X }}
+{{DLC/row| Kill 'em Kindly | Released for free. | Windows, OS X }}
 }}
-====Disable GFWL====
+==Essential improvements==
-If you want to disable Games for Windows - Live for various reasons, you will need to proceed with the steps below.
+===Patches===
-{{Fixbox|1=
+{{ii}} A Title Update is available for the [[Games for Windows - LIVE]] version. The game should automatically prompt for the update when using a LIVE profile; the updates can also be downloaded manually ([http://download.xbox.com/content/5454085c/tu10000083_10000183.cab update 1], [http://download.xbox.com/content/5454085c/tu10000083_10000483.cab update 2]).
-{{Fixbox/fix|Instructions}}
-) Update to the latest 1.5 patch by downloading and installing it [http://www.gamershell.com/download_74644.shtml here]<br />
-) Download the <code>xlive.dll</code> file [http://timeslip.users.sourceforge.net/current/bioshock2-xlive.7z here]{{Dead Link}}<br />
+===Fix audio balance issues===
+The latest patch (1.5.0.019) introduced some audio balance issues, most notably gun fire is much quieter as well as other sound effects. The sound effects can be restored by downloading a modified .ini file:
-) Copy xlive.dll to '<bioshock's install dir>\SP\Builds\Binaries\</code><br />
+{{Fixbox|description=Restore correct audio settings|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+# Download {{file|SoundMixStates.ini}} from [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=322637977 Fix Quiet Guns and Unbalanced Audio - Restoring the Retail Audio Mix].
+# Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}\SP\Content\System}} and place {{file|SoundMixStates.ini}} inside.
+}}
-) Create a file called 'xlive.ini' in '<my documents>\bioshock2\'. Type [xlive] on the first line. Options are added below that in an <option>=<value> format. The following options are available:
+===Skip intro videos===
+{{Fixbox|description=Use -nointro parameter|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+Use <code>-nointro</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]].
+}}
-profile: Pick the name of the offline profile to use.
+===[https://www.moddb.com/games/bioshock/downloads/bioshock-tweaker2/bioshock-tweaker-111 BioShock Tweaker]===
+{{++}} Allows you to change settings that are not normally adjustable from the options menu (i.e. custom resolution). Point the program at the game's configuration file location.
-loader: Set value to 1.<br />
+==Game data==
+{{Image|BioShock 2 General.png|In-game general settings.}}
+===Configuration file(s) location===
+{{Game data|
+{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|appdata}}\Bioshock2Steam}}
+{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
 }}
-== Game Data ==
+===Save game data location===
-=== Save Game Location ===
+{{Game data|
-{{ii}} Since BioShock 2 uses GFWL, you must successfully back up your Live profile as well as the game saves.  Both folders/files must be backed up and restored simultaneously in order to move between computers or Windows installations.
+{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Bioshock2\SaveGames\|{{p|appdata}}\Bioshock2Steam\{{P|uid}}.profile}}
-{{Game Location Table|
+{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
-{{Game Location Table/row|Game Save Folder|[user folder]\My Documents\Bioshock2}}
-{{Game Location Table/row|Live Profile|%LocalAppData%\Microsoft\XLive}}
 }}
+{{ii}} Achievements and saves for the [[Steam]] and [[Games for Windows - LIVE]] versions are separate (a new game is required when switching versions).
+{{ii}} SP saves: {{folder|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Bioshock2\SaveGames}}
+{{ii}} MP saves: {{file|{{p|appdata}}\Bioshock2Steam\{{P|uid}}.profile}}
+===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
+{{Save game cloud syncing
+|discord                   =
+|discord notes             =
+|epic games launcher       =
+|epic games launcher notes =
+|gog galaxy                = true
+|gog galaxy notes          =
+|origin                    =
+|origin notes              =
+|steam cloud               = true
+|steam cloud notes         =
+|ubisoft connect           =
+|ubisoft connect notes     =
+|xbox cloud                =
+|xbox cloud notes          =
+}}
+==Video==
+{{Image|BioShock 2 Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
+{{Video
+|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/bioshock-2
+|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
+|multimonitor wsgf award    = silver
+|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = silver
+|4k ultra hd wsgf award     = incomplete
+|widescreen resolution      = true
+|widescreen resolution notes=
+|multimonitor               = limited
+|multimonitor notes         = Use [https://www.flawlesswidescreen.org Flawless Widescreen] or [https://github.com/dlrudie/WidescreenFixer/releases Widescreen Fixer] with [https://3dsurroundgaming.com/WSF.html this plugin] to fix HUD scaling.
