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 many game series, Dishonored's release order mirrors its chronological timeline. No prequels exist.
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)
The World of Dishonored:
The Dishonored universe is a steampunk setting ruled by emperors and empresses, with a fragile peace maintained between nations. Magic, connected to The Void (a parallel dimension inhabited by The Outsider), grants supernatural abilities. Whale oil, a potent energy source derived from supernatural whales, fuels many inventions, primarily designed by Anton Sokolov. The player assumes the role of Corvo Attano within this world.
Chronological Timeline and Game Summaries (with minor spoilers):
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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.
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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 continues his quest, 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. The player controls either Corvo or Emily, while the other is petrified. The story 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 not strictly mandatory, playing Dishonored before Dishonored II enhances understanding of The Outsider's 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.
Main Characters:
- 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 and the protagonist of Death of the Outsider.
This updated guide (1/21/25) ensures a comprehensive understanding of the Dishonored timeline and playing order.
