In the BioShock 2 Multiplayer, the player gradually builds up an arsenal of powerful weapons. Two of them are available from the start, while the rest are progressively unlocked as the player progresses through the Ranks. They are wielded simultaneously with Plasmids, and can be upgraded after reaching a certain level. Players will have different melee weapons depending on the character chosen, the difference being purely cosmetic. As the player advances through the ranks, they will be able to widen this selection. These weapons can be upgraded, but only one upgrade can be fitted at a time to the weapon. Also, unlike in the main game, these upgrades also reduce one of the weapons' other characteristics (for example, the Crossbow's Piercing Shot Upgrade allows bolts to pierce through enemie