20 Best Games Like Bioshock That You Should Know Update 05/2024

Games Like Bioshock

After completing the BioShock series, it can be difficult to know what to play next. How could a game ever measure up to this standard of excellence?

When discussing the greatest gaming franchises of all time, BioShock is a definite inclusion. A fresh coat of paint wasn’t necessarily a bad thing for BioShock 2, which was a fun ride through one of the most unique video game cities, Rapture, in its initial outing. The publication of BioShock: Infinite, on the other hand, probably sealed the series’ status as one of the finest video game trilogies of all time.

As a player, it’s reasonable if you’re stumped as to what else you could play that would feel as good as BioShock’s epic trilogy. The top action RPGs that share some of Bioshock’s most impressive features are listed here.

An update by Ritwik Mitra was published on September 7, 2021: In terms of first-person shooters, BioShock is one of the best ever made. A lot of fans are still looking for the next big story-driven action title that can evoke the same emotions as BioShock’s ambiance and narrative to this day. Many BioShock fans will be relieved to learn that there are a number of action role-playing games (RPGs) out there that are eerily similar to the dystopian world of Rapture. In a class all of their own, these games combine story and gameplay in a way that is impossible to resist.

20 We Happy Few

We Happy Few

We Happy Few’s aesthetics and mood have been likened to BioShock’s in the past, and it’s clear why. In fact, these analogies go even further when gamers try out the game for themselves.

With a cheaper price tag, the game has gone a long way from its rough launch. A shame that the story of this game isn’t getting the attention it deserves, because the overall experience is enhanced by it by a wide margin.

19 Mass Effect

Mass Effect’s sci-fi RPG series may not be as atmospheric as BioShock’s, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less compelling. More and more people will be able to enjoy this fantastic trilogy now that the Legendary Edition has been made widely available.

The Mass Effect trilogy is a beloved part of gaming history because of its grandiose tale and unforgettable cast of characters. It’s impossible to get tired of watching Commander Shepard defend the universe in video games, as he is without a doubt one of the best heroes ever.

18 Metro Exodus

For a long time, the Metro series didn’t have a lot of fans, which did a disservice to the game’s incredible brilliance. However, with the release of Metro Exodus, gamers could finally see why so many people had fallen in love with this series.

As a BioShock fan, I’m sure you’ll be familiar with Metro Exodus’ dread-inducing atmosphere and gameplay style. If you’ve had enough of Frank Fontaine and Andrew Ryan, this is a no-brainer recommendation for you.

17 Singularity

Singularity

Singularity must be included on any list of unappreciated and underrated first-person shooters. Although this game was full of spooky atmosphere and incredible time-bending powers, it was unable to break into the mainstream gaming market.

Despite its flaws, Singularity is a must-have for everyone who enjoys high-quality first-person shooters. Renko’s use of the Time Manipulation Device never gets old, since he can use it to annihilate every enemy that stands in his way.

16 DOOM Eternal

While the visuals of DOOM Eternal may be less beautiful than Bioshock’s, the gameplay is just as thrilling. Players can go on a demon-slaying rampage full of exciting executions by using numerous power-ups and fantastic weapons.

With a first-person perspective like BioShock, gamers are able to immerse themselves in the vibrant and compelling environment of the game. Cool surprises and hot riches can be found in every level’s corners, making every second of exploration worthwhile.

15 Horizon Zero Dawn

In terms of gameplay, Horizon Zero Dawn has a lot to offer BioShock fans, including an interesting take on open-world fighting with enormous, animalistic robot adversaries and a breathtaking scenery with a variety of topography.

At a time when technology was supposed to be improving the world, it instead led to a deterioration in human civilisation. This is similar to Rapture in the first BioShock, where people suffer rather than benefit from technological advances. Horizon has a wealth of interesting knowledge dispersed around the planet, which helps to paint a picture of the events that led to the current state of the world and its inhabitants.

14 Mad Max

mad max

Characteristics that distinguish a post-apocalyptic setting from the rest of the genre’s generic wastelands and undead are essential. Mad Max is a gaming franchise that pushes the envelope in a genre that has become increasingly stagnant. As in the BioShock series, players must choose between a god and a prophet in this universe, where vehicles are gods and drivers proclaim their own brand of freedom or dominion.

In a hostile desert full of psychotic intruders, the player is forced to engage the enemy with firearms of their own making, oftentimes destroying them with their own ammunition. By giving players access to the same kinds of vehicles and abilities as their opponents, the game’s world and gameplay are brought together in a seamless whole. Players will feel like actual road warriors after a short period of eliminating adversaries and driving over broken pavement, similar to how using plasmids in Bioshock and BioShock 2 makes players feel like an underwater powerhouse.

13 Batman: Arkham City

In Batman: Arkham City, the dynamic and enticing metropolitan landscapes of Rapture and Columbia will be a welcome change of pace. Amidst the filthy streets, there is a great deal to see and do. Secrets and puzzles, which further immerse the player in an immersive and well-written universe, are also a benefit to exploration.

