BioShock Infinite - 1999 Mode Tips

If you’re reading this then you probably know that 1999 mode is certainly not a walk in the park. If, however, you have no idea what 1999 Mode is then I’ll quickly explain.

This mode is the BioShock Infinite’s version of an ‘Extreme Mode’ and is unlocked following the completion of a single playthrough or by entering the Konami Code (which you won’t find here you cheats).

As a difficulty setting this has been set to test even the most hardcore FPS players.  Fortunately for you reading this, others have already sorted out a few tips for you.

Survival of the Fittest

Survival is obviously key among all else in this playthrough. Some basic things to keep you alive in this mode are:

·         Search everything - 1999 Mode has far fewer resources so make sure you only eat those cakes if you need them now – you can always backtrack and get them later.

·         Conserve your money, and just about everything else unless there is a definite ‘need’ to use one of your items.

·         Using Possession on vending machines allows you to get Silver Eagles.

·         Lockpicks can be used on doors that hide infusions or gear. Lockpicks can also be used to open safes which will give you more money. More money is always good on this difficulty. Although you should usually pick the doors if you are playing on any other mode

·         Abuse your checkpoints - Restarting to a checkpoint may set you back a bit but you may want to in an effort to conserve money. Go into a fight and die a few times as you will anyway. Once you have a feel for it, you'll wonder why you spent $400 on one group of enemies so reset to checkpoint and go kick ass with your new experience and knowledge.

·         Upgrade Health first. The most useful gear takes advantage of this the most so set your infusions accordingly.

Vigorous Life support

·         Learn to know which Vigors work best on each enemy

·         The first Possession upgrade (not ‘Possession for Less’) is an absolute must. The ability to control enemies other than automatons is a major advantage.

·         As mentioned before, you should be getting as many infusions as possible. Focus on salts because the more chances you have to cast Possession, the easier the game will be as let enemies will attack you – always possess the most difficult enemy.

·         Upgrade what you use most (on top of Possession) - You should consider upgrading whichever Vigor fits your play style best. Do not try and upgrade everything!

·         Undertow is the hidden gem - Undertow allows you to pull a distant enemy directly to you. This is extremely useful while fighting speciality enemies such as snipers or flak cannon users which will kill you in one hit.

Weapons are a Boys Best Friend 

·         Always have one mid-range and one long range – I went Carbine and Sniper Rifle as I have a pretty accurate shot but others have sworn by their Shotgun

·         Conserve ammo – if you are firing make sure it hits.

·         Scavenge for ammo - After combat or just throughout exploration be sure to check everything and pick up all ammo you can. Remember ammo is accounted for even if you don't own the gun you pick up ammo for.

·         Upgrading weapons is less expensive than Vigors but still be careful with panic purchasing

Wearing the Best

·         Use gear that involves health

·         Different fights require different strategy and swapping gear to your advantage is a must for getting out of some tough scraps. Example: You may generally use Fleet Feet to avoid enemies easily but you will want to swap it for Handyman Nemesis during a handyman brawls.

Combat Ready

·         There is no shame in hiding – enemies are on the lookout for you but running away or taking pot shots can clear half the enemies in an area before you go head on

·         Lure enemies to you - Since they will find you, it's not a bad idea to isolate an enemy in your hiding space and then take him out with no interference.

·         Aim for critical spots - Hitting critical spots on enemies does the most damage. Another given.

·         Always possess turrets - If you have the salt to, you can't go wrong possessing turrets.

·         Possess enemies, divert attention - Possession is key; by possessing the first enemy you see, they will flush out other enemies so you won’t get flanked in larger areas.

Heavy Hitters

·        Sirens can be cheated by hiding behind the coffin or the vault door respectively. Her minions cannot get to you and you can take pot shots from afar. The siren takes 24 headshots with the sniper rifle to go down on this difficulty

·        Alternative you can kill her minions with Shock Jockey or Devils Kiss which will cause them to disintegrate meaning they cannot be respawned.

·        Handymen are tough so aim for their glowing heart weak spot.

·        The first three Handymen can get stuck in the environment (which is great if you can be bothered to reload checkpoints). Videos of how this is achieved can be found on YouTube but in short the first gets stuck on the roof near Chen-Lin’s shop, the second can get stuck on the stairs and the their can get stuck on the airship.

·        Possess Patriots – especially when they are in pairs so they whittle down each-others health gauges and remember to aim for their backpacks. Also Patriots take damage from electricity to keep an eye out for water.

·        There is one trick to fighting them on the final fight on the Command Deck. By going up to the highest point, you can grab Patriots up to you with Undertow and they will end up stuck there. Doing this prevents them from damaging you or the ship.

If anyone has other ticks to this difficulty please drop a comment in the box below…..