BioShock 2: Hacking bioshock2 Guide

Last update: 22 May 2022

On this page of our guide to BioShock 2 you will find a detailed explanation of the mini hacking game. Our guide explains all the assumptions of this mini-game, which is significantly different from the hacking system available in the first part of BioShock. We provide information on what each color on the hacking screens means, what type of device can be hacked, and what can be achieved in this way.

• How to hack a device correctly? - basic assumptions of the mini-game
• How do I start hacking the camera and turret?
• What types of devices can be hacked?

How to hack a device correctly? - basic assumptions of the mini-game

Hacking is a small mini-game launched by approaching a given machine or remotely, by using the Hack Tool. The first noticeable difference from the first game is that hacking doesn't pause the game. Because of that, you will have to split your attention between the moving needle and enemies, if there are any nearby.

There are four different fields (with various results of stopping the needle on them) through which the needle moves:

No colour - the mini-game will be stopped and you'll receive some damage. It's not very harmful, but you better check out your health after failing a couple times.

Red colour - stops the hack and additionally starts an alarm. If there's a Bot Shutdown panel anywhere near, use it to easily get rid of them.

Green colour - the hack will end in success (which additionally end the alarm started by the machine) or move to the next level.

Blue colour - you also succeed (or move on) and additionally receive a small bonus. Check out the table at the end of the chapter for more info.

The last element worth mentioning is the window with numbers at the bottom of the hack panel. Each time the needle bounces off a wall, the number will lower by one. Once it reaches zero - the hacking will be stopped and you will have to start again from the beginning.

How do I start hacking the camera and turret?

	Hacking cameras isn't very complicated. Try to stay undetected (use Electro Bolt in case of emergency) and stand directly under the device. If you cannot reach the camera, just jump. Try not to waste Darts on hacking cameras, it's best to keep them for turrets surrounded by enemies. As the difficulty of the hack probably won't be too high, the camera should be friendly after a couple seconds.
	When hacking the turrets, you can use the Electro Bolt plasmid, which will neutralize the device. This will give you more time to take control over it. The alternative is to use Dart, which will allow for remote hacking. But let's keep in mind that you'll probably have to take cover from the turret fire.

What types of devices can be hacked?

While hacking turrets, make use of the Electro Bolt Plasmid, which will stun the device, giving you time to hack it. Alternatively you can use a Hack Dart but keep in mind that you will probably have to hide from the turret's fire, as hacking doesn't stop it from shooting.

HACKED OBJECT	SUCCEEDING WITH A BLUE FIELD
Health Station	A free First Aid Kit.
Security Bot	The Security Bot will inflict higher damage.
Security Camera	An enemy-triggered alarm will last longer.
Safe	Opening the safe will give you additional cash.
Turret	Increases the damage done by the turret.
Vending Machine	A free random item.