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 how to play the Dishonored games:

• 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 are set in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, existing in a state of uneasy peace. Magic, connected to The Void—a parallel dimension inhabited by The Outsider—grants supernatural abilities, but its prevalence is less than in typical fantasy settings. The Outsider's motives remain mysterious. Many inventions run on whale oil, a resource crucial to the world's electricity, thanks to the ingenuity of Anton Sokolov. Whales themselves hold supernatural properties, making their oil exceptionally potent. You play as Corvo Attano within this unique world.

Dishonored Timeline in Chronological Order

Here's a breakdown of each game's place in the timeline, including 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, a former friend of Empress Jessamine.

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

1852 – Dishonored 2: Emily, now empress, with Corvo as her protector, faces a new threat: a serial killer, possibly Corvo himself. Delilah Copperspoon emerges, 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.

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 required, playing the first game helps. Understanding The Outsider's role and influence enhances the experience.

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

The DLC is less crucial for Dishonored 2, but recommended before Death of the Outsider for a better understanding of Billie Lurk and her relationship with Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition includes the DLC.

Is There an Easier Order to Play the Games?

Starting with Dishonored is slightly easier, as it introduces the mechanics and powers granted by The Outsider.

Main Characters in the Dishonored Series

(Note: Spoilers ahead) Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's protector and lover, father of Emily. Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter, growing from child to capable leader. The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting powers. Daud: An assassin who kills Jessamine. Billie Lurk/Meagan Foster: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

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