The *Dishonored* series offers an intricate and immersive experience, but with titles like *Dishonored: Death of the Outsider* and *The Brigmore Witches*, it's easy to get lost in the sequence. To help fans navigate this thrilling universe, we've compiled the *Dishonored* games in the order they should be played.
The *Dishonored* series maintains a straightforward timeline where the release order aligns perfectly with the chronological order. Here's how you can dive into the *Dishonored* saga:
To fully appreciate the *Dishonored* series, it's essential to understand its unique setting. The games are set in a Steampunk-inspired world governed by emperors and empresses, where nations maintain a fragile peace. Magic is rare and linked to The Void, a mysterious dimension inhabited by The Outsider, who bestows supernatural abilities on select individuals for reasons unknown.
The technology in this world is powered by whale oil, a substance extracted from supernatural whales. This oil, essential for electricity, fuels the inventions of the brilliant Anton Sokolov, making whaling a crucial industry. As Corvo Attano, players enter this fascinating and perilous world.
Here's a detailed look at where each *Dishonored* game and its DLC fits into the timeline, along with a brief synopsis:
1837 – Dishonored: The series begins with the assassination of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin in Dunwall. Her bodyguard, Corvo Attano, is framed and imprisoned but escapes with The Outsider's aid. Corvo's mission is to rescue Jessamine's daughter, Emily, clear his name, and seek justice amid a plague spread by rats.
1837 – Dishonored DLC The Knife of Dunwall: Players take on the role of Daud, the assassin responsible for Jessamine's death. Summoned by The Outsider, Daud seeks to uncover the plot involving The Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon, a former friend of the empress.
1837 – Dishonored DLC The Brigmore Witches: Daud's journey continues as he discovers Delilah's plan to possess Emily. His mission is to thwart her sinister scheme.
1852 – Dishonored 2: Emily, now grown and empress, faces a new threat with Corvo as her protector. A serial killer is on the loose, and Delilah Copperspoon, claiming to be Jessamine's sister, attempts to seize the throne. Players can choose to play as either Corvo or Emily, who must flee to Karnaca to stop Delilah's plot.
1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, once a follower of Daud, rescues him from the Eyeless cult and delves deeper into their activities.
While not mandatory, playing *Dishonored* first enhances your understanding of The Outsider and his impact on the world, enriching your experience with *Dishonored 2*.
The DLC for *Dishonored* isn't crucial for *Dishonored 2*, but it's highly recommended if you plan to play *Death of the Outsider*. It provides deeper insight into Billie Lurk and her relationship with Daud. The Definitive Edition of *Dishonored*, available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, includes the DLC, which is well worth exploring for its engaging gameplay and narrative.
Starting with *Dishonored* is advisable as it introduces the mechanics and the supernatural powers bestowed by The Outsider. Playing the games in release order provides a smoother learning curve and a more cohesive story experience.
Here are the key figures in the *Dishonored* series:
Corvo Attano: The protagonist of the first game, he serves as Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's Royal Protector and Spymaster, and is the father of Emily Kaldwin.
Emily Kaldwin: Daughter of Corvo and Jessamine, she evolves from a child in the first game to a skilled fighter and diplomat in *Dishonored 2*.
The Outsider: A mysterious entity residing in The Void, he grants supernatural powers to chosen individuals, though his motives remain unclear.
Daud: An assassin empowered by The Outsider, he regrets killing Jessamine and plays a significant role in the DLCs.
Billie Lurk / Meagan Foster: Daud's apprentice and later the protagonist of *Dishonored: Death of the Outsider*, she has a complex relationship with her mentor.
And that's how to play the *Dishonored* games in order, ensuring you experience the full depth and richness of this captivating series.
The above article was updated on 1/21/25 by the original author to include additional information about the order of the Dishonored games.