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. There are no prequels. The games should be played in the order they were released.
Playing Order:
- Dishonored (2012)
- The Knife of Dunwall (Dishonored DLC) (2013)
- The Brigmore Witches (Dishonored DLC) (2013)
- Dishonored II (2016)
- Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017)
Game Setting:
Dishonored unfolds in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, where uneasy peace prevails. Magic, linked to The Void (a parallel dimension), is wielded by individuals granted powers by The Outsider, a mysterious entity. Whale oil, derived from supernatural whales, fuels much of the technology, a crucial element of the world's economy.
Chronological Breakdown & Story Summaries (Minor Spoilers):
-
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.
-
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 pursuit continues, revealing Delilah's attempt to possess Emily, which he thwarts.
-
1852 – Dishonored II: Emily, now empress, faces a new threat: Delilah Copperspoon, claiming to be the rightful heir. Players control either Corvo or Emily as they confront Delilah's plot 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. Playing the DLC is beneficial before Death of the Outsider for better comprehension of Billie Lurk's backstory and relationship with Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition conveniently includes all DLC.
Key Characters (Major Spoilers):
- Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
- Emily Kaldwin: Jessamine's daughter, a capable fighter and diplomat in Dishonored II.
- The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting supernatural 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' optimal playing order and key narrative elements.
