No, BioShock Infinite does not have a new game plus mode.
So, you’ve conquered Columbia, navigated its sky-lines, and faced the Songbird. Now you are wondering, does bioshock infinite have new game plus? Unfortunately, the game doesn’t offer this feature. After finishing the narrative, you won’t be able to replay with your upgraded gear. This might be disappointing to many players who wish for another run with all the vigor and weapons intact. It does encourage starting fresh to experience the narrative again.
Does BioShock Infinite Have New Game Plus?
So, you’ve finished your adventure through the floating city of Columbia in BioShock Infinite, and you’re probably itching to jump back in. You might be wondering if there’s a way to experience the story again, keeping all your cool upgrades and powers. The big question on every fan’s mind: “Does BioShock Infinite have New Game Plus?” Let’s dive deep into this, exploring what options players have for revisiting this amazing world after the credits roll.
The Short Answer: No New Game Plus
Alright, let’s get the main point out of the way first. Sadly, BioShock Infinite does not have a traditional New Game Plus mode. This means that after you finish the game, you won’t be able to start a fresh play through with all the weapons, vigor upgrades, and gear you’ve collected.
Why No New Game Plus in BioShock Infinite?
It’s natural to ask, why wouldn’t such a popular feature be included? There could be a few reasons for this. One reason might be the game’s design focus. BioShock Infinite’s core gameplay loop emphasizes the feeling of progression. Beginning each encounter, you’re often somewhat limited, so the game encourages exploration to find the best weapons, gears and vigors. With the upgrades, you slowly but surely become more powerful and better equipped to deal with any threat. A New Game Plus could disrupt this progression by giving you access to too much power right away. Another reason could be the narrative structure of the game. The story is tightly interwoven with the gameplay, so the developers may have felt a new game plus system would feel out of place with the overall narrative they wanted to tell.
Replaying BioShock Infinite
Okay, so there’s no New Game Plus. Does this mean you can’t replay BioShock Infinite? Absolutely not! You can certainly play through the game again, and here’s how to approach it for an enjoyable and fresh experience.
Starting a New Game
The most straightforward way to revisit Columbia is to start a new game. When you do this, you’ll begin with nothing – just like your first time playing. While it might seem frustrating at first after experiencing the end game power, there is always a feeling of satisfaction to start new and fresh from zero. This time through, though, you’ll be armed with the knowledge of the game’s world and mechanics, helping you make better decisions and explore every nook and cranny you may have missed before. Starting a new game is an adventure itself.
Strategic Approach to Replays
Even without a New Game Plus, you can make subsequent playthroughs engaging. Try these tips:
- Different Vigor Combinations: There are many combinations of Vigors that can be used in combat. Now, that you’ve finished the game once and have a decent idea about most of the game elements and game-play, explore different vigor combinations and find your new play-style or even try to master a new play-style. For example, you could focus on a more trap-oriented approach with Devil’s Kiss and Undertow. Or you might focus entirely on using Shock Jockey to stun your enemies then finishing them off with the skylines.
- Weapon Choices: Don’t get stuck in the same old routine of weapons. Try out weapons you might have ignored the first time. You might find you enjoy them even more than your old favorites. You can try various combinations of weapons, which will help you in making a new play style of yourself. You might try the handcannon with the shotgun, or you might go for the sniper rifle and volley gun. There are tons of possibilities when it comes to weapons.
- Gear Variations: There are various kinds of gear you can use in BioShock Infinite that give you different abilities or passive boosts. Try out different gears for different scenarios. For example, the gears that increase melee damage may not be useful during a gunfight, but they can be very useful during a close combat scenario. Experimenting with gears can help you become a better player.
- Increased Difficulty: BioShock Infinite offers multiple difficulty options, including ‘Hard’ and ‘1999 Mode.’ A higher difficulty presents a new challenge, forcing you to truly test your skills and make best use of every resource available. Playing in higher difficulty will certainly make the game more fun and challenging.
- Collectibles and Secrets: On your replay, focus on finding all the collectibles, including Voxophones and Infusions. Infusions, especially, are important to collect as they will increase your character’s overall health, salt or shield capacity. On a second playthrough, try to collect everything you missed during the first. This adds a new layer of completion to your playthrough.
Focusing on Story and Details
A new playthrough isn’t just about combat. It’s also a chance to appreciate the story and finer details of BioShock Infinite. Here are some ways to do that:
Understanding the Narrative
BioShock Infinite boasts a very deep story, with many layers. It’s a story with lots of twists and turns, and sometimes it can be hard to understand the first time you play through. This time, pay close attention to the dialogues, the characters’ actions, and the overall environment of Columbia. You might discover hints and connections you missed before. Having understood what you need to pay attention to and focus on, can help you understand the storyline even more.
Character Interactions
BioShock Infinite is not just about Booker DeWitt’s journey but also about the people he interacts with. Take your time to pay more attention to the characters, the way they move, and talk. Characters such as Elizabeth are highly complex. They change through the story as they experience different events. This time, try to understand the characters more.
Environmental Storytelling
Columbia is filled with details that tell a story about its citizens and its history. As you explore, look at the posters, advertisements, and the things that people leave behind. This environmental storytelling adds to the overall narrative and deepens your understanding of the world.
Taking a Break and Returning
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a replay is to take a break between playthroughs. After you’ve finished the game the first time, give it some time. Play other games or do something else that will help you think less about BioShock Infinite. Then when you return, you’ll have a fresher perspective and will approach the game with new enthusiasm. This will allow you to find more new things that you might have missed otherwise.
Alternative Ways to Experience BioShock Infinite
If a second playthrough just doesn’t scratch that itch, there are a few alternative options for revisiting the BioShock Infinite universe:
BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea DLC
This two-part DLC actually creates a bridge between the original BioShock and BioShock Infinite. It brings the characters back to Rapture. Burial at Sea gives the players more story elements to discover and new game-play elements. It is a whole new adventure in an old and beloved setting. If you haven’t played this DLC yet, it is definitely an option for you.
Watching Let’s Plays and Lore Videos
Sometimes, a new approach can be to watch other people’s playthroughs. There are many people on Youtube who play through the entire game, with their own commentary. You might find new things, or you might see how others play the game. You can also watch videos that delve into the lore of BioShock Infinite. This allows you to expand your understanding of the game.
Fan Communities
Joining BioShock Infinite online communities can be a great way to enjoy the game in a different way. Here, you can discuss your experiences with other fans, share your discoveries, and find different interpretations of the story. It’s a great way to connect with others who love the game. This can make you understand the game from a different perspective.
Making the Most of Your Replay
While BioShock Infinite doesn’t have New Game Plus, it offers plenty of reasons to return. By shifting your approach, trying new strategies, and diving into the narrative’s depth, you can make a second, third, or even fourth playthrough just as engaging as the first. Remember, every time you return to Columbia is an opportunity to see the game in a new way, and find something that you might have missed. Enjoy your adventures.
You Didn't Get To Play The REAL BioShock Infinite
Final Thoughts
BioShock Infinite does not feature a traditional New Game Plus mode. Players cannot carry over their upgrades or gear. The game requires a fresh start each playthrough.
Therefore, ‘does bioshock infinite have new game plus’, the simple answer is no. This may disappoint some. But you must experience a fresh start every time.