+|ultrawidescreen            = limited
+|ultrawidescreen notes      = Use [https://www.flawlesswidescreen.org Flawless Widescreen] to fix the HUD.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.wsgf.org/dr/bioshock-2|title=BioShock 2|date=June 27, 2018}}</ref>
+|4k ultra hd                = true
+|4k ultra hd notes          =
+|fov                        = hackable
+|fov notes                  = See [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
+|windowed                   = true
+|windowed notes             =
+|borderless windowed        = false
+|borderless windowed notes  =
+|anisotropic                = always on
+|anisotropic notes          = See [[#Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]].
+|antialiasing               = hackable
+|antialiasing notes         = See [[#Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]].
+|upscaling                  = unknown
+|upscaling tech             =
+|upscaling notes            =
+|vsync                      = true
+|vsync notes                =
+|60 fps                     = true
+|60 fps notes               =
+|120 fps                    = true
+|120 fps notes              = No frame rate or refresh rate cap.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160913143805/http://120hz.net/showthread.php?3258-New-120Hz-Games-Report|title=New 120Hz Games Report|date=May 2023}}</ref> Physics simulation and many animations are locked to 30 FPS.
+|hdr                        = unknown
+|hdr notes                  =
+|color blind                = limited
+|color blind notes          = Base game had color blind support issues with the hacking ui, a fix was bundled with the DLC, requiring owning the Protector Trials or Minerva's Den.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gamewatcher.com/news/2010-10-09-bioshock-2-dlc-secretly-fixes-hacking-mini-game-for-colour-blind|title=Game Watcher - BioShock 2 DLC "secretly" fixes hacking mini-game for colour-blind|date=May 2023}}</ref> Meaning the Steam and GOG versions come with them fixed.
+}}
+===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
+{{ii}} Custom FOV settings will not work in multiplayer.
-== Video Settings ==
+{{Fixbox|description=3rd party fixes|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
-{{Video Settings
+* Use [https://www.flawlesswidescreen.org Flawless Widescreen] or [https://github.com/dlrudie/WidescreenFixer/releases Widescreen Fixer] with [https://3dsurroundgaming.com/WSF.html this plugin].
-|widescreen_resolution      =true
-|widescreen_resolution_notes=
-|multimonitor               =true
-|multimonitor_notes         =HUD is not scaled properly in multimonitor resolutions.
-|fov                        =hackable
-|fov_notes                  =See [[#Field Of View (FOV)|Field Of View (FOV)]]
-|windowed                   =true
-|windowed_notes             =
-|fullscreen                 =false
-|fullscreen_notes           =
-|anisotropic                =hackable
-|anisotropic_notes          =See [[#Anisotropic Filtering (AF)|Anisotropic Filtering (AF)]].
-|antialiasing               =hackable
-|antialiasing_notes         =See [[#Anti-Aliasing (AA)|Anti-Aliasing (AA)]].
-|vsync                      =true
-|vsync_notes                =
 }}
-=== [[Field Of View (FOV)]] ===
+{{Fixbox|description=Bind FOV to key press|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
-{{--}} Any custom FOV settings will be reset automatically at various times during gameplay when control is taken away from the player; i.e. for cutscenes.  Zooming down iron sights will also yield this effect.
+# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
+# Open {{file|User.ini}}.
+# Scroll down to the <code>[Default]</code> section and bind <code>SetFOV #</code> to any unused key (# being the desired FOV).
+# During the game, press the key you defined in {{file|User.ini}} to set the custom FOV.
