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 and Chronological Order:

Unlike some franchises, the Dishonored timeline is straightforward; release order mirrors chronological order. There are no prequels.

• Dishonored (2012)
• The Knife of Dunwall (Dishonored DLC) (2013)
• The Brigmore Witches (Dishonored DLC) (2013)
• Dishonored II (2016)
• Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017)

World Setting:

The Dishonored universe blends steampunk aesthetics with magic. Emperors and empresses rule, with uneasy peace between nations. 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 key element designed by Anton Sokolov. The player takes on the role of Corvo Attano.

Chronological Breakdown (with minor spoilers):

• 1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's assassination frames Corvo, 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, 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, claiming to be the rightful heir. Players control either Corvo or Emily (the other is petrified), battling Delilah in Karnaca.

• 1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former apprentice, rescues him from a 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 DLC is less crucial for Dishonored II, but highly recommended before Death of the Outsider to fully appreciate Billie Lurk's connection to Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition (PS4, Xbox One, PC) includes all DLC.

Starting with Dishonored provides a better grasp of the Outsider's powers and their limitations, making it the easiest starting point.

Main Characters (with major spoilers):

• 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 powers from The Void.
• Daud: Leader of assassins, Jessamine's killer, later regretful.
• Billie Lurk/Meagan Foster: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

This revised guide offers a comprehensive overview of the Dishonored series, ensuring a more enjoyable and less confusing experience for players. (Updated 1/21/25)