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, neatly laid out.

Dishonored Games in Release Order

Unlike some game series, Dishonored's timeline is straightforward; there are no prequels. The release order is also the chronological order. Here's how to play them:

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

The World of Dishonored

The Dishonored games are set in a steampunk world ruled by emperors and empresses, where nations exist in uneasy peace. Magic, connected to The Void—a parallel dimension inhabited by The Outsider—grants supernatural abilities, but its origins and purpose remain mysterious. Many inventions run on whale oil, a potent substance thanks to the whales' supernatural nature, a key element in the world's economy, thanks to the ingenuity of Anton Sokolov. You play as Corvo Attano, navigating this unique world.

Dishonored Timeline in Chronological Order

Here's a chronological breakdown of each game and DLC, with some 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, confronting Delilah's attempt to possess Emily.

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

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

Do You Need to Play Previous Games?

While not strictly required, playing Dishonored first enhances your understanding of The Outsider and his influence. The DLC is less crucial for Dishonored 2, but highly recommended before Death of the Outsider to appreciate Billie Lurk's connection to Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition (PS4, Xbox One, PC) includes all DLC.

Easiest Play Order?

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

Main Characters

(Spoilers ahead!) Key characters include Corvo Attano (Jessamine's protector and lover, Emily's father), Emily Kaldwin (empress and skilled fighter), The Outsider (mysterious being granting powers), Daud (assassin who killed Jessamine), and Billie Lurk (Daud's apprentice, protagonist of Death of the Outsider).

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