How To Play the Dishonored Games in Order

The Dishonored series, with titles like Dishonored: Death of the Outsider and The Brigmore Witches, can be a bit confusing. To clarify, here's the Dishonored game order.

Dishonored Games in Release Order

Unlike some game series, Dishonored's timeline is straightforward. There are no prequels, so the release order is also the chronological order. Here's the ideal play 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 games unfold in a steampunk-inspired world ruled by emperors and empresses, existing in a state of uneasy peace. Magic, connected to The Void—a mysterious parallel dimension inhabited by The Outsider—exists but isn't ubiquitous. The Outsider grants supernatural abilities, his motives remaining enigmatic. Many inventions run on whale oil, a resource crucial due to its potent properties derived from the supernatural nature of whales themselves, thanks to the ingenuity of Anton Sokolov. You'll experience this world as Corvo Attano.

Dishonored Timeline in Chronological Order

Here's a chronological breakdown of each game and DLC, including brief summaries (with minor spoilers):

1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin is assassinated in Dunwall. Corvo Attano, her bodyguard, is framed and imprisoned. He escapes with The Outsider's help, aiming to rescue Emily, clear his name, and expose the true assassins amidst a city-wide rat plague.

1837 – Dishonored DLC The Knife of Dunwall: Playing as Daud, the empress's assassin, summoned by The Outsider, you embark on a quest to track down The Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.

1837 – Dishonored DLC The Brigmore Witches: Daud's quest continues, revealing Delilah's attempt to possess Emily, which Daud must thwart.

1852 – Dishonored 2: Emily, now empress, with Corvo as her protector, faces a new threat: Delilah Copperspoon, claiming to be the rightful heir. You play as either Corvo or Emily (the other is petrified), traveling to Karnaca to counter Delilah's plot. Supernatural powers are optional in this installment.

1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former apprentice, rescues him from the Eyeless cult and investigates their activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need to Play Dishonored Before Dishonored 2?

While not strictly mandatory, playing the first game enhances your understanding of The Outsider and his influence, enriching your experience of the sequel.

Do You Need to Play Dishonored's DLC Before Dishonored 2?

The DLC is less crucial for Dishonored 2 but recommended if you plan to play Death of the Outsider, as it provides essential context for Billie Lurk and her relationship with Daud.

Is There an Easier Order to Play the Games?

Starting with Dishonored allows you to grasp the mechanics and powers granted by The Outsider, making it a slightly easier starting point.

Main Characters in the Dishonored Series

(Note: Spoilers ahead!)

Corvo Attano: Jessamine Kaldwin's Royal Protector, Spymaster, lover, and father of Emily.

Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter, evolving from a child to a capable leader.

The Outsider: A mysterious entity dwelling in The Void, granting powers.

Daud: An assassin who kills Jessamine, later regretting his actions.

Billie Lurk/Meagan Foster: Daud's apprentice, becoming the protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

*This article was updated on 1/21/25 to include additional information about the order of the Dishonored games.*