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 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 uneasy peace prevails. Magic, linked to The Void and bestowed by The Outsider, a mysterious entity, exists but isn't ubiquitous. Whale oil fuels many inventions, highlighting whaling's importance.
Chronological Breakdown & Summaries (with 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, 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: 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, 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 Jessamine's sister and rightful heir. Players control either Corvo or Emily, with the other petrified. The action shifts to Karnaca.
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1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former associate, 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 connection to Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition bundles the DLC.
Ease of Play:
Starting with Dishonored eases players into the mechanics and powers granted by The Outsider.
Main Characters (with major spoilers):
- Corvo Attano: Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
- Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter, a capable fighter and diplomat.
- The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting supernatural abilities.
- 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' optimal playing order.
