The Dishonored series, with titles like Dishonored: Death of the Outsider and The Brigmore Witches, can be confusing. This guide clarifies the optimal play order.
Release Order vs. Chronological Order:
Unlike some game franchises, the Dishonored timeline is straightforward. The release order mirrors the chronological order of events.
Game 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 between nations. Magic, linked to The Void and bestowed by The Outsider, plays a significant role. Whale oil fuels many inventions, highlighting the importance of whaling in this world.
Chronological Breakdown & Story Summaries (Minor Spoilers):
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1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's assassination frames Corvo Attano, her bodyguard. 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: 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, confronting Delilah's attempt to usurp Emily's power.
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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 story unfolds in Karnaca.
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1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former apprentice, rescues him and investigates the Eyeless cult.
Playing Order Recommendations:
While not strictly mandatory, playing Dishonored first provides context for The Outsider's influence. Playing the DLC before Dishonored II isn't essential, but it enhances understanding of Billie Lurk's character in Death of the Outsider. The Dishonored Definitive Edition includes all DLC.
Main Characters:
(Significant spoilers ahead)
- Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
- Emily Kaldwin: Jessamine's daughter, a capable fighter and diplomat.
- 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 and its optimal play order.
