The Dishonored series, with titles like Death of the Outsider and The Brigmore Witches, can be confusing. This guide clarifies the optimal play order.
Release Order (also Chronological 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:
The Dishonored universe blends steampunk aesthetics with magic sourced from The Void, a parallel dimension controlled by The Outsider. He grants supernatural abilities, his reasons remaining enigmatic. Whale oil, a byproduct of supernatural whales, fuels much of the technology, a testament to the world's unique blend of science and the mystical.
Chronological Timeline & 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 control Daud, Jessamine's assassin, summoned by The Outsider to hunt the Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.
1837 – The Brigmore Witches: Daud's pursuit continues, revealing Delilah's attempt to usurp Emily's claim to the throne through supernatural means.
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 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 highly recommended before Death of the Outsider to appreciate Billie Lurk's backstory and connection to Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition includes all DLC.
Easier Play Order: The release order provides a smoother introduction to gameplay mechanics and the overarching narrative.
Main Characters (Major Spoilers):
- Corvo Attano: Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
- Emily Kaldwin: Jessamine and Corvo's daughter, a capable leader in Dishonored II.
- The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting powers.
- Daud: Jessamine's assassin, later seeking redemption.
- Billie Lurk: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider.
(Article updated 1/21/25 to reflect current information.)
