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 chronological. Here's the optimal playing 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 World Setting

The Dishonored games are set in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, where uneasy peace often prevails. Magic exists, linked to The Void, a parallel dimension inhabited by The Outsider, a mysterious figure who grants supernatural abilities. Many inventions run on whale oil, a potent substance due to the whales' supernatural nature, developed by the ingenious 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. He escapes with The Outsider's help, 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: Play as Daud, the empress's assassin, summoned by The Outsider to hunt the Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon.

1837 – Dishonored DLC The Brigmore Witches: Daud's quest continues, focusing on Delilah's attempt to possess Emily Kaldwin.

1852 – Dishonored 2: Emily, now empress, faces a new threat: Delilah Copperspoon, claiming to be the rightful heir. Play as either Corvo or Emily, as the other is petrified. You journey to Karnaca to thwart Delilah's plot.

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

Dishonored 2

Do You Need to Play Previous Games?

While not strictly mandatory, playing Dishonored before Dishonored 2 enhances understanding of The Outsider's influence. The DLC is less crucial for Dishonored 2 but highly recommended before Death of the Outsider for better context on Billie Lurk and Daud's relationship. The Dishonored Definitive Edition (PS4, Xbox One, PC) includes all DLC.

Is There an Easier Order?

Starting with Dishonored provides a solid foundation for the series' mechanics and The Outsider's powers. Playing in release order offers a smoother experience.

Main Characters

Dishonored Characters

(Spoilers ahead!) Key characters include Corvo Attano (Empress Jessamine's protector and Emily's father), Emily Kaldwin (the empress), The Outsider (the enigmatic power-granter), Daud (the assassin), and Billie Lurk (Daud's apprentice).

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