Does BioShock 2 take place after BioShock 1?
Yes, BioShock 2 is a direct sequel to BioShock 1 – chronologically, it takes place about 8 years later and continues the storyline of Rapture‘s downfall after Andrew Ryan‘s death. As a passionate BioShock fan and gaming guide writer, I‘m delving deep on the connections between the two acclaimed titles.
Tracing BioShock‘s Timeline and Rapture‘s Slow Demise
Let‘s start from the beginning. The underwater city of Rapture was the brainchild of business magnate Andrew Ryan as a utopia free from government and religion. Its glory days were from 1946-1958 as it attracted the best artistic and scientific minds.
However, the discovery of ADAM allowed genetic modifications which led to class warfare and ultimately – civil war. Fast forward to 1960: this is the setting for BioShock 1 as player character Jack first discovers Rapture in ruins with psychotic ADAM addicts called Splicers roaming decayed art-deco halls.
1968: Around 8 years after the events of BioShock 1, this is when BioShock 2 takes place, with some areas of Rapture having flooded and continuing to fall apart after Ryan‘s death.
So there is a clear chronological order between games:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1946-1958 | Rapture is built and experiences growth/glory days |
| 1960 | BioShock 1 setting, city descends into chaos |
| 1968 | BioShock 2 setting, Rapture continues collapsing |
Andrew Ryan was Rapture‘s leader for over a decade. His assassination created turmoil that allowed new factions vying for power around 1968, just before BioShock 2 kicks off with new villain Sofia Lamb controlling the ravaged utopia.
What Changed After BioShock 1 Ended?
Rapture became an even more unpredictable place over the 8 years leading up to BioShock 2:
- Power Struggles: At least 3 groups fought for dominance – Lamb‘s cult, Ryan loyalists using Big Sisters, and "the Family" led by Persephone prisoner Augustus Sinclair
- Ryan Amusements: This theme park portraying the surface world as evil opened roughly 2 years after Ryan‘s death
- Big Sister Emergence: Little Sisters who grew up had a 40% chance of becoming ruthless Big Sisters
- Continued ADAM Shortage: Even with the Little Sister program restarted, ADAM was hard to produce
These developments show Rapture remained violently turbulent after BioShock 1. From both a story and environmental perspective, the sequel‘s setting undergoes major changes reflecting the aftermath of your actions in the first game.
How BioShock 2 Relates: Thematic Connections
There are also strong thematic links cementing BioShock 2‘s place chronologically after previous events:
- Revisiting morally grey themes of free will vs control
- Seeing long term consequences from Little Sister situation
- Expanding on iconic elements like Big Daddies, Splicers and Plasmids
- Experiencing how some visionary minds like Ryan corrupt absolutely
- Lamb serves as another example of extremism leading to ruin
No one could save Rapture by 1968 – too much genetic and societal damage had piled up over 20 years since idealistic beginnings. BioShock 2 continues exploring this plummet from grace – a core theme across the series.
While BioShock 2 has a fresh perspective with players as a prototype Big Daddy, it inherits the thought-provoking DNA of its predecessor. There are enough connective tissues cementing it as a sequel bound to the original chaos in Rapture.
Final Verdict: Direct Chronological Progression
In closing, I rate BioShock 2 as a 9/10 sequel – it smartly evolves the formula with new combat options and retains the compelling world brought to life so vividly in 1960.
Seeing the once-vibrant underwater city continue corroding as madness consumes inhabitants makes this chapter essential to understanding Rapture‘s complete history.
BioShock 2 lays down more logic and lore foundations for why this failed utopia was doomed from moments of initial descent into dystopian chaos. Rapture‘s downfall took years before hitting complete ruin – and the second game‘s 1968 turmoil captures how ideological cracks caused slow implosion.
Let me know your thoughts on this iconic series below! Did playing as a Big Daddy encapsulate your dream as a Rapture tourist? Or were you left wanting a direct continuation of Jack‘s story after the first game‘s twisting climax? There are arguments on both sides.
Regardless, the time jump creates a fascinating dynamic as you explore new wrecked areas and see the consequences of civil war stretched over decades rather than days. In terms of narrative and thematic significance, BioShock 2 earns its place as an impactful sequel.
