"Dishonored Games: How to Play in Order"

If you're diving into the Dishonored universe, you might find yourself scratching your head over titles like Dishonored: Death of the Outsider and The Brigmore Witches. Are they sequels? DLCs? Side stories? To make things crystal clear, we’ve laid out the entire Dishonored series in the correct order—both by release and chronology—so you can experience every shadowy corner of this rich world without confusion.

Dishonored Games in Release Order

One of the great things about Dishonored is that its timeline follows a linear path. There are no prequels or confusing flashbacks to trip you up. The games were released in chronological order, so playing them as they came out ensures you follow the story correctly.

• 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

Before jumping into the gameplay order, it helps to understand the setting. The Dishonored series unfolds in a steampunk-inspired world where emperors rule with fragile authority, and peace between nations is tenuous at best.

Magic exists, but it’s not omnipresent—it originates from The Void, a mysterious parallel dimension. Its only known inhabitant is The Outsider, a cryptic figure who grants supernatural abilities to select individuals. His motives remain unknown, adding an eerie layer to the game’s lore.

Technology in this world is powered largely by whale oil—an energy source extracted from supernatural leviathans. Anton Sokolov, the empire's brilliant inventor, harnesses this power to create mechanical wonders that fuel everyday life.

At the heart of it all is Corvo Attano, a royal protector thrust into a deadly conspiracy.

Dishonored Timeline in Chronological Order

Let’s take a deeper look at how each entry fits into the overall narrative. Be warned—there may be minor spoilers ahead.

1837 – Dishonored
Empress Jessamine Kaldwin is brutally assassinated in her palace. Her loyal bodyguard, Corvo Attano, is framed for the crime and imprisoned. With help from The Outsider, Corvo escapes and sets off on a mission to rescue Jessamine’s daughter Emily, clear his name, and bring the true culprits to justice. Meanwhile, a devastating plague ravages the city of Dunwall.

1837 – The Knife of Dunwall (DLC)
This expansion puts you in the shoes of Daud, the assassin who killed Empress Jessamine. Summoned by The Outsider, Daud begins a personal quest to track down The Brigmore Witches—including Delilah Copperspoon, one of Jessamine’s former allies.

1837 – The Brigmore Witches (DLC)
Daud continues his journey, uncovering Delilah’s plan to possess Emily Kaldwin. He must stop her before she seizes control of the throne through supernatural means.

1852 – Dishonored II
Emily is now Empress, and Corvo serves as her protector once again. A new threat emerges in the form of Delilah Copperspoon, who claims to be Jessamine’s long-lost sister and rightful heir to the throne. You can play as either Emily or Corvo, with the other turned to stone. Unlike the first game, powers aren't mandatory—you can choose to go full stealth or brute force.

1852 – Dishonored: Death of the Outsider
Now, you step into the role of Billie Lurk, a former associate of Daud. She rescues him from the Eyeless, a fanatical cult, and investigates their dark rituals. This final chapter explores the origins of The Void and offers closure to the overarching story.

Related: How to Play the Dragon Age Games in Order

Do You Need to Play Dishonored Before Dishonored II?

While it's not strictly necessary, doing so enriches your understanding of key characters and themes—especially regarding The Outsider, whose presence looms large across both games.

Should You Play the Original Dishonored DLC Before Death of the Outsider?

If you’re planning to play Death of the Outsider, then yes. The DLC introduces Daud and Billie Lurk, two pivotal characters whose backstories are essential to appreciating the finale.

If you own the Dishonored Definitive Edition (available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC), the DLC is already included. And unlike some forgettable expansions, these pieces add depth to the world and are well worth your time.

Is It Better to Play the Dishonored Series in a Specific Order?

To fully grasp the mechanics and lore, starting with the original Dishonored is ideal. It introduces the core systems—like using supernatural powers granted by The Outsider—and sets the tone for everything that follows.

So yes, sticking to release/chronological order is your best bet for an immersive, seamless experience.

Who Are the Main Characters in the Dishonored Series?

⚠️ Spoilers Ahead ⚠️

• Corvo Attano: Royal Protector and secret father of Emily. He becomes the central hero after being falsely accused of regicide.
• Emily Kaldwin: Daughter of Corvo and Jessamine, she grows from a child into a skilled ruler and fighter.
• The Outsider: A mysterious entity from The Void who bestows supernatural abilities. Neither good nor evil, his intentions remain enigmatic.
• Daud: The assassin who killed Jessamine and later regrets his actions. His redemption arc spans multiple titles.
• Billie Lurk / Meagan Foster: Daud’s protégé and eventual protagonist of Death of the Outsider. She plays a crucial role in the series’ conclusion.

And there you have it—the complete Dishonored series order explained clearly and concisely. Whether you're revisiting the world or stepping into it for the first time, this guide ensures you'll never lose your place in the shadows.

The above article was updated on January 21, 2025, by the original author to reflect current information about the Dishonored series.