Which Dishonored do I play first?

Which Dishonored do I play first?

If you’re new to the Dishonored series, deciding which game to play first can be overwhelming. With three main titles and several DLCs, it’s essential to understand the chronology and relationships between the games. In this article, we’ll guide you through the series, highlighting the key games and their connections to help you decide which Dishonored to play first.

The Dishonored Series Chronology

Before we dive into the individual games, let’s establish the chronology of the series:

• Dishonored (2012): The first game in the series, set in the fictional city of Dunwall, where you play as Corvo Attano, a former bodyguard accused of assassinating the Empress.
• Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall (2013): A DLC for the first game, which takes place after the events of Dishonored and follows Corvo’s story.
• Dishonored: The Brigmore Witches (2013): Another DLC for the first game, which concludes Corvo’s story.
• Dishonored 2 (2016): The sequel to the original game, set 15 years after the events of Dishonored. You play as Corvo or Emily Kaldwin, the Empress of the Isles.
• Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017): A standalone expansion set in the Dishonored universe, featuring a new protagonist, Billie Lurk.

Why Play Dishonored 1 First?

While you can play the games in any order, we recommend starting with the original Dishonored. Here’s why:

• Story significance: Dishonored 1 sets the stage for the entire series, introducing you to the world of Dunwall and the protagonist, Corvo Attano.
• Gameplay mechanics: The first game establishes the core gameplay mechanics, including stealth, combat, and platforming, which are refined in subsequent titles.
• Character development: Corvo’s story is an essential part of the series, and playing Dishonored 1 first allows you to understand his character and motivations.

Playing Dishonored 2 First

If you prefer to start with Dishonored 2, keep in mind that it:

• Assumes prior knowledge: The game’s story and characters are deeply connected to the events of Dishonored 1, so you’ll miss out on crucial context and character development.
• Introduces new gameplay mechanics: While Dishonored 2 refines the gameplay mechanics from the first game, it also introduces new abilities and challenges, which may be confusing without the context of the original game.

Playing Death of the Outsider First

Death of the Outsider is a standalone expansion, but it’s still connected to the main series. If you play it first:

• You’ll miss out on character development: Billie Lurk, the protagonist, is a new character with her own story and motivations, but you’ll miss out on the context and character development of the main series.
• The game’s story is weaker: While Death of the Outsider has a strong narrative, it’s not as complex or impactful as the stories in Dishonored 1 and 2.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we recommend playing Dishonored 1 first to understand the series’ chronology and character development. If you still want to play Dishonored 2 or Death of the Outsider first, keep in mind the potential spoilers and missed context. Here’s a summary of the games in the series:

By understanding the chronology and connections between the games, you’ll be able to enjoy the Dishonored series to its fullest.