Dishonored Saga: Dive into the shadows, uncover the truth

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.

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)

Game World Overview:

Dishonored unfolds in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses. Magic, linked to The Void and bestowed by The Outsider, exists but isn't dominant. Whale oil fuels many inventions, reflecting the importance of whaling in this world. The protagonist, Corvo Attano, navigates this unique setting.

Chronological Breakdown (with minor spoilers):

• 1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine's assassination frames Corvo, leading him on a quest for revenge and justice amidst a city-wide plague.
• 1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Daud, Jessamine's assassin, is tasked by The Outsider to pursue The Brigmore Witches.
• 1837 – The Brigmore Witches: Daud's mission continues, focusing on Delilah Copperspoon's attempt to seize control.
• 1852 – Dishonored II: Empress Emily Kaldwin faces Delilah Copperspoon's claim to the throne, forcing a journey to Karnaca.
• 1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's associate, investigates the Eyeless cult.

Essential Playing Order:

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

Gameplay and Difficulty:

All games share similar mechanics, but starting with Dishonored provides a foundational understanding of The Outsider's powers and their limitations.

Main Characters (with major spoilers):

• Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
• Emily Kaldwin: Jessamine's daughter, a capable leader in Dishonored II.
• The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting supernatural abilities.
• Daud: Jessamine's assassin, later a complex character.
• 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' playing order.