BioShock Infinite Platinum Trophy Guide Tackling The Toughest Trophies

Aiming for the platinum trophy in any game is a rewarding challenge, and BioShock Infinite is no exception. This guide will help you navigate the trickiest trophies and offer strategies to secure that coveted platinum. Knowing which trophies require extra attention and how to tackle them will make your platinum journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Difficulty Trophies: 1999 Mode and Higher Than Bird, Higher Than Plane

When pursuing the platinum trophy in BioShock Infinite, two trophies stand out as particularly challenging: 1999 Mode and Higher Than Bird, Higher Than Plane. These trophies test your skills, strategic planning, and resource management. In this section, we will delve into the specifics of each trophy and provide detailed strategies to help you conquer them.

1999 Mode: A True Test of Skill

1999 Mode is the ultimate test for BioShock Infinite players. This difficulty setting transforms the game into a brutal gauntlet where every decision matters. To unlock this trophy, you must complete the game on 1999 Mode. This mode ramps up the difficulty significantly by making enemies tougher, resources scarcer, and strategic planning essential. You cannot simply run and gun your way through encounters; instead, you must carefully consider your loadout, Vigors, and tactics.

One of the most significant changes in 1999 Mode is the cost of resurrection. Dying in this mode is severely penalized; it drains your funds significantly. If you run out of money, the game will reload your last checkpoint, potentially costing you considerable progress. This penalty system forces you to play cautiously and avoid unnecessary risks. It also means you'll need to prioritize your spending, carefully deciding when to purchase upgrades, ammo, or health.

To succeed in 1999 Mode, thoughtful resource management is crucial. Ammunition is limited, and enemies are more resistant to damage, so you can't afford to waste bullets. Scavenge every corner of each area for supplies, and make every shot count. Similarly, Silver Eagles, the game's currency, are scarce, so you must spend them wisely. Focus on upgrading weapons and Vigors that complement your playstyle and are effective against a variety of enemies.

Effective combat in 1999 Mode relies heavily on exploiting enemy weaknesses and utilizing a combination of Vigors and weapons. Experiment with different Vigor combinations to find synergies that work well for you. For example, using Shock Jockey to stun enemies and then following up with a headshot can be highly effective. Likewise, combining Devil's Kiss with Undertow can create deadly traps. Learning enemy attack patterns and behaviors is also essential for survival. Knowing when to take cover, when to flank, and when to retreat can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Upgrading your weapons and Vigors strategically is vital for success in 1999 Mode. Focus on upgrading weapons that you use frequently and that are effective against a variety of enemies. The Carbine, Sniper Rifle, and Shotgun are all excellent choices for their versatility and stopping power. For Vigors, consider upgrading those that provide crowd control or deal significant damage, such as Shock Jockey, Devil's Kiss, and Undertow. Also, don't underestimate the power of Salts upgrades, as they allow you to use Vigors more frequently.

Choosing the right Gear can also provide a significant advantage in 1999 Mode. Gear items offer various passive bonuses, such as increased health, damage, or Vigor effectiveness. Look for Gear that complements your playstyle and helps address your weaknesses. For example, Gear that increases your shield capacity or health regeneration can improve your survivability, while Gear that boosts your weapon damage or Vigor effectiveness can enhance your offensive capabilities. Experiment with different Gear combinations to find what works best for you.

Higher Than Bird, Higher Than Plane: Zipline Master

The Higher Than Bird, Higher Than Plane trophy requires you to kill 30 enemies while riding a Skyline. This trophy is deceptively challenging because it demands precision, timing, and a good understanding of enemy spawn locations. Skylines are fast-moving rails that allow you to traverse large areas quickly, but they also make it difficult to aim and shoot accurately. Successfully earning this trophy requires a specific strategy and a bit of practice.

One of the key strategies for this trophy is to identify the best locations for Skyline combat. Not all Skylines are created equal; some offer better opportunities for engaging enemies than others. Look for areas where enemies are densely packed and the Skyline path allows you to maintain a clear line of sight. Areas with multiple Skylines that intersect or run parallel to each other can also be advantageous, as they allow you to reposition quickly and engage enemies from different angles.

When attempting this trophy, the weapons you choose can significantly impact your success. Weapons with a high rate of fire and good accuracy are generally the best choices for Skyline combat. The Carbine and Machine Gun are excellent options, as they allow you to quickly dispatch enemies while maintaining accuracy. The Shotgun can also be effective at close range, but it requires precise timing and aim. Avoid using weapons with slow fire rates or significant recoil, as they can be difficult to control while moving on a Skyline.

