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 playing order.

Release Order vs. Chronological Order:

Unlike some franchises, Dishonored's release order mirrors its chronological timeline. No prequels exist.

Playing 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 Breakdown & Story Summaries (Minor Spoilers):

• 1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine is assassinated, and Corvo, her bodyguard, is framed. 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: Players control Daud, Jessamine's assassin, who, guided by The Outsider, hunts 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, claiming to be the rightful heir. Players control either Corvo or Emily, with the other petrified. The story unfolds in Karnaca.

• 1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former apprentice, rescues him from a cult and investigates their activities.

Playing 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 grasp Billie Lurk's backstory. The Dishonored Definitive Edition bundles the DLC.

Ease of Play:

Starting with Dishonored is recommended to understand the mechanics and powers granted by The Outsider.

Main Characters (Major Spoilers):

• Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
• Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter, a capable leader in Dishonored II.
• 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.

This updated guide (1/21/25) provides a comprehensive overview of the Dishonored series and its optimal playing order.