The Void

Lore & Background

The nature of the Void allows for the manipulation of reality through supernatural abilities. Those who bear the Outsider's Mark utilize it as a conduit to access powers drawn from this dimension, allowing them to bypass physical laws, teleport across distances, or view events from different angles in time. While the Void influences the world's metaphysical fabric, the plague itself is biological: Weepers are not direct supernatural manifestations of the Void, but humans infected by a biological Rat Plague that has mutated them beyond recognition.

In Their Own Story

The air grew thick with the scent of ozone and old dust as Corvo stepped through the shimmering barrier. Suddenly, the clatter of Dunwall's cobblestones vanished, replaced by a silence so profound it felt like pressure against his eardrums. Before him stretched an endless ocean of gray mist, swirling in silent eddies where ghostly figures drifted like leaves on a windless lake. He saw flashes of moments long past—a child laughing in the Royal Palace, a soldier falling in the streets—all suspended in the amber light of memory. A voice, neither male nor female but resonating from everywhere at once, whispered that he was not alone here, yet no other form stood beside him.

Reader's Guide

The Void is the foundational supernatural element of the Dishonored universe, acting as a reservoir for magic and memory. It exists outside normal time, allowing the Marked to access abilities like Blink (teleportation) and Possession by drawing upon its energies. Accessing the Void requires the Outsider's Mark, which acts as a bridge between the mortal plane and this ethereal realm. Without it, mortals cannot survive or perceive the dimension; they would simply vanish into nothingness or be driven mad by the disorientation of timeless existence. While powerful, the Void is not without risks. The more one relies on its powers, the more their connection to the physical world can weaken. Some characters have become lost within its mists, trapped in loops of their own memories or consumed by the chaotic energies that define this place.

Did You Know?

• The Void is often depicted as a gray ocean where the spirits of the dead drift aimlessly until they find peace or are called upon.
• Time does not flow linearly in the Void, allowing those who enter to witness events from different moments simultaneously.
• The Outsider resides within this dimension but rarely intervenes directly, preferring to let mortals shape their own destinies through the Mark.
• Supernatural abilities like Blink and Possession are direct manipulations of the Void's laws rather than traditional magic.

Development and Origins

Conceptualization for this title originated during the creation of downloadable content for its predecessor, leading to significant character evolution within the series. Corvo Attano, who remained silent previously, was assigned a voice actor, while Empress Emily Kaldwin transitioned from a child figure into a playable protagonist alongside her father. This dual-character approach allowed developers to explore different supernatural abilities and perspectives within the same narrative framework. The fictional setting of Karnaca is modeled after Larnaca in Cyprus but integrates influences from various Mediterranean regions including Greece, Italy, and Spain. A notable cast featuring Rosario Dawson and Pedro Pascal brought these characters to life, marking a shift toward more robust storytelling compared to earlier entries. The decision to advance the timeline was directly linked to proposing Emily as an active participant rather than just a plot device.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players engage with this first-person action-adventure experience through nonlinear mission structures that support multiple completion styles. Whether choosing stealth or direct conflict, individuals can navigate levels using pistols, crossbows, and retractable blades, all of which are upgradable via blueprints found in the environment. Currency acquired from collectibles like paintings facilitates purchasing enhancements at black market shops. The chaos system tracks player violence; killing characters destabilizes the world, influencing enemy density and dialogue outcomes. A unique mechanic involves bloodflies that nest in corpses, encouraging players to conceal bodies or destroy nests for loot. Combat includes non-lethal options such as choke-holds and sleep darts, allowing a pacifist run where no one is killed. Enemy detection relies on line-of-sight cones and audio cues, with darkness providing cover at distances. Players can manipulate environmental hazards like Walls of Light to eliminate threats without direct engagement.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon release, the title garnered positive reviews from critics who highlighted improvements over its predecessor. Praise was frequently directed at the enhanced stealth mechanics and the adaptability of character abilities to suit various play styles. Reviewers also commended the creative mission design and the realization of the game's world alongside advanced artificial intelligence. However, some criticism emerged regarding the storyline's lack of focus, while the PC version faced technical difficulties during its initial launch period. Despite these issues, the project achieved significant industry recognition, winning Best Action/Adventure Game at the 2016 Game Awards. It also secured an award for Costume Design at the 2017 NAVGTR Awards. Over time, it has been regarded as one of the greatest games ever made, cementing its status in gaming history. A standalone sequel titled Death of the Outsider followed in 2017, extending the franchise's reach beyond this main installment.

World Design and Narrative

Each level is designed with a unique theme involving specific fiction or game mechanics to ensure variety throughout the campaign. For instance, one mission confronts players with two factions possessing distinct assassination targets while utilizing recurring dust storms for cover. Another segment introduces time distortion within an abandoned mansion in ruins, allowing traversal between the present and three years into the past where guards still roam. This device lets players shift back and forth between timelines to solve puzzles or avoid detection. The narrative structure allows side missions that unlock alternate methods of assassination and non-lethal paths. Players may survey rooms through keyholes before entering or lean from cover without full exposure. If peering out too long, detection occurs, a feature distinguishing it from the first game. These design choices emphasize player agency in how they approach objectives within the fictional city environment.