Does Killing Matter in Dishonored 2?
In the critically acclaimed game Dishonored 2, the answer to this question is a resounding yes. The fate of the city and the outcome of your mission hinge on the choices you make, including whether to take a life or spare it. In this article, we’ll delve into the impact of killing on the game’s chaos system and explore the different consequences of your actions.
What is Chaos?
Chaos is a crucial element in Dishonored 2, representing the overall state of the city and its inhabitants. As you play through the game, your actions affect the level of chaos, which is measured on a scale from Low to High. Killing innocents or civilians increases the chaos level, while showing mercy and sparing lives can lead to a lower chaos level. The chaos level ultimately determines the game’s ending, with a higher level leading to a darker and more chaotic conclusion.
Killing and the Chaos Level
So, how exactly does killing affect the chaos level? Here’s a breakdown:
| Percentage of Civilians Killed | Chaos Level |
|---|---|
| 0-20% | Low Chaos |
| 20-40% | Moderate Chaos |
| 40-60% | High Chaos |
| 60%+ | Very High Chaos |
As you can see, killing a significant percentage of civilians can quickly increase the chaos level, leading to a more difficult and chaotic playthrough. However, by showing mercy and sparing lives, you can maintain a lower chaos level and access different endings.
Which Enemies Count towards Chaos?
Not all enemies you encounter in Dishonored 2 contribute to the chaos level. Here are the exceptions:
- Dogs: These creatures are not counted as civilian kills, regardless of the number you dispatch.
- Rats: Rats are not considered innocent civilians and therefore do not affect the chaos level.
- Fish: Like rats, fish are not counted as kills towards the chaos level.
- Weepers: Yes, Weepers are considered human and killing them does count towards the chaos level.
Consequences of Killing
While killing might seem like a quick solution to your problems, it has significant consequences in Dishonored 2. Killing can lead to a darker ending, one where the city is even more chaotic and dangerous than it was before. This ending is often marked by an increase in difficulty, new and more challenging enemies, and a generally more unsettling atmosphere.
On the other hand, showing mercy can lead to a better ending, one where the city is more peaceful and the inhabitants are more forgiving. This ending is often marked by a lower chaos level, fewer enemies, and a more hopeful atmosphere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, killing does matter in Dishonored 2. The choices you make regarding who to kill or spare can have a significant impact on the game’s chaos level and ultimately its ending. By understanding which enemies contribute to the chaos level and the consequences of your actions, you can make more informed decisions and tailor your playthrough to your desired outcome. Whether you prefer a quick and deadly solution or a more merciful approach, Dishonored 2 offers a unique and thought-provoking experience that will keep you coming back for more.