The Dishonored series, with titles like Dishonored: Death of the Outsider and The Brigmore Witches, can be confusing. This guide clarifies the optimal playing 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 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)
World Setting:
Dishonored unfolds in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, where magic, linked to The Void and The Outsider, exists alongside advanced technology fueled by whale oil. Anton Sokolov's inventions are pivotal.
Chronological Breakdown & Story Summaries (Minor Spoilers):
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1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine's assassination frames Corvo, her bodyguard. 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: Daud, Jessamine's assassin, is tasked by The Outsider to hunt the Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.
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1837 – The Brigmore Witches: Daud continues his pursuit, thwarting Delilah's attempt to possess Emily.
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1852 – Dishonored II: Emily, now empress, faces a new threat: Delilah, claiming to be the rightful heir. Players control either Corvo or Emily, with the other petrified. The setting shifts to Karnaca.
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1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former associate, rescues him and investigates the Eyeless cult.
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 fully appreciate Billie Lurk's connection to Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition includes all DLC.
Ease of Play:
Starting with Dishonored provides a better grasp of the Outsider's powers and game mechanics, making it the easiest entry point.
Main Characters:
(Major spoilers ahead)
- Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
- Emily Kaldwin: 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 and 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.)