Another crucial tip for this trophy is to learn how to effectively use the Skyline's mechanics to your advantage. You can jump between Skylines, change direction, and even briefly detach from the Skyline to gain a better angle on enemies. Mastering these maneuvers can give you a significant edge in combat. Practice using the jump and detach functions to reposition yourself quickly and avoid enemy fire. Also, pay attention to the Skyline's speed and trajectory, as this will affect your ability to aim and shoot accurately.

Utilizing Vigors can also be a game-changer when attempting the Higher Than Bird, Higher Than Plane trophy. Vigors that provide crowd control or enhance your combat abilities can be particularly useful. For example, Shock Jockey can stun enemies, making them easier to hit, while Charge can allow you to quickly close the distance and deliver a powerful melee attack. Experiment with different Vigor combinations to find what works best for your playstyle and the situation.

Combat Trophies: A Mix of Skill and Strategy

Beyond the difficulty-related trophies, BioShock Infinite features several combat-focused achievements that require a mix of skill, strategic thinking, and creative use of the game's mechanics. These trophies challenge you to dispatch enemies in specific ways, use Vigors effectively, and master the game's unique combat system. In this section, we will explore some of the most notable combat trophies and provide tips and strategies for earning them.

Bon Voyage: Sending Foes Sky-High

The Bon Voyage trophy requires you to kill 20 enemies by knocking them off Columbia. This trophy is relatively straightforward but requires you to be mindful of your environment and utilize abilities that can displace enemies. To earn this trophy, you'll need to find opportunities to push enemies off the floating platforms and into the abyss below. Vigors like Undertow and Bucking Bronco are invaluable for this task, as they allow you to manipulate enemy positions and send them flying.

Undertow is particularly effective for the Bon Voyage trophy. This Vigor allows you to pull enemies towards you or push them away with a powerful blast of water. By positioning yourself near the edge of a platform, you can use Undertow to send enemies tumbling to their doom. Simply aim at an enemy near the edge and use the push function to launch them off the side. Bucking Bronco is another useful Vigor, as it lifts enemies into the air, making them vulnerable to follow-up attacks or, more importantly, a well-aimed push.

When attempting the Bon Voyage trophy, it's crucial to choose your battles wisely. Look for areas with narrow walkways, exposed edges, or platforms with limited cover. These environments provide ample opportunities to knock enemies off the map. Enemies such as Handymen, Motorized Patriots, and Sirens can be challenging to knock off due to their size and strength, so focus on smaller, more vulnerable targets like regular soldiers and Firemen.

Combination Shock: Vigor Synergies

Achieving the Combination Shock trophy in BioShock Infinite requires players to demonstrate a mastery of Vigor combinations. This trophy is earned by using all eight Vigor combinations at least once. It challenges you to experiment with the game's diverse range of Vigors and discover the unique effects that arise when they are used in tandem. Understanding and executing these combinations effectively can significantly enhance your combat prowess and make you a more versatile fighter.

To earn the Combination Shock trophy, you must successfully execute the following Vigor combinations:

• Devil's Kiss + Shock Jockey: Creates a fiery explosion that chains electricity to nearby enemies.
• Devil's Kiss + Undertow: Sets up a fiery trap that explodes when enemies walk into it.
• Devil's Kiss + Winter Blast: Creates an ice patch that explodes when ignited.
• Shock Jockey + Undertow: Electrifies water puddles, shocking enemies who walk through them.
• Shock Jockey + Winter Blast: Creates a frozen area that electrifies enemies within it.
• Bucking Bronco + Charge: Launches enemies into the air and then slams them into the ground.
• Bucking Bronco + Devil's Kiss: Creates floating fire bombs that damage enemies below.
• Undertow + Winter Blast: Freezes enemies in place, making them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

Experimenting with these combinations is not only essential for the trophy but also for mastering the game's combat mechanics. Each combination offers unique tactical advantages, and knowing when and how to use them can turn the tide of battle in your favor. For example, the Devil's Kiss + Shock Jockey combination is excellent for crowd control, while the Bucking Bronco + Charge combination is perfect for dealing burst damage to a single target.

Heartbreaker: Taking Down Handymen

The Heartbreaker trophy challenges players to defeat a Handyman by using only the Heartbreaker Motorized Patriot. This trophy tests your strategic thinking and resource management, as it forces you to rely on a specific enemy type to defeat another formidable foe. Handymen are among the toughest enemies in BioShock Infinite, known for their powerful melee attacks and ability to close distances quickly. Defeating one using only another Motorized Patriot requires careful planning and execution.

To earn the Heartbreaker trophy, you must first encounter a Handyman and a Heartbreaker Motorized Patriot in the same combat area. These encounters are not always common, so you may need to replay certain sections of the game to find the right opportunity. Once you've located a Handyman and a Heartbreaker, the challenge begins. You cannot use any of your weapons, Vigors, or other abilities to damage the Handyman. Your only option is to manipulate the Heartbreaker into attacking its mechanical counterpart.

