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 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. The ideal playthrough follows the release sequence:

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)

The World of Dishonored:

Dishonored unfolds in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, where uneasy peace prevails. Magic, linked to The Void (a parallel dimension inhabited by The Outsider), grants supernatural abilities to select individuals. The Outsider's motives remain enigmatic. Whale oil, derived from supernatural whales, fuels much of the realm's technology, a testament to Anton Sokolov's ingenuity.

Chronological Breakdown & Story Summaries (Minor Spoilers):

• 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.

• 1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Players assume the role of Daud, Jessamine's assassin, summoned by The Outsider. He embarks 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, to combat Delilah's scheme in Karnaca.

• 1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former apprentice, 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 role. Playing the DLC before Death of the Outsider deepens appreciation for Billie Lurk's character arc and her connection to Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition bundles the DLC, making this easier.

Main Characters:

(Significant spoilers ahead)

• 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 being granting powers from The Void.
• Daud: An assassin who kills Jessamine, later regretting his actions.
• Billie Lurk: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

(This article was updated on 1/21/25 to include additional information.)