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 series, Dishonored's timeline is straightforward. The release order is also chronological. Here's the playing order:
- 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 unfold 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 enigmatic. Many inventions run on whale oil, a potent substance thanks to the whales' supernatural nature, a key element of this world's economy and technology, pioneered 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 minor 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 prevent.
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 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 cult and investigates their activities.
Playing Order Considerations
While not strictly mandatory, playing Dishonored first enhances your understanding of The Outsider and his influence. The DLCs are less crucial for Dishonored 2 but add depth to Death of the Outsider, particularly regarding Billie Lurk and her relationship with Daud. The Dishonored Definitive Edition (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC) includes all DLC.
Starting with Dishonored provides a smoother introduction to the mechanics and powers granted by The Outsider. This makes it slightly easier to begin with the first game and follow the release order.
Main Characters
(Spoilers ahead!) Key characters include Corvo Attano (Empress Jessamine's protector and Emily's father), Emily Kaldwin (Empress and skilled fighter), The Outsider (mysterious figure granting powers), Daud (assassin who killed Jessamine), and Billie Lurk (Daud's apprentice and protagonist of Death of the Outsider).
*The above article was updated on 1/21/25 by the original author to include additional information about the order of the Dishonored games.*
