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:
Dishonored unfolds in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, where magic, linked to The Void and The Outsider, coexists with advanced technology fueled by whale oil. Anton Sokolov's inventions are central to this oil-based society.
Chronological Breakdown & Story Summaries (Minor Spoilers):
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1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine's assassination frames Corvo, 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.
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1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Daud, the empress's assassin, is tasked by The Outsider to hunt the Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.
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1837 – The Brigmore Witches: Daud's pursuit continues, revealing Delilah's attempt to possess Emily, which he must thwart.
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1852 – Dishonored II: Emily, now empress, faces a new threat: Delilah, claiming to be the rightful heir. You play as 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 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 and his influence. Playing the DLC before Death of the Outsider provides crucial context for Billie Lurk's character arc and her relationship with Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition includes all DLC.
Ease of Play:
Starting with Dishonored provides a smoother introduction to the game's mechanics and The Outsider's powers.
Main Characters (Major Spoilers):
- Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
- Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and 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, the protagonist of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider.
This updated guide (1/21/25) provides a comprehensive overview of the Dishonored series and its optimal playing order.
