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 game franchises, Dishonored's release order mirrors its chronological timeline. There are no prequels.
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)
World Setting:
The Dishonored universe is a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, characterized by uneasy peace and a unique magic system linked to The Void and The Outsider, a mysterious entity who grants supernatural abilities. Whale oil fuels much of the technology, devised by Anton Sokolov, highlighting the importance of whaling in this world.
Chronological Breakdown & Summaries (with minor spoilers):
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1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's assassination frames Corvo Attano, her bodyguard. He escapes with The Outsider's help, aiming to rescue Emily, clear his name, and expose the true assassins amidst a city-wide plague.
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1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Players control Daud, Jessamine's assassin, tasked by The Outsider to hunt the Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.
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1837 – The Brigmore Witches: Daud's quest continues, focusing on thwarting Delilah's attempt to possess Emily.
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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 game unfolds in Karnaca.
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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 Dishonored II is playable without prior experience, playing the first game enhances understanding of The Outsider and his influence. Playing the DLC is beneficial before Death of the Outsider to fully grasp Billie Lurk's connection to Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition includes all DLC.
Main Characters:
- Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
- Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter, becoming a capable leader.
- 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.
Starting with Dishonored and following the release order provides the best understanding of the game mechanics and narrative. This article was updated on 1/21/25.
