Unveiling the Perfect Order for Honoring the Dishonored Saga

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.

Playing Order:

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)

Game World Overview:

Dishonored unfolds in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, where uneasy peace prevails. Magic, connected to The Void and bestowed by The Outsider, exists but isn't dominant. Whale oil, a byproduct of supernatural whales, fuels many inventions, notably those created by Anton Sokolov. The player assumes the role of Corvo Attano.

Chronological Timeline and Game Summaries (with minor spoilers):

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

• 1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Daud, the empress's killer, is tasked by The Outsider to hunt 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. The player controls either Corvo or Emily, with the other petrified. The setting shifts to Karnaca.

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

Playing Order Recommendations:

While not strictly mandatory, playing Dishonored before Dishonored II enhances understanding of The Outsider's influence. Playing the DLC before Death of the Outsider deepens appreciation for Billie Lurk's character arc. The Dishonored Definitive Edition bundles the DLC.

Easiest Playing Order:

The release order provides a smoother introduction to gameplay mechanics and the overarching narrative.

Main Characters (with major spoilers):

• Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
• Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter, a capable leader in Dishonored II.
• The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting supernatural powers.
• Daud: The empress's assassin, later a complex character.
• Billie Lurk: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

(Article updated 1/21/25 to include additional information.)