Play Dishonored Games Sequentially for Optimal Experience

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 franchises, Dishonored's release order mirrors its chronological timeline. No prequels exist. The recommended play order follows the release dates.

Game 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)

World Setting:

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, a byproduct of supernatural whales, fuels much of the technology, a creation of the ingenious Anton Sokolov. The player assumes the role of Corvo Attano within this unique setting.

Chronological Timeline and Summaries (with minor spoilers):

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

• 1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Players control Daud, Jessamine's assassin, summoned by The Outsider to pursue 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 choose to control either Corvo or Emily, with the other character petrified. The story unfolds in Karnaca.

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

Play 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 conveniently includes all DLC.

Ease of Play:

Starting with Dishonored eases players into the mechanics and powers granted by The Outsider. Following the release order provides a smoother learning curve.

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 by Dishonored II.
• The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting supernatural powers.
• Daud: An assassin who kills Jessamine, later regretting his actions.
• Billie Lurk: Daud's apprentice, the protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

(This article was updated on 1/21/25 to include additional information about the order of the Dishonored games.)