Dishonored Franchise: Chronological Playthrough Guide

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 for the Dishonored games.

Release Order (also Chronological Order):

The Dishonored timeline is straightforward; no prequels exist. Play the games in their release order for a chronological experience.

1. Dishonored (2012)
2. The Knife of Dunwall (Dishonored DLC) (2013)
3. The Brigmore Witches (Dishonored DLC) (2013)
4. Dishonored II (2016)
5. Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017)

World of Dishonored:

The Dishonored universe blends steampunk aesthetics with magic, governed by emperors and empresses in a fragile peace. Magic is linked to The Void, a parallel dimension, and its inhabitant, The Outsider, grants supernatural powers for unclear reasons. Whale oil, derived from supernatural whales, fuels many inventions, particularly those created by Anton Sokolov. The player takes on the role of Corvo Attano within this unique setting.

Chronological Timeline & Game Summaries (with minor spoilers):

• 1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's assassination frames Corvo Attano, her bodyguard. He escapes with The Outsider's help, aiming to rescue Emily, clear his name, and expose the true assassins amidst a city-wide plague.

• 1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Players control Daud, Jessamine's assassin, summoned by The Outsider on a quest involving The Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.

• 1837 – The Brigmore Witches: Daud's quest continues, thwarting Delilah's attempt to possess Emily.

• 1852 – Dishonored II: Emily, now empress, faces a new threat: Delilah Copperspoon, claiming to be the rightful heir. Players control either Corvo or Emily as the other is petrified. The action shifts to Karnaca.

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

Play Order Recommendations:

While Dishonored II is playable without prior experience, playing the first game enhances understanding of The Outsider's influence. The DLC is less crucial for Dishonored II but vital for understanding Billie Lurk's backstory in Death of the Outsider. The Dishonored Definitive Edition (PS4, Xbox One, PC) includes all DLC.

Main Characters:

(Significant spoilers ahead)

• Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
• Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter, a capable fighter and diplomat by Dishonored II.
• The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting powers.
• Daud: Leader of assassins, Jessamine's killer, later regretful.
• Billie Lurk / Meagan Foster: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

The optimal play order is the release order, providing a cohesive narrative and gameplay progression. This guide ensures a less confusing and more enjoyable Dishonored experience.

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