The key to success with the Heartbreaker trophy lies in positioning and timing. You need to maneuver the Handyman and the Heartbreaker so that they are in close proximity to each other. The Heartbreaker will attack anything that gets too close, including other enemies. By baiting the Handyman into the Heartbreaker's attack range, you can slowly whittle down its health. Use the environment to your advantage, creating obstacles and choke points that force the Handyman to move in predictable patterns.

Collectible Trophies: Scavenger Hunt

Some of the trophies in BioShock Infinite are tied to collecting items scattered throughout the game world. These collectibles add depth to the narrative and provide insights into the world of Columbia. However, they also present a challenge for completionists aiming for the platinum trophy. In this section, we'll discuss the collectible trophies and offer tips for finding them all.

Gearing Up: Finding Gear Items

The Gearing Up trophy requires you to collect all pieces of Gear in the game. Gear items provide passive bonuses that enhance your abilities, such as increased health, damage, or Vigor effectiveness. There are 80 pieces of Gear scattered throughout Columbia, and finding them all can be a time-consuming task. However, with a systematic approach and a bit of diligence, you can add this trophy to your collection.

Gear items are hidden in various locations, including containers, shops, and even on defeated enemies. Some Gear is easily accessible, while others require you to solve puzzles or explore hidden areas. To ensure you don't miss any Gear, it's essential to thoroughly explore each area and check every nook and cranny. Use the environment to your advantage, looking for hidden passages, breakable walls, and areas that seem out of the way.

A valuable tip for finding Gear is to use the scavenger hunt kits that you can purchase from vending machines. These kits highlight the locations of nearby collectibles, including Gear, on your minimap. While they do cost money, they can save you a significant amount of time and effort in the long run. Also, be sure to check shops and vending machines regularly, as they often sell unique Gear items that cannot be found elsewhere.

Sightseer: Discovering Telescopes and Kinetoscopes

The Sightseer trophy requires you to find all telescopes and kinetoscopes in the game. Telescopes and kinetoscopes are interactive devices scattered throughout Columbia that offer glimpses into the city's history, culture, and secrets. They serve as both collectibles and narrative devices, providing additional context and depth to the game's story.

Telescopes and kinetoscopes are typically located in prominent areas with scenic views or historical significance. They are often placed along the main path, but some are hidden in more obscure locations. To ensure you don't miss any, take your time to explore each area thoroughly and keep an eye out for these devices. They are usually marked by a distinct visual cue, such as a glowing light or a unique design.

Using a guide or walkthrough can be helpful for finding all the telescopes and kinetoscopes, especially if you're having trouble locating a particular one. Many online resources provide detailed maps and descriptions of each location, making it easier to track your progress and ensure you don't miss anything. However, try to explore on your own first, as discovering these devices organically can be a rewarding experience.

Story-Related Trophies: Unmissable Achievements

Many of the trophies in BioShock Infinite are tied to story progression, meaning you'll unlock them simply by playing through the game. These trophies serve as milestones in your journey through Columbia and celebrate your progress through the narrative. While they don't require any specific strategies or challenges, they are an integral part of the platinum trophy experience.

The story-related trophies typically unlock after completing specific chapters, defeating major bosses, or making significant choices in the game. They serve as a record of your journey and provide a sense of accomplishment as you progress through the story. You can view the list of story-related trophies in the game's trophy menu to track your progress and see what awaits you in the next chapter.

While the story-related trophies are unmissable, it's still worth being aware of them, especially if you're planning a strategic platinum run. Knowing which trophies are tied to story progression can help you plan your playthrough efficiently and avoid unnecessary backtracking. For example, if you know that a particular trophy unlocks after a certain chapter, you can focus on completing that chapter before tackling other challenges or collectibles.

Conclusion: Mastering Columbia and Earning Your Platinum

Securing the platinum trophy in BioShock Infinite is a testament to your skill, dedication, and mastery of the game's intricate mechanics. By understanding the challenges posed by each trophy and employing effective strategies, you can navigate the floating city of Columbia and unlock its secrets. From the grueling 1999 Mode to the strategic combat scenarios and collectible hunts, each trophy offers a unique experience and a sense of accomplishment.

As you embark on your platinum journey, remember that patience and persistence are key. Some trophies may require multiple attempts, careful planning, or a bit of luck. Don't be discouraged by setbacks, and instead, use them as learning opportunities. Experiment with different strategies, adapt to the game's challenges, and most importantly, enjoy the immersive world and compelling narrative of BioShock Infinite.

With this guide as your companion, you're well-equipped to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. So gear up, prepare your Vigors, and step into Columbia with confidence. The platinum trophy awaits, and with determination and skill, you can claim it as your own. Happy hunting, and may your journey through BioShock Infinite be filled with triumph and discovery.