BioShock 4: Is Antarctica the Next Rapture?

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So far, there’s been no official information about BioShock 4, but a persistent theory suggests it might be set in Antarctica. If this is true, it would distinguish it from its earlier games and introduce a fresh dystopia to the series’ lore, rather than revisiting Columbia from BioShock Infinite or the original Rapture that made the franchise famous.

There are many perspectives one might take when considering this creative choice, but it’s clear that moving to a fresh location would open up new opportunities for gameplay and storytelling. To date, the BioShock series has focused on extreme environments, such as the underwater locales of the first two games and the cloud-high setting of Infinite. If BioShick 4 were to adopt a more ordinary setting, like one set in the mountains or forests, it might seem too ordinary compared to its predecessors. An Antarctic setting, however, could maintain the series’ tradition of delving into the unknown without rehashing old territories, and it could prove an intriguing evolution of the franchise’s diverse settings.

How BioShock 4’s Antarctic Setting Could Play with Ideas Introduced by Rapture

Rapture Is Divorced from the Real World

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but be captivated by Rapture’s striking beauty, yet it’s not just aesthetics that hold my attention; its profound and relatable themes are a draw as well. Andrew Ryan conceived Rapture as an escape from what he saw as oppressive government control on land, yearning for the farthest reach of human settlement in pursuit of personal liberties. However, the ocean floor was never intended to be our home, and Ryan’s ambition to claim it reflects his overweening ego and arrogance: he thought he could establish his domain wherever he pleased, severing ties with the rest of humanity in the process.

Furthermore, the built-in fear of confinement in Rapture symbolizes the risks of extreme individualism. “Every man for himself” is a solitary and desolate belief system to live and die by. Despite Ryan inviting those he deemed suitable to inhabit his underwater metropolis, the hostility shown by him and his followers toward any idea of unity, along with their rejection of concepts of a higher power, significantly contributed to Rapture’s collapse. This dogmatic mindset is mirrored in Rapture’s cramped corridors and the restrictions imposed by its surrounding watery expanse.

Comstock, in a display of excessive self-confidence, tried to separate Columbia from the wider world. Despite his motivation being rooted in spirituality and a desire to be nearer to the divine, symbolized by the city’s elevated location, this action can still be seen as arrogant.

BioShock 4’s Setting Could Be Just as Isolating and Claustrophobic as Rapture

Living in Antarctica entails making numerous concessions, and some of the earliest benefits that may be compromised include fresh air and ample space to move around. Given its harsh climate, it’s plausible that any significant settlement would likely need to be underground, much like Rapture. Instead of cohabiting with marine life deep beneath the ocean surface, inhabitants of this Antarctic city would find themselves confined, similar to moles, beneath layers of frozen soil.

From a thematic perspective, this environment could symbolize various ideas such as ignorance, indifference, and devolution. Practically speaking, the suffocating and secretive nature of this city would echo Rapture, as players would once again find themselves navigating tight corridors. Unlike the deceptively beautiful city of Columbia, there’s no going back here. The claustrophobia could be alleviated with occasional escapes to open spaces above ground or even under the icy waters off Antarctica, adding a fresh twist to the layout of older BioShock games.

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2025-03-14 22:55