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 franchises, the Dishonored timeline is straightforward. The release order mirrors the chronological order of events. Here's the release order:
- Dishonored (2012)
- The Knife of Dunwall (Dishonored DLC) (2013)
- The Brigmore Witches (Dishonored DLC) (2013)
- Dishonored 2 (2016)
- 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 fuels many inventions, due to its potent properties derived from supernatural whales. Anton Sokolov is a key inventor.
Chronological Gameplay Order & Story Summaries (Minor Spoilers):
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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 city-wide plague.
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1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Playing as Daud (the empress's assassin), summoned by The Outsider, you pursue 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 2: Emily, now empress, faces a new threat: Delilah Copperspoon, claiming to be the rightful heir. You play as either Corvo or Emily (the other is petrified), battling Delilah in Karnaca.
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1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former apprentice, rescues him and investigates the Eyeless cult.
Playing Order Recommendations:
While Dishonored 2 is playable without prior experience, playing the first game enhances understanding of The Outsider's influence. Playing the DLCs before Death of the Outsider provides crucial context for Billie Lurk's character arc. The Dishonored Definitive Edition (PS4, Xbox One, PC) includes all DLC.
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 2.
- The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting powers.
- Daud: An assassin who kills Jessamine, later regretting his actions.
- Billie Lurk: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider.
Playing the games in release order provides the most cohesive and satisfying experience. This guide, updated 1/21/25, offers a comprehensive overview of the Dishonored series.
