How To Play the Dishonored Games in Order

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

Release Order vs. Chronological Order:

Unlike some game franchises, Dishonored's release order mirrors its chronological timeline. No prequels exist. The ideal playthrough follows the release sequence.

Playing the Games in Release Order:

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)

The World of Dishonored:

Dishonored unfolds in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, where uneasy peace prevails. Magic, linked to The Void (a parallel dimension inhabited by The Outsider), grants supernatural abilities. Whale oil, derived from supernatural whales, fuels many inventions, a key element of the world's economy.

Chronological Timeline and Game Summaries (with minor spoilers):

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

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

• 1837 – The Brigmore Witches: Daud's quest continues, thwarting 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 game unfolds in Karnaca.

• 1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former follower, 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 DLCs are less crucial for Dishonored II, but highly recommended before Death of the Outsider to grasp Billie Lurk's connection to Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition (PS4, Xbox One, PC) includes all DLC.

Ease of Play:

Starting with Dishonored eases the transition into the series' mechanics and powers.

Main Characters:

(Significant spoilers ahead)

• Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
• Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter, a capable fighter and diplomat.
• The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting powers.
• Daud: An assassin who kills Jessamine, later regretting his actions.
• Billie Lurk: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

This updated guide (1/21/25) ensures a comprehensive understanding of the Dishonored series' narrative and gameplay.