In the deep layers of BioShock Infinite’s storytelling, a number of clever secrets and side discoveries await those willing to dig deeper into Columbia. Among these are the red-colored Tears that reveal unexpected pop culture moments, and the cryptic Vox Ciphers, which, when paired with their corresponding code books, reward the player with powerful infusions, story context, and additional loot. This guide walks you through how to find each red Tear and every Vox Cipher + Code Book combo currently known.
Red Tear #1 – Memorial Gardens
The first red Tear can be found during the Memorial Gardens chapter. It’s best to seek this out after completing the ghost fight in the area (to avoid interruptions). From the main area, head left, then quickly turn right. You’ll find a building near a sparking waterfall-like effect. Wait for the structure to lower—its floating position causes it to drift—and jump aboard.
Inside, the Tear plays a few seconds of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper, giving a surreal pop culture nod. You’ll also find an audio journal from Jeremiah Fink explaining how Columbia’s leaders have peered into other dimensions through Tears to cherry-pick art and knowledge. It’s a meta-layer of commentary that hints at how deeply integrated these Tears are in Columbia’s twisted development.
Red Tear #2 – Plaza of Zeal
Head to the Plaza of Zeal, about halfway through the game. This area is loaded with enemies, so consider clearing it out beforehand. Make your way through the gates and either ascend the stairs or take the lower path. Continue through until you locate the red Tear near a side area.
This one cues Creedence Clearwater Revival, playing one of their iconic tracks. Elizabeth even breaks the fourth wall slightly, noting how unlikely it is anyone from Columbia would recognize the song. It’s a moment of levity, but also a hint of the multiverse themes that permeate the narrative.
Vox Cipher #1 + Code Book – Hall of Heroes
After clearing the Hall of Heroes, exit and return to the surrounding plaza. Locate the Tickets building—inside, you’ll find a code book resting on the barrel of a cannon. Then, turn directly around and enter the bar across the street.
Inside the bar, Elizabeth will comment on searching for supplies. Locate the Vox Cipher in the next room and wait for Elizabeth to decipher it. The hint—“Tip the hat”—relates to a coat rack in the adjacent room. Interacting with the hat activates a secret mechanism that opens a hidden room. Inside you’ll find loot, weapons, and an infusion. Shield infusions are often the best investment early game, as the shield regenerates, unlike health or salts.
Vox Cipher #2 + Code Book – Good Time Club
The Good Time Club is located in Finkton and contains one of the more extensive combat sequences. After clearing out the enemies, proceed into the back rooms. Head down the Employees Only hallway and locate the code book resting on a Chen Lin flyer.
Once you have the book, exit back to the Plaza of Zeal and travel across the area to a building with a large clock inside. You’ll need a lockpick for the door. Once inside, Elizabeth will prompt you to set the clock to midnight. Doing so opens another secret room with an infusion and audio log.
This particular audio log touches on themes of betrayal and disillusionment. A soldier who once believed in Columbia’s ideals begins questioning the morality of its leadership—a small but powerful story nugget.
Vox Cipher #3 + Code Book – Bank of the Prophet
After defeating the boss in the Bank of the Prophet, ride the elevator back down and exit to the main street. Turn left at the Market District sign and continue straight until you reach a dress shop.
Inside, the code book will be lying on the ground near the entrance (if not already collected). Return to the bank and head upstairs to a back hallway. There, a large red-painted word—HOARDER—marks the location of the cipher.
Once deciphered, the “code” is revealed to be simply “VOX”—a not-so-clever password, but fittingly blunt for Columbia’s resistance movement. Input the code on a nearby typewriter to unlock a stash containing another infusion, some money, and another revealing audio log.
This log—brimming with criticism—denounces Comstock’s deification and frames the Vox uprising as not merely rebellion, but a cry for dignity and truth.
Closing Notes – A World Behind the Curtain
Between the nostalgic music, hidden loot, and revealing audio recordings, the red Tears and Vox Ciphers are more than collectibles—they’re narrative tools. They offer insight into the game’s larger multiverse narrative, enrich Columbia’s socio-political undercurrents, and give players meaningful rewards for their curiosity.
While only three Vox Cipher/code book combinations have been discovered so far, it’s likely more secrets remain buried within the floating city. If you come across a new one, keep exploring and share what you find—Columbia always has more to say for those who are willing to listen.
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