-{{Fixbox|1=
+'''Notes'''
-{{Fixbox/instructions|Bind FOV to Key Press}}
+{{--}} Any custom FOV settings will be reset automatically at various times during gameplay when control is taken away from the player; i.e. for cutscenes. Zooming down iron sights will also yield this effect.
-*Use the Windows Run command to execute ''%AppData%''.
-*Inside the AppData folder, open Bioshock2\User.ini.
-*Scroll down to the [Default] section and bind SetFOV # to any unused key (# being the desired FOV).
-*During the game, press the key you defined in User.ini to set the custom FOV.
 }}
-=== [[Anisotropic Filtering (AF)]] ===
+===[[Glossary:Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]===
-{{Fixbox|1=
+{{Fixbox|description=Raise AF Above Default Value of 4X|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
-{{Fixbox/instructions|Raise AF Above Default Value of 4X}}
+# Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}\SP\Builds\Binaries\}}.
-*Locate your game installation folder.
+# Open {{file|Bioshock2SP.ini}}.
-*Inside your installation folder, navigate to \SP\Builds\Binaries\.
+# Edit the line <code>LevelOfAnisotropy=4</code> to <code>LevelOfAnisotropy=#</code> where # denotes the max level of AF supported by your graphics card(s). For example, change the line to read <code>LevelOfAnisotropy=16</code>.
-*Open the file titled Default.ini.
-*Find the line ''LevelOfAnisotropy''.
-*Edit the line ''LevelOfAnisotropy=4'' to ''LevelOfAnisotropy=#'' where # denotes the max level of AF supported by your graphics card(s).  For example, change the line to read ''LevelOfAnisotropy=16''.
 }}
-=== [[Anti-Aliasing (AA)]] ===
+===[[Glossary:Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]]===
-There is no native AA support in BioShock 2.  AA can be forcibly enabled, however, through your graphics driver's control panel.  Please consult the user guide for your particular graphics driver on how this is performed.
+{{ii}} [[MSAA]] can be forced through your graphics driver's control panel.
+{{ii}} [[SGSSAA]] can be forced in DX9 mode via [[Nvidia Profile Inspector]] with the compatibility flag <code>0x000010C1</code><ref>http://www.forum-3dcenter.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=9254703&postcount=2348</ref>
+===Ambient Occlusion (AO)===
+{{ii}} AO can be forced through your graphics driver's control panel.
+{{ii}} HDAO+ (denominated High quality) can be forced in DX9 mode via [[Nvidia Profile Inspector]] with the compatibility flag <code>0x0002002D</code><ref>https://forums.guru3d.com/showpost.php?p=4799483&postcount=271</ref>
-== Input Settings ==
+==Input==
-{{--}} There is no native controller support (Xbox 360 or otherwise) in this game.
+{{Image|BioShock 2 Controls.png|In-game control settings.}}
+{{Image|BioShock 2 Remapping.png|In-game key map settings.}}
+{{Input
+|key remap                 = true
+|key remap notes           = Mouse buttons 4 and 5 are not recognized by the multiplayer key binding menu, but can be manually bound in {{file|UserMP.ini}}.
+|acceleration option       = true
+|acceleration option notes =
+|mouse sensitivity         = unknown
+|mouse sensitivity notes   =
+|mouse menu                = true
+|mouse menu notes          =
+|invert mouse y-axis       = true
+|invert mouse y-axis notes =
+|touchscreen               = unknown
+|touchscreen notes         =
+|controller support        = true
+|controller support notes  =
+|full controller           = true
+|full controller notes     =
+|controller remap          = false
+|controller remap notes    =
+|controller sensitivity    = unknown
+|controller sensitivity notes=
+|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
+|invert controller y-axis notes=
+|xinput controllers        = true
+|xinput controllers notes  =
+|xbox prompts              = true
+|xbox prompts notes        =
+|impulse triggers          = false
+|impulse triggers notes    =
+|dualshock 4               = true
+|dualshock 4 notes         =
+|dualshock prompts         = unknown
+|dualshock prompts notes   =
+|light bar support         = unknown
+|light bar support notes   =
+|dualshock 4 modes         = unknown
+|dualshock 4 modes notes   =
+|tracked motion controllers= unknown
+|tracked motion controllers notes =
+|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
+|tracked motion prompts notes =
+|other controllers         = unknown
+|other controllers notes   =
+|other button prompts      = unknown
+|other button prompts notes=
+|controller hotplug        = unknown
+|controller hotplug notes  =
+|haptic feedback           = true
+|haptic feedback notes     =
+|simultaneous input        = true
+|simultaneous input notes  =
+|steam input api           = unknown
+|steam input api notes     =
+|steam hook input          = unknown
+|steam hook input notes    =
+|steam input presets       = unknown
+|steam input presets notes =
+|steam controller prompts  = unknown
+|steam controller prompts notes =
+|steam cursor detection    = unknown
+|steam cursor detection notes =
+}}
-{{Fixbox|1=
+===Hold to duck/aim down sights===
-{{Fixbox/instructions|Disabling Auto-Aim}}
+{{Fixbox|description=Hold to duck|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
-*Locate your game installation folder.
+# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
-*Inside your installation folder, navigate to \SP\Builds\Binaries\.
+# Open {{file|User.ini}}.
-*Open the file titled Default.ini.
+# Replace <code>Aliases[13]=(Command="Toggle bDuck{{!}}Axis aUp Speed=-1200.0",Alias=Duck)</code> with <code>Aliases[13]=(Command="Button bDuck",Alias=Duck)</code>.
-*Find the line ''AutoAim''.
-*Edit the line ''AutoAim=True'' to ''AutoAim=False''.
 }}
-== Issues Fixed ==
+{{Fixbox|description=Hold to aim down sights|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
-=== Menu Flickering ===
+# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
-Disable V-Sync from the in-game settings menu.  ''Untested: Try forcing V-Sync through graphics driver settings.''
+# Open {{file|User.ini}}.
+# Find the keybind that has the word "ZoomCycle" attached to it (T by default)
+# Replace <code>T=ZoomCycle</code> with <code>T=ZoomCycle {{!}} onRelease ZoomCycle</code>
+}}
-=== Crash on Startup ===
+===Disable auto-aim===
-{{Fixbox|1=
+{{Fixbox|description=Set AutoAim in Bioshock2SP.ini|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
-{{Fixbox/instructions|Change Read/Write Permissions of Save Files}}
+# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
-*Backup the ''Bioshock 2'' folder from your ''My Documents'' folder.
+# Open {{file|Bioshock2SP.ini}}.
-*Delete the original ''Bioshock 2'' folder.
+# Edit the line <code>AutoAim=True</code> to <code>AutoAim=False</code>.
-*Launch BioShock 2 and begin a new game.
-*Save your game and exit BioShock 2.
-*In ''My Documents'' right-click on the new ''Bioshock 2'' folder that was created and select ''Properties''.
-*Disable the ''Read-Only" checkbox and click OK.
-*Move any backed-up save files back into the new ''Bioshock 2'' folder under ''\Bioshock 2\SaveGames\''.
-*Ensure that any file moved back into the new folder also has the ''Read-Only'' checkbox disabled.
-*Run the game and allow GFWL to update your profile before any further action is taken.
 }}
-=== Left ("Plasmid") Hand Disappearing ===
+===Disable Xbox 360 Controller vibration===
-This glitch happens especially when using the Scout-Plasmid so quicksave before using it and reload if necessary.
+{{Fixbox|description=Set Vibration in Bioshock2SP.ini|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
-Otherwise enable "Vita-Chambers" in the options (if it is deactivated) and get yourself killed. Upon respawning the left hand will appear again.
+# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
+# Open {{file|Bioshock2SP.ini}}.
+# Edit the line <code>Vibration=True</code> to <code>Vibration=False</code>.
+}}
-=== Green Pepper Edition - No Product Key ===
+===Inject EVE Hypo===
-The Green Pepper Edition of Bioshock 2 does '''not''' contain a Product-Key. Therefore it is not possible to create a Windows Live Account or
+{{Fixbox|description=Inject EVE Hypo|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
-add Bioshock 2 to an existing account. Solution: Activate the Windows Live Dialog Box again and scroll down a bit. There is an option to create an Offline-Account that does not require a key, just a username. Now it is possible to save the game in singleplayer but multiplayer and the DLC are still unavailable.
+# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
+# Open {{file|User.ini}}.
+# Scroll down to the <code>[Default]</code> section and bind <code>InjectBioAmmo</code> to any unused key.
+}}
+===Pick individual items from containers===
+{{Fixbox|description=Pick individual items from containers|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
+# Open {{file|User.ini}}.
+# Scroll down to the <code>[ContainerUIActive]</code> section and bind <code>CollectContainerItemInSlot 0</code>, <code>CollectContainerItemInSlot 1</code> and <code>CollectContainerItemInSlot 2</code> to any unused keys.
+}}
+==Audio==
+{{Image|BioShock 2 Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
+{{Audio
+|separate volume          = true
+|separate volume notes    =
+|surround sound           = true
+|surround sound notes     = Up to 7.1 output
+|subtitles                = true
+|subtitles notes          =
+|closed captions          = false
+|closed captions notes    =
+|mute on focus lost       = true
+|mute on focus lost notes =
+|eax support              =
+|eax support notes         =
+|royalty free audio        = unknown
+|royalty free audio notes  =
+}}
+{{L10n|content=
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = English
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = true
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     =
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = French
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = true
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     =
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = German
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = true
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     =
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Hungarian
+ |interface = hackable
+ |audio     = false
+ |subtitles = hackable
+ |notes     = Fan translation, [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/bioshock-2/bioshock-2/1146 download].
+ |fan       = true
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Italian
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = true
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     =
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Polish
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = false
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     = Official localization by Cenega – retail only. Fan patch which corrects some issues of the original translation [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1419616494 here].
+ |ref       = <ref name="Bioshock 2 Polish/Russian">[http://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/articles/201338163-BioShock-2-Steamworks-Update-Frequently-Asked-Questions Bioshock 2 Steamworks FAQ]</ref>
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Brazilian Portuguese
+ |interface = hackable
+ |audio     = false
+ |subtitles = hackable
+ |fan       = true
+ |notes     = Fan translation, [https://tribogamer.com/traducoes/55_traducao-do-bioshock-2-para-portugues-do-brasil.html download].
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Russian
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = true
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     = Retail only. Patch for digital release [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=596143481 here].
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Spanish
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = true
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     =
+ |fan       =
+}}
+}}
+==Network==
+{{ii}} Online features in non-Steam versions require a [https://live.xbox.com/Account/Signin Microsoft account] (optional for offline play).
+{{Network/Multiplayer
+|local play           = hackable
+|local play players   = 10
+|local play modes     =
+|local play notes     = Use [https://github.com/SplitScreen-Me/splitscreenme-nucleus/releases Nucleus Co-op].
+|lan play             = unknown
+|lan play players     =
+|lan play modes       =
+|lan play notes       =
+|online play          = true
+|online play players  = 10
+|online play modes    =
+|online play notes    =
+|asynchronous         =
+|asynchronous notes   =
+}}{{Network/Connections
+|matchmaking        =
+|matchmaking notes  =
+|p2p                =
+|p2p notes          =
+|dedicated          =
+|dedicated notes    =
+|self-hosting       =
+|self-hosting notes =
+|direct ip          =
+|direct ip notes    =
+}}{{Network/Ports
+|tcp  =
+|udp  =
+|upnp =
+}}
+==VR support==
+{{VR support
+|gg3d name                   = Bioshock 2
+|native 3d gg3d award        =
+|nvidia 3d vision gg3d award = bronze
+|tridef 3d gg3d award        = platinum
+|iz3d gg3d award             =
+|native 3d                   = unknown
+|native 3d notes             =
+|nvidia 3d vision            = hackable
+|nvidia 3d vision notes      = Use [https://helixmod.blogspot.com/2013/03/bioshock-2-by-mana84-see-stereo-3d-on.html Helix Mod: Bioshock 2] (DirectX 9 only)
+|tridef 3d                   = true
+|tridef 3d notes             =
+|iz3d                        = unknown
+|iz3d notes                  =
+|vorpx                       = true
+|vorpx modes                 = G3D,DirectVR
+|vorpx notes                 = Officially supported game, see [https://www.vorpx.com/supported-games/ official vorpx game list].