While it’s rewarding to take down crooks as the best detective in the world, doing so as a hero who cleans the streets of filth is much better. Gamers have access to a wide variety of weapons and abilities that they can use to battle crime and anarchy.

12 Divinity: Original Sin 2

Action RPGs rarely use the synergy of powers, despite the fact that it’s an excellent addition to any combat system’s complexity. Using a wide variety of plasmids, tonics, and weaponry, BioShock gamers can create outrageously effective offensive strategy.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a great option for strategy-crafters searching for a game that fosters this type of gaming. There are several ways to enhance one’s own talents in combat, including combining the abilities of multiple characters and combining elemental spells. It’s a vibrant environment that has a lot to see and discover outside of combat.

11 Deus Ex

Deus Ex Mankind Divided

It is widely considered to be one of the most groundbreaking games of all time, especially due to the fact that it is one of the first games to create an interactive universe with real consequences for the player’s actions.

Deus Ex has a lot to offer someone who enjoys BioShock-style atmospheric storytelling. A beginner will have an easier time getting used to the game thanks to the timeless gameplay and a few mods.

10 System Shock 2

System Shock 2 is one of the most well-known and revered immersive simulations of all time. System Shock 2 is more than just SHODAN, the game’s famed AI enemy.

BioShock fans will be right at home with the tight gameplay, great level design, and gloomy atmosphere.

9 Thief II: The Metal Age

Almost everybody who enjoys an immersive role-playing game will agree that the Thief series is a must-have. When you’re put in Garrett’s shoes, you’re tasked with stealing as much treasure as you can in order to get out of the game as quickly as possible.

For those who enjoy the Thief series, there are a number of immersive sims you may play.

The original game in the series, Thief, is a solid offering on its own, but Thief II: The Metal Age elevates the series to a new level. There’s no reason to believe that the series as a whole is doomed, despite the fact that the last game in the series was a complete failure.

8 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl

With a small but loud fanbase extolling the virtues of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, the gaming community has overlooked this underappreciated gem.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl is the greatest place to begin, as it allows players to experience the creative apex of the series before it becomes more technically advanced but loses some of its appeal.

7 Wolfenstein: The New Order

New and current Wolfenstein games received a lukewarm reception at best following the series’ peak, making it difficult for the series to recover. Wolfenstein: The New Order, on the other hand, changed all of this.

Many fans hailed B.J. Blazkowicz’s return as a triumphant return to form, and the storyline proved to be a pleasant surprise within the whole package. A real Wolfenstein had to have outstanding gunplay and high-octane firefights to set the setting for the new era of the series, and happily, this game provided all of those qualities.

6 Vampire: the Masquerade — Bloodlines

Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines is an obvious choice when discussing action RPGs like BioShock. Even minor gameplay hiccups won’t detract from the overall quality of the game, until the company ran out of time and money in the end.

However, Bloodlines is still a fantastic game, and there’s a reason why fans are so excited about the upcoming sequel… even if it doesn’t appear to be all that exciting.

5 Far Cry 3

Far Cry 3

Far Cry 3 is one of Ubisoft’s best games, and it has a villain who may go down in gaming history as one of the most iconic.

Playing this game would be a good idea for anyone who enjoys a good dose of first-person fighting and a good dose of exploring.

4 Dead Space

One of the scariest and most atmospheric games on this list, Dead Space would fit right in with BioShock’s aesthetic. You can’t go wrong with Isaac Clarke in the first game; it’s one of the most terrifying experiences you can have while playing a video game.

The initial Dead Space is closer to the BioShock series’ ethos than the later games, which compromise the claustrophobic atmosphere for better action.

3 Fallout: New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas is without a doubt one of the best role-playing games available. In spite of Obsidian Entertainment’s numerous technical difficulties, they nevertheless managed to produce one of the best RPGs ever made, although one that was plagued by glitches at launch.

With a few tweaks and fixes, New Vegas is transformed into a thrilling ride that exhibits the best that role-playing games can offer.

2 Dishonored 2

Dishonored 2

A list of BioShock-inspired action RPGs has to include Arkane Studios, and the fact that this is not the first time Arkane Studios has appeared on the list is likely not particularly unexpected.

Dishonored was already a wonderful game, but with Dishonored 2, the developers wanted to up the ante even further. This game has everything it takes to be considered one of the most immersive simulators ever developed, from its precise controls to its stunning levels.

1 Prey

In the best conceivable way, the second Arkane Studios title on this list is a reboot of a series. Prey is without a doubt one of the best-looking and most atmospheric games on this list.

As they travel through the Talos I Space Station, which is as hauntingly beautiful as the underwater city, one cannot not but have flashbacks of Rapture. It’s a fantastic game that exemplifies the best of Arkane Studios.