Bioshock Guide

Bioshock was one of the first games to use the Art Deco architecture and themes from the 20's, also included many elements from their classic games System Shock 1 & 2. Even today Bioshock can compete graphically with modern games and engines.

But will it run in Linux with all the same graphical capabilities and a playable frame rate?

Follow this step-by-step guide on installing and configuring Bioshock to run in Linux with PlayOnLinux.

Note: This guide applies to the downloaded version of Bioshock. Retail and Steam versions may require additional steps.

To learn more about PlayOnLinux and Wine configuration, see the online manual:
PlayOnLinux Explained


Launch PlayOnLinux

Click the Install button

Search for Bioshock
Click Install

Welcome
Click Next

PlayOnLinux Wizard

Automatically Configuring Wine

Note: PlayOnLinux may automatically download Wine 1.4 and Gecko. I didn't have to because it is already installed on my machine.

DirectX
PlayOnLinux will install the correct version of DirectX for Bioshock

Registering Libraries

Dot NET Framework
PlayOnLinux will install the correct versions of Dot NET Framework

Visual C
PlayOnLinux will install the correct version of Visual C

Installation Method

I downloaded Bioshock from Amazon so I will be using the "setup file" method. If you have the CD ROM, DVD version, or Steam version... use the appropriate option.

Click Next

Select Setup File
Click Browse

Navigate to the "Setup.exe" file where your download resides

Select "Setup.exe"
Click Open

Setup confirmation
Click Next

Note: Before Bioshock Wizard appeared, it was hidden behind a fullscreen image. Try Alt+Tab to maximize it so you can continue.

Installing Bioshock

Installer language
Click Ok

Welcome to Bioshock Setup Wizard
Click Next

License Agreement
Select "I accept the terms..."
Click Next

Install location
Leave the default directory
Click Install

Successful install
Click Next

Complete

Uncheck Show Readme
Click Finish

Note: Usually PlayOnLinux asks you to make a shortcut but it didn't this time, so I didn't include those steps.

Allow PlayOnLinux to finish

Go to PlayOnLinux
Click Configure

Miscellaneous Tab
Click the Mouse warp override menu
Select Enable

Wine Tab
Select Windows Reboot

Close Configure

Launching Bioshock

Select Bioshock
Click Run

Note: Bioshock will launch just fine and default to a resolution of 1024x768. I had problems setting a higher resolution because my Linux desktop resolution was higher. Try setting your desktop resolution first and then match it in Bioshock.

Conclusion:
Bioshock ran beautifully. I was able to change resolutions and crank up the graphics settings with my GeForce 550 Ti. Everything worked in-game also. I could complete quests, find items, use weapons and Adam. If you ever have resolution problems try setting Wine to use a "virtual desktop" and set a basic resolution. Then launch Bioshock and make adjustments to the graphical setting.

Screenshots:

 

Screenshots:

 

Hello! This will suit as my first post ever. I am about to attempt completing this guide coupled with your guide on organizing Steam games. As I'm sure most Steam gamers do, I have a backlog to play through. But I do play them! My plan is to play Bioshock 1 and 2 on easy since they're older. I want to get the story and feel of the first two games, then play Infinite on normal.

 

Well, I can't get the game to work with your method posted here. I am tempted to resort to the PlayOnLinux built-in way of installing Bioshock with its own installation of Steam.

 

Did the script work for you?
I was able to play Bioshock with the above instructions, but Bioshock 2 still doesn't work because of "Games For Windows Live" DRM. I actually tried Bioshock 2 this week with newer Wine 1.7.26 and it still doesn't work.

I have not tried the organizing steam games tutorial. That actually wan't my guide, but a few have reported it does work. Lots of steps to follow, so you may have to try it again.
I don't mind having a separate Steam install for each game. Some games can reside in the same virtual drive if they have the same requirements...
Like Assassin's Creed Brotherhood and Revelations. The both run fine in the same Steam installation in the same virtual drive.

 

Well, I can't get the game to work with your method posted here. I am tempted to resort to the PlayOnLinux built-in way of installing Bioshock with its own installation of Steam.

I did get it to work after more tinkering with the custom PlayOnLinux shortcuts. What was my problem? I had "Bioshock" as the virtual drive reference in the shortcut instead of the true "bioshock." The game worked after that, even launching from within Steam.

Funnily, I also installed the game in Windows 7 afterwards and it wouldn't launch!

 

Well, I can't get the game to work with your method posted here. I am tempted to resort to the PlayOnLinux built-in way of installing Bioshock with its own installation of Steam.

Did the script work for you?
I was able to play Bioshock with the above instructions, but Bioshock 2 still doesn't work because of "Games For Windows Live" DRM. I actually tried Bioshock 2 this week with newer Wine 1.7.26 and it still doesn't work.

I have not tried the organizing steam games tutorial. That actually wan't my guide, but a few have reported it does work. Lots of steps to follow, so you may have to try it again.
I don't mind having a separate Steam install for each game. Some games can reside in the same virtual drive if they have the same requirements...
Like Assassin's Creed Brotherhood and Revelations. The both run fine in the same Steam installation in the same virtual drive.

Its curious in my case works bioshock 1-2 however i have steam version (bioshock 2 works since them added minervas den dlc, with minerva den GFWL has removed*)

*other titles like as ultra street fighter dont have GFWL and capcom announce at begins 2015 GFWL be removed for dead rising 2 and resident evil 5

 

No way! So if you add the DLC for Bioshock 2, the GFWL is patched out? I gotta try that!
Otherwise, I'm waiting for the publisher to release a patch that removed GFWL. I'll keep a watch out for it.

 

Turns out I can activate Bioshock 2 retail on Steam: Bioshock 2
2K then says that I should get Minerva's Den for free since I had previously purchased Bioshock 2.
Trying this over the weekend and will test in Linux again.
Thanks for the tips MrDeathJr!

 

No way! So if you add the DLC for Bioshock 2, the GFWL is patched out? I gotta try that!
Otherwise, I'm waiting for the publisher to release a patch that removed GFWL. I'll keep a watch out for it.

Turns out I can activate Bioshock 2 retail on Steam: Bioshock 2
2K then says that I should get Minerva's Den for free since I had previously purchased Bioshock 2.
Trying this over the weekend and will test in Linux again.
Thanks for the tips MrDeathJr!

Exactly when 2k Games stay working in minervas den, them said when minervas den stay ready GFWL has been removed (free update for team users)

When you test bioshock 2 sometimes crash after 20 to 25 minutes of play (but this can be change depending wine version used and other things)

 

Check it out! I was right! Now I have Bioshock 2 and Minerva's Den in Steam!

 

Yes! Bioshock 2 is working in PlayOnLinux now!
Victory!

I will be testing it some more this weekend and making a video.
Finally! Its taken so long due to Games For Windows Live.
Now that GFWL is patched out in the Steam version, it runs!