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

Release Order & Chronological Order:

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

The World of Dishonored:

The Dishonored games unfold in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, where uneasy peace prevails. Magic, linked to The Void and The Outsider (a mysterious entity granting powers), exists but isn't dominant. Whale oil fuels many inventions, devised by Anton Sokolov, underscoring the importance of whaling in this world. Players assume the role of Corvo Attano.

Chronological Gameplay & Story 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 on a quest involving The Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.

• 1837 – The Brigmore Witches: Daud's quest continues; he thwarts Delilah's attempt to possess Emily.

• 1852 – Dishonored II: Emily, now empress, faces a new threat: Delilah Copperspoon, claiming to be the rightful heir. Players control either Corvo or Emily (the other is petrified), battling Delilah in 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 Dishonored II is playable without prior experience, playing the first game enhances understanding of The Outsider and his influence. The DLC is less crucial for Dishonored II, but highly recommended before Death of the Outsider to understand Billie Lurk's connection to Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition (PS4, Xbox One, PC) includes all DLC.

Starting with Dishonored provides a better grasp of the Outsider's powers and their limitations, making it the easiest 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 by Dishonored II.
• The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting powers.
• Daud: An assassin who kills Jessamine, later regretting his actions.
• Billie Lurk: Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

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