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, the Dishonored timeline is straightforward. The release order mirrors the chronological order of events.
Playing the Games in Release Order:
- Dishonored (2012)
- The Knife of Dunwall (Dishonored DLC) (2013)
- The Brigmore Witches (Dishonored DLC) (2013)
- Dishonored II (2016)
- Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017)
The World of Dishonored: A Quick Overview
Dishonored unfolds in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, where uneasy peace prevails. Magic, linked to The Void and bestowed by The Outsider, exists but isn't dominant. Whale oil, a byproduct of supernatural whales, fuels many inventions, notably those of Anton Sokolov. The player assumes the role of Corvo Attano.
Chronological Timeline and Game Summaries (Minor Spoilers):
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1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's assassination frames Corvo Attano. He escapes, aided by The Outsider, to rescue Emily, clear his name, and expose the true assassins amidst a city-wide plague.
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1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Players control Daud, Jessamine's assassin, tasked by The Outsider to hunt the Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.
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1837 – The Brigmore Witches: Daud's quest continues, thwarting Delilah's attempt to possess Emily.
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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 action shifts to Karnaca.
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1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former apprentice, rescues him from the Eyeless 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 DLC is less crucial for Dishonored II, but highly recommended before Death of the Outsider to appreciate Billie Lurk's backstory. The Dishonored Definitive Edition includes all DLC.
Ease of Play:
Starting with Dishonored eases players into the mechanics and powers granted by The Outsider. Release order is the most straightforward approach.
Main Characters:
(Major 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 in Dishonored II.
- The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting supernatural abilities.
- Daud: An assassin who kills Jessamine, later regretting his actions.
- Billie Lurk: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider.
(This article was updated on 1/21/25 to include additional information about the order of the Dishonored games.)