+|htc vive                    =
+|htc vive notes              =
+|oculus rift                 =
+|oculus rift notes           =
+|osvr                        =
+|osvr notes                  =
+|keyboard-mouse              =
+|keyboard-mouse notes        =
+|3rd space gaming vest       = true
+|3rd space gaming vest notes =
+|novint falcon               =
+|novint falcon notes         =
+|trackir                     =
+|trackir notes               =
+|tobii eye tracking          =
+|tobii eye tracking notes    =
+|play area seated            =
+|play area seated notes      =
+|play area standing          =
+|play area standing notes    =
+|play area room-scale        =
+|play area room-scale notes  =
+}}
+==Issues unresolved==
+===Mouse sensitivity not correctly adjusting===
+{{ii}} On some computers, the game's mouse sensitivity will be extremely low, and raising the values makes mouse movements imprecise.
+{{Fixbox|description=Possible mouse acceleration fix (doesn't work for everybody)|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://forums.2k.com/showthread.php?56876-PC-Tweaks-lower-mouse-sens-toggle-duck-and-zoom-aim|title=PC Tweaks: lower mouse sens, toggle duck and zoom/aim - 2K Forums|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
+# Set in-game sensitivity to "1"
+# Disable mouse acceleration in-game.
+# Quit the game.
+# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
+# Open {{file|User.ini}}.
+# Bulk replace every <code>Speed=2000.0</code> with whatever your desired sensitivity value is (300 is a good starting point)
+}}
+==Issues fixed==
+===Crash on startup===
+{{Fixbox|description=Delete damaged save files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+# Go to {{folder|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Bioshock2\SaveGames\}}.
+# Copy the save files somewhere as a backup.
+# Sort the folder by "Date modified".
+# Delete the damaged save file causing the game to crash on startup (this will probably be the newest save and/or quicksave).
+}}
+===Game crashes randomly===
+{{Fixbox|description=Set "Graphics Quality" to low|ref=<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/8850/discussions/0/3032600513506459008/ PSA: PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM CRASHES, TRY THIS FIX! - Steam Users' Forums] (retrieved)</ref>|fix=
+# Go to Graphics settings in-game.
+# Set Graphics Quality to Low preset.
+}}
+===Menu flickering===
+{{Fixbox|description=Disable or force vsync|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
+{{ii}} Disable Vsync from the in-game settings menu.
+{{ii}} Force Vsync through graphics adaptor.
+}}
+===Game brightness is extremely high in DirectX 9 mode===
+{{ii}} This behavior is triggered by notification popups from the Steam overlay
+{{Fixbox|description=Disable Steam Overlay|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+# Right click on Bioshock 2 in your Steam library and select Properties
+# Uncheck "Enable Steam Community In-Game"
+}}
+{{Fixbox|description=Editing launch options|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+Use the <code>-nogamma</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]].
+}}
+===Audio Cutting Out in Combat Sequences===
+{{ii}} On some computers, user audio will cut out during combat sequences.
+{{ii}} Issue can be lessened slightly by not using constant-fire weapons such as lasers / hacked sentry bots, or increasing max sound channels in BioShock2SP.ini and Default.ini
+{{Fixbox|description=Edit the maximum number of channels|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=284464205|title=Steam Community Guide - Fix audio cutting out|date=2017-02-12}}</ref>|fix=
+# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
+# Open {{file|bioshock2SP.ini}}.
+# Find the following line, under [FMODAudio.FMODAudioSubsystem], and increase the number of channels.
+<pre>
+MaxChannels=128
+</pre>
+}}
+===Left Plasmid hand disappears===
+{{ii}} This glitch is especially likely when using the Scout-Plasmid.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141205122702/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2037219 Frequent Loss of Plasmid Hand - Steam Users' Forums] (retrieved)</ref> Therefore, it is advisable to quick save '''before''' using it.
+{{Fixbox|description=Respawn|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+# Make sure Vita-Chambers are enabled.
