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 for the Dishonored games.

Release Order (also Chronological Order):

The Dishonored timeline is straightforward; the release order mirrors the chronological 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)

World Setting:

Dishonored unfolds in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, where uneasy peace prevails. Magic, connected to The Void and bestowed by The Outsider, exists but isn't dominant. Whale oil, a byproduct of supernatural whales, fuels many inventions, a key element of the world's economy.

Chronological Gameplay and Story Summary (with minor spoilers):

• 1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's assassination frames Corvo Attano, her bodyguard. He escapes with The Outsider's help, aiming to rescue Emily, clear his name, and expose the true assassins amidst a city-wide plague.

• 1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Daud, the empress's assassin, is tasked by The Outsider to hunt the Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.

• 1837 – The Brigmore Witches: Daud's quest continues; he thwarts 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 and investigates the Eyeless cult.

Play Order Recommendations:

While not strictly mandatory, playing Dishonored first enhances understanding of The Outsider and his influence. Playing the DLC before Dishonored II is less crucial, but highly recommended before Death of the Outsider to fully appreciate Billie Lurk's connection to Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition includes all DLC.

Main Characters:

(Significant 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: The empress's assassin, later regretting his actions.
• Billie Lurk: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider.

This revised guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Dishonored series, aiding players in navigating its intricate storyline and gameplay. (Updated 1/21/25)