Home News How To Play the Dishonored Games in Order

How To Play the Dishonored Games in Order

by Lucas Mar 22,2025

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 the chronological order. Here's the optimal 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 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—exists, but isn't ubiquitous. The Outsider grants supernatural abilities, his motives remaining enigmatic. Many inventions run on whale oil, a resource developed by the ingenious Anton Sokolov. The reliance on whale oil for electricity makes whaling a significant industry, with whales possessing supernatural properties that enhance the oil's potency. You play as Corvo Attano within this unique setting.

Dishonored Timeline in Chronological Order

Here's a chronological breakdown of each game and DLC, including brief summaries (with 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: Playing as Daud, the empress's assassin, summoned by The Outsider, you embark on a quest to track down The Brigmore Witches, including Delilah Copperspoon, a former friend of the Empress.

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

1852 – Dishonored 2: Emily, now empress, with Corvo as her protector, faces a new threat: a serial killer, possibly Corvo himself. Delilah Copperspoon emerges, claiming to be the empress's sister and rightful heir. You play as either Corvo or Emily (the other is petrified), venturing to Karnaca to counter Delilah's plot.

1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: Billie Lurk, Daud's former follower, 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 required, playing the first game enhances your understanding of The Outsider's influence and establishes context.

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

The DLC is less crucial for Dishonored 2, but highly recommended before Death of the Outsider for a deeper understanding of Billie Lurk and her relationship with Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition includes all DLC.

Is There an Easier Order to Play the Games?

Starting with Dishonored is recommended, as it introduces the core mechanics and The Outsider's powers, providing a smoother gameplay experience.

Main Characters in the Dishonored Series

Dishonored Characters

(Note: Spoilers ahead!)

Corvo Attano: Jessamine Kaldwin's Royal Protector, Spymaster, lover, and father of Emily.

Emily Kaldwin: Corvo and Jessamine's daughter; a capable fighter and diplomat by Dishonored 2.

The Outsider: A mysterious entity dwelling in The Void, granting powers.

Daud: An Outsider-powered assassin who kills Jessamine, later regretting his actions.

Billie Lurk/Meagan Foster: Daud's apprentice and later second-in-command; protagonist of Death of the Outsider.

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