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.
Release Order vs. Chronological Order:
Unlike some franchises, the Dishonored timeline is straightforward; release order mirrors chronological order. There are no prequels.
Playing the Games:
- 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 uneasy peace prevails. Magic, linked to The Void (a parallel dimension inhabited by The Outsider), grants supernatural abilities. Whale oil, a byproduct of supernatural whales, fuels many inventions, designed by Anton Sokolov. The player assumes the role of Corvo Attano.
Chronological Breakdown (with Spoilers):
- 1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's assassination frames Corvo, who escapes with The Outsider's help, aiming to rescue Emily, clear his name, and expose the true killers amidst a rat-borne 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, thwarting Delilah's attempt to possess Emily.
- 1852 – Dishonored II: Empress Emily, with Corvo as her protector, faces a new threat: Delilah, claiming to be the rightful heir. The player controls either Corvo or Emily, while the other is petrified.
- 1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former follower, rescues him from the Eyeless cult and investigates their actions.
Play 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 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 by 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.
Playing in release order offers a smoother experience, gradually introducing mechanics and building upon the narrative. The Dishonored games provide a compelling, interconnected story.
(This article was updated on 1/21/25 to include additional information about the order of the Dishonored games.)
