How To Play the Dishonored Games in Order

The Dishonored series, with titles like 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 game franchises, Dishonored's release order mirrors its chronological timeline. There are no prequels. The ideal playthrough follows the release sequence.

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, where uneasy peace prevails. Magic, connected to The Void and bestowed by The Outsider, exists but isn't ubiquitous. Whale oil, a byproduct of supernatural whales, fuels many inventions, notably those of Anton Sokolov. The player assumes the role of Corvo Attano.

Chronological Breakdown and Summaries (with minor spoilers):

• 1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's assassination frames Corvo Attano. He escapes, aided by The Outsider, 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, 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 action shifts to Karnaca.

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

Playing Order Recommendations:

While not strictly mandatory, playing Dishonored before Dishonored II enhances understanding of The Outsider's influence. Playing the DLC before Death of the Outsider deepens appreciation for Billie Lurk's character arc and her relationship with Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition includes all DLC.

Easiest Playing Order:

Starting with Dishonored and proceeding in release order provides a smoother introduction to gameplay mechanics and the powers granted by The Outsider.

Main Characters (with significant 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 supernatural abilities.

• Daud: Leader of assassins, responsible for Jessamine's death, later showing remorse.

• 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.