Unveil the Intricate Timeline of Dishonored

The Dishonored series, with titles like Dishonored: Death of the Outsider and The Brigmore Witches, can be confusing. This guide clarifies the optimal play order.

Release Order vs. Chronological Order:

Unlike some franchises, the Dishonored timeline is straightforward. Release order mirrors chronological order.

Playing the Games:

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 and bestowed by The Outsider, exists but is not omnipresent. Whale oil, a byproduct of supernatural whales, fuels many inventions, notably those of Anton Sokolov. The player assumes the role of Corvo Attano.

Chronological Breakdown & Summaries (Minor Spoilers):

• 1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's assassination frames Corvo Attano, who escapes with The Outsider's help to rescue Emily, clear his name, and expose the true assassins amidst a rat-borne plague.

• 1837 – The Knife of Dunwall: Daud, the empress's assassin, 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, while the other is petrified.

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

Play 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.

Ease of Play:

Starting with Dishonored provides a foundational grasp of the Outsider's powers and their limitations, making it the recommended starting point.

Main Characters (Major Spoilers):

• Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
• Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter, a capable fighter and diplomat in Dishonored II.
• The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting supernatural abilities.
• Daud: An assassin who kills Jessamine, later regretting his actions.
• Billie Lurk: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

This updated guide (1/21/25) provides a comprehensive overview of the Dishonored series' optimal play order and storyline.