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 chronological. Here's the ideal play order:

• Dishonored – 2012
• The Knife of Dunwall (Dishonored DLC) – 2013
• The Brigmore Witches (Dishonored DLC) – 2013
• Dishonored 2 – 2016
• Dishonored: Death of the Outsider – 2017

The World of Dishonored

Dishonored unfolds in a steampunk-inspired world ruled by emperors and empresses, where nations exist in uneasy peace. Magic, connected to The Void—a mysterious parallel dimension inhabited by The Outsider—grants supernatural abilities to select individuals, his motivations remaining enigmatic. Many inventions run on whale oil, a substance made potent by the whales' supernatural nature, a key element in the world's economy and technology, thanks to the ingenuity of Anton Sokolov.

You'll experience this world as Corvo Attano.

Dishonored Timeline in Chronological Order

Here's a chronological breakdown of each game and DLC, including mild spoilers:

1837 – Dishonored: Empress Jessamine Kaldwin is assassinated in Dunwall. Corvo Attano, her bodyguard, is framed and imprisoned, escaping with The Outsider's help to rescue Emily, clear his name, and expose the true assassins. The city is also battling a rat-borne plague.

1837 – Dishonored DLC The Knife of Dunwall: Playing as Daud, the empress's assassin, you're tasked by The Outsider to hunt the Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.

1837 – Dishonored DLC The Brigmore Witches: Daud's quest continues, uncovering Delilah's attempt to usurp Emily through supernatural means.

1852 – Dishonored 2: Emily, now empress, is targeted by Delilah Copperspoon, who claims to be the rightful heir. You play as either Corvo or Emily, with the other petrified, to thwart Delilah's plot in Karnaca.

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

Playing the Games in Order

While not strictly mandatory, playing Dishonored first provides context for The Outsider's role and influence. The DLC is less crucial for Dishonored 2 but enhances understanding of Billie Lurk and Daud for Death of the Outsider. The Dishonored Definitive Edition includes all DLC.

Starting with Dishonored offers a smoother introduction to the mechanics and powers granted by The Outsider.

Main Characters

(Spoilers ahead)

• Corvo Attano: Empress Jessamine's protector, lover, and Emily's father.
• Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter, growing from a child to a capable leader.
• The Outsider: A mysterious entity granting supernatural powers.
• Daud: An assassin who kills Jessamine, later regretting his actions.
• Billie Lurk/Meagan Foster: Daud's apprentice, becoming the protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

This guide provides a clear path through the Dishonored series.

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