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. The release order is also the chronological order. Play them like this:

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

Dishonored World Setting

The Dishonored games unfold in a steampunk-inspired world ruled by emperors and empresses, existing in a state of uneasy peace. Magic, connected to The Void—a mysterious parallel dimension inhabited by The Outsider—grants supernatural abilities to select individuals. The Outsider's motives remain enigmatic. Many inventions run on whale oil, a substance imbued with supernatural properties due to the whales' unique nature, thanks to the ingenuity of Anton Sokolov. This reliance on whale oil heavily influences the world's economy and technology.

You'll experience this world through the eyes of Corvo Attano.

Dishonored Timeline in Chronological Order

Here's a chronological breakdown of each game and DLC, with brief summaries (minor spoilers ahead):

1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin is assassinated in Dunwall. Corvo Attano, her bodyguard, is framed and imprisoned. Aided by The Outsider, he escapes, 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, you embark on a quest orchestrated by The Outsider, leading you to pursue The Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.

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

1852 – Dishonored 2: Emily, now empress, faces a new threat: Delilah Copperspoon, claiming to be the rightful heir. You play as either Corvo or Emily, with the other petrified, as you journey to Karnaca to counter Delilah's scheme. Unlike the first game, supernatural powers are optional.

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

Dishonored 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need to Play Dishonored Before Dishonored 2?

While not strictly mandatory, playing the first game enhances your understanding of The Outsider and his influence, enriching your experience of the sequel.

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

The DLC isn't essential for Dishonored 2, but playing it provides crucial context for Death of the Outsider, deepening your understanding of Billie Lurk and her relationship with Daud.

The Dishonored Definitive Edition (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC) includes all DLC.

Is There an Easier Order to Play the Games?

Starting with Dishonored is recommended, as it introduces the core mechanics and powers, providing a smoother transition into subsequent titles.

Main Characters in the Dishonored Series

Dishonored Characters

(Spoilers ahead!)

Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's Royal Protector, her lover, and Emily's father.
Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter, growing from a child in the first game to a capable leader in the second.
The Outsider: A mysterious entity dwelling in The Void, granting powers.
Daud: An assassin who kills Jessamine, later grappling with regret.
Billie Lurk/Meagan Foster: Daud's apprentice and protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Dishonored game order.

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