+# Being killed and respawning should fix the left hand.
+}}
+===Game cannot load or save===
+{{ii}} There are damaged save files bugging up the game's ability to load or save
+{{Fixbox|description=Delete damaged save files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+# Go to {{folder|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Bioshock2\SaveGames\}}.
+# Copy the save files somewhere as a backup.
+# Sort the folder by "Date modified".
+# Delete the damaged save file causing the game to crash on startup (this will probably be the newest save and/or quicksave).
+}}
+===Game crashes in DirectX 10 mode===
+{{Fixbox|description=Increase Texture Streaming Memory Size|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/8850/discussions/0/540741859213676880/|title=Steam Community|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
+{{ii}} This increases the size of the texture cache.
+# Open {{file|Bioshock2SP.ini}}. Steam users will find this in {{folder|{{p|appdata}}\Bioshock2Steam}}.
+# Find "TextureStreamingMemoryLimit=512.000000" and increase the amount to something inline with the video card (e.g. 2048).
+}}
+{{Fixbox|description=Force the game to run in DirectX 9 mode|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
+{{ii}} This switches the game to DirectX 9 instead of the default DirectX 10.
+# Create a shortcut to {{file|Bioshock2Launcher.exe}} somewhere convenient.
+# Right click this shortcut, select Properties, in the Target box add <code>-dx9</code> in the text field after inserting space after the quotation mark.
+# Now launching the game from this shortcut will force the game to run in DirectX 9.
+'''Notes'''
+{{ii}} Running the game in DirectX 9 mode can mess with the brightness levels of the system, even after exiting the game. To fix this, simply remove the <code>-dx9</code> switch, then run and exit the game again.
+}}
+{{Fixbox|description=Uninstall update KB2670838|ref=<ref>https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=411190623</ref>{{cn|reason=This update is required for some newer games, so this is the wrong solution. SuicideMachine: What games? (yes this update often causes BSODs) - https://www.google.pl/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&es_th=1&ie=UTF-8#q=KB2670838+bsods&es_th=1|date=September 2015}}|fix=
+{{ii}} This will uninstall Internet Explorer!
+{{ii}} Tested on Windows 7
+# Open the start menu
+# Go to control panel
+# Under "Programs" click "Uninstall a program"
+# On the top left "View installed updates"
+# After all the updates are displayed, simply search for KB2670838.
+# Uninstall it
+}}
+===No Little Sister voice acting===
+{{--}} Bug causes Little Sisters to become mute.
+{{Fixbox|description=Set sound quality of standard sound device|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+# Start > type "sound" > open the soundpanel.
+# Right-click on your common sound device > go to the tab "advanced" > set sound quality to lowest (CD quality).
+# After you made your changes, click OK.
+}}
+==Other information==
+===API===
+{{API
+|direct3d versions      = 9.0c, 10
+|direct3d notes         =
+|directdraw versions    =
+|directdraw notes       =
+|opengl versions        = 2.0
+|opengl notes           = OS X only.
+|glide versions         =
+|glide notes            =
+|software mode          =
+|software mode notes    =
+|mantle support         =
+|mantle support notes   =
+|vulkan versions        =
+|vulkan notes           =
+|dos modes              =
+|dos modes notes        =
+|shader model versions  = 3, 4
+|shader model notes     =
+|windows 32-bit exe     = true
+|windows 64-bit exe     = false
+|windows arm app        = unknown
+|windows exe notes      =
+|mac os x powerpc app   = unknown
+|macos intel 32-bit app = unknown
+|macos intel 64-bit app = true
+|macos arm app          = unknown
+|macos app notes        = {{CN|date=August 2015}}
+|linux 32-bit executable= unknown
+|linux 64-bit executable= unknown
+|linux arm app          = unknown
+|linux executable notes =
+}}
+===Middleware===
+{{Middleware
+|physics          = Havok
+|physics notes    =
+|audio            = FMOD
+|audio notes      =
+|interface        =
+|interface notes  =
+|input            =
+|input notes      =
+|cutscenes        = Bink Video, Flash
+|cutscenes notes  =
+|multiplayer      = Games for Windows - LIVE, Steamworks
+|multiplayer notes=
+}}
+===Mods===
+A collection of mods are available at [https://www.systemshock.org/index.php?topic=9045.0 this thread].
