Play Dishonored Games: Optimal Order Revealed

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 ideal play order is simply the release order.

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)

The Dishonored World:

The Dishonored universe is a steampunk setting ruled by emperors and empresses, with uneasy peace between nations. Magic, linked to The Void (a parallel dimension), exists but isn't omnipresent. The Outsider, The Void's inhabitant, grants supernatural abilities, his motives remaining enigmatic. Whale oil, a byproduct of supernatural whales, fuels many inventions, devised largely by Anton Sokolov.

Chronological Breakdown & Summaries (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 rat-borne plague.

• 1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Players control Daud, Jessamine's assassin, summoned by The Outsider. He embarks on a quest involving 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 apprentice, rescues him from the Eyeless cult and investigates their activities.

Essential Play Order Considerations:

• Dishonored before Dishonored II: While not strictly mandatory, playing Dishonored first provides context for The Outsider and his influence.

• DLC before Death of the Outsider: Playing the DLC enhances understanding of Billie Lurk and her relationship with Daud.

The Dishonored Definitive Edition (PS4, Xbox One, PC) includes all DLC. The DLC offers significant gameplay and narrative value.

Easiest Play Order:

Starting with Dishonored and following the release order is recommended for understanding the mechanics and power system granted by The Outsider.

Main Characters (Major Spoilers):

• Corvo Attano: Jessamine Kaldwin's protector, lover, and Emily's father.

• Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter, a capable fighter and diplomat in Dishonored II.

• The Outsider: A mysterious being granting powers.

• Daud: An assassin who kills Jessamine, later regretting his actions.

• Billie Lurk: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

(Article updated 1/21/25)