Gene Tonics are special serums made from processed ADAM that insert modified stem cells into the body, allowing for genetic modification and mutation, giving the user what some might call "super powers". In BioShock 2, the player as Subject Delta is able to choose from a vast selection of Tonics to equip. With Tonic Slot upgrades, the player can equip up to eighteen tonics. Tonics can be equipped and mixed in any order up to the maximum number. Most tonics are purchased at Gatherer's Gardens or found throughout the game, the rest can be earned by doing research. Tonics can be swapped at a Gene Bank. Gene Tonic bottles in BioShock 2 glow a bright blue color.
Some Health and EVE are gained after a successful hack.
Location:
Located in a small hole in the wall, accessed by a wooden plank extending off the roof of the Fishbowl Diner in Pauper's Drop, or bought at a Gatherer's Garden.
Increases harvest times for any Little Sister the player's chaperoning, thereby increasing the amount of ADAM they collect by 40.
Location:
Free at any Gatherer's Garden only if the player obtained all stars in the The Protector Trials.
Price:
Free
Mentioned Gene Tonics[]
Animal Magnetism[]
Effect:
Increases the user's charisma and seductory prowess (if male).
Location:
N/A
Price:
Unknown
Anti-TB[]
Effect:
Immunizes the user against tuberculosis.
Location:
N/A
Price:
Unknown
Brain Boost[]
Effect:
Improves the user's thinking capabilities.
Location:
N/A
Price:
Unknown
Hemingway's Helper[]
N/A
Effect:
Cures writer's block and makes the user a better writer.
Location:
N/A
Price:
Unknown, but included with the Sinclair Solution's Tester Pack.
Slim-Down[]
Effect:
Sheds the user's excess fat.
Location:
N/A
Price:
Unknown
ReJuvena[]
Effect:
Tightens skin to reduce wrinkles.
Location:
N/A
Price:
Unknown
Removed Gene Tonics[]
EVE Auto Hack[]
EVE Auto Hack
“
In these frantic times, who has the time to spend hacking? Just spend a little EVE, and you never have to hack again!
”
Effect:
Your hacks automatically succeed, but cost some EVE.
Piercing Damage Over Time[]
Piercing Damage Over Time
“
Leave 'Em Bleeding with our new tonic. When you whack your enemies, they'll keep losing health over time!
”
Effect:
Your physical attacks cause organic enemies to bleed, losing health over time.
Staggering Blow[]
Staggering Blow
“
When you just need a little space, Staggering Blow can help. Hit enemies with your gun butt to knock them back a few steps.
”
Effect:
Causes all your weapons' quick melee attack to knock back enemies into a stagger.
Gatherer Harvest Bonus[]
Gatherer Harvest Bonus
“
Convert ADAM Slugs into additional HEALTH and EVE when harvesting.
”
Effect:
Harvesting a Little Sister grants HEALTH and EVE.
Handyman 2[]
Handyman 2
“
When your security bots take a bullet for you, put them back in to tip-top shape with even less EVE!
”
Effect:
Repair Friendly Bots even more by interacting with them.
Freezing Drill 2[]
Freezing Drill 2
“
Leave your foes out in the cold with Freezing Drill!
”
Effect:
You FREEZE enemies for even LONGER and all DRILL attacks have a larger chance to FREEZE the target.
Medical Expert 2[]
Medical Expert 2
“
With Medical Expert, your First Aid Kits will go farther, healing sickness and injury at a rate you're sure to find astonishing. Don't use a First Aid Kit without your best friend, Medical Expert!
”
Effect:
FIRST AID Kits give you even more HEALTH.
Behind the Scenes[]
In BioShock 2's game files, there is a TonicBasicTraining video. When played, it plays a short version of the Enrage Plasmid's video, except "Tonics" is layered over the "Plasmids" at the start, and it seems to state it is a "PLACEHOLDER" for Tonic use videos. Considering this, one may assume the developers were planning on making the same Plasmid introductory videos for Tonics. This can be seen at Ryan Amusements on a screen in the Hall of The Future. There's no sound and the "Tonics by Ryan Industries" sign does not appear.