How To Play the Dishonored Games in Order

The Dishonored series, with titles like Death of the Outsider and The Brigmore Witches, can be confusing. This guide clarifies the optimal playing order for the Dishonored games.

Release Order and Chronological Order:

Unlike some game franchises, the Dishonored timeline is straightforward. The release order mirrors the chronological order of events. Here's the recommended playthrough:

1. Dishonored (2012)
2. The Knife of Dunwall (Dishonored DLC) (2013)
3. The Brigmore Witches (Dishonored DLC) (2013)
4. Dishonored II (2016)
5. Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017)

World Overview:

Dishonored unfolds in a Steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses. Magic, connected to The Void and bestowed by The Outsider, exists but isn't ubiquitous. Whale oil, a byproduct of supernatural whales, fuels much of the technology, a key element of the setting. The genius inventor Anton Sokolov plays a significant role.

Chronological Breakdown (with minor spoilers):

• 1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's assassination frames Corvo Attano, her bodyguard. He escapes, aided by The Outsider, to rescue Emily, Jessamine's daughter, clear his name, and expose the true assassins amidst a city-wide plague.

• 1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Players control Daud, the empress's assassin, tasked by The Outsider to hunt the Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.

• 1837 – The Brigmore Witches: Daud's quest continues, confronting Delilah's attempt to possess Emily.

• 1852 – Dishonored II: Emily, now empress, faces a new threat: Delilah Copperspoon, claiming to be the rightful heir. Players control either Corvo or Emily, with the other petrified. The story unfolds in Karnaca.

• 1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former apprentice, rescues him from a cult and investigates their activities.

Playing Order Recommendations:

While Dishonored II is playable without prior experience, playing the first game enhances understanding of The Outsider's influence. The DLC is less crucial for Dishonored II, but highly recommended before Death of the Outsider to fully appreciate Billie Lurk's backstory and connection to Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition includes all DLC.

Ease of Play:

Starting with Dishonored provides a smoother introduction to the game mechanics and The Outsider's powers. However, all games offer a similar gameplay experience.

Main Characters:

(Significant spoilers ahead)

• Corvo Attano: Jessamine Kaldwin's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
• Emily Kaldwin: Jessamine's daughter, a capable fighter and diplomat in Dishonored II.
• The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting supernatural abilities.
• Daud: Leader of assassins, responsible for Jessamine's death.
• Billie Lurk: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

This updated guide (1/21/25) provides a comprehensive overview of the Dishonored series and its optimal playing order.