+===Performance tweak (Havok)===
+{{Fixbox|description=Improving Havok physics engine performance|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+# Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}\SP\Builds\Binaries\}}.
+# Open {{file|Default.ini}}.
+# Edit the line <code>HavokNumThreads=2</code> to represent the number of cores in your machine's CPU. For example, using a quad-core CPU, change the line to <code>HavokNumThreads=4</code>.
+# Some systems may require doing the same with {{file|Bioshock2SP.ini}}, located in {{folder|{{p|appdata}}\Bioshock2Steam\}}.
+{{ii}} Using all cores may result in crashing to desktop on some systems. In this case, use only half of your core count.
+}}
+{{Fixbox|description=Improving Engine Memory usage|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+# Go to {{folder|{{p|appdata}}\Bioshock2Steam\}}.
+# Open {{file|Bioshock2SP.ini}}.
+# Search for <code>[Engine.GameEngine]</code> and increase the <code>CacheSizeMegs</code> value under it (maxes out at 512).
+# Search for the line <code> TextureStreamingMemoryLimit</code>, change this to match your graphics card's VRAM e.g. 2048 for 2 GB
+# Also change <code> TextureStreamingDistanceLimit</code> to 10000
+}}
+===Bypass Games for Windows - LIVE===
+{{ii}} A fake version of {{file|xlive.dll}} can allow you to play the single-player without having [[Games for Windows - LIVE|GFWL]] installed.
+{{--}} Pre-existing saved games are not compatible with this fix.
+{{Fixbox|description=Use BioShock 2 fake xlive|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://timeslip.users.sourceforge.net/|title=Timeslip's utilities, mods and patches|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
+# Download [http://timeslip.users.sourceforge.net/ BioShock 2 fake xlive].
+# Extract {{file|xlive.dll}} to {{folder|{{p|game}}\SP\Builds\Binaries\}}.
+}}
 ==System requirements==
-{{System Requirements
+{{System requirements
 |OSfamily = Windows
-|minOS = Windows XP SP2
-|recOS = Windows 7
+|minOS    = XP SP2
-|minproc = AMD Athlon 64 3800+ 2.4 GHz<br />Intel Pentium 4 530 3.0 GHz
+|minCPU   = Intel Pentium 4 530 3.0 GHz
-|recproc = AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ 2.60 GHz<br />Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 2.13 GHz
+|minCPU2  = AMD Athlon 64 3800+ 2.4 GHz
-|minmem = 2 GB
+|minRAM   = 2 GB
-|recmem = 3 GB
+|minHD    = 11 GB
-|minHD = 11 GB
+|minGPU   = Nvidia GeForce 7800 GT
-|minGPU = NVIDIA 7800GT 256 MB<br />ATI Radeon X1900 256 MB
+|minGPU2  = ATI Radeon X1900
-|recGPU = NVIDIA 8800GT 512 MB<br />ATI Radeon HD 4830 512 MB
+|minVRAM  = 256 MB
+|minDX    = 9.0c
+|minaudio = DirectX 9.0c compatible
+|recOS    = Vista, 7
+|recCPU   = Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 2.13 GHz
+|recCPU2  = AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ 2.6 GHz
+|recRAM   = 3 GB
+|recGPU   = Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT
+|recGPU2  = ATI Radeon HD 4830
+|recVRAM  = 512 MB
+|recDX    = 10
 }}
-[[Category:Windows]]
-[[Category:Mac]]
+{{System requirements
+|OSfamily = OS X
+|minOS    = 10.9.5 (Mavericks)
+|minCPU   = 2 GHz
+|minRAM   = 4 GB
+|minVRAM  = 256 MB
+|minHD    = 18 GB
+|recOS    = 10.10.5 (Yosemite)
+|recCPU   = 2.4 GHz
+|recRAM   =
+|recVRAM  = 512 MB
+|recHD    =
+}}
+{{References}}