BioShock Infinite follows detective Booker DeWitt as he searches for Elizabeth, a young woman held captive in the floating city of Columbia. The city is divided into factions, with the Founders wanting it only for pure Americans and the Vox Populi believing it should be open to anyone. Booker teams up with Elizabeth, who has mysterious powers that can cause tears in space-time, exposing parallel universes.
The game features similar gameplay mechanics to previous BioShock games. Vigors grant superpowers such as sending crows to attack enemies or charming them into defending you. Booker can also upgrade his gear and use a variety of weapons, including the Sky Hook. The player must collect salt to execute vigors and manage health, salt, and shield bars by using infusions.
The game features unique ways to navigate Columbia's world, such as the Sky Hook, which allows for quick movement along skylines. This provides a new way to escape overwhelming situations or gain a combat edge. The game also includes optional voxophones and kinetoscopes that further the story.