Bend Time

Lore & Background

In Dunwall, where whale oil powers the city and plague spreads through rats, Bend Time represents a direct intervention from the Void. Corvo Attano, framed for Empress Jessamine Kaldwin's murder, receives this gift alongside other abilities to aid his quest against the conspirators. Unlike the physical tools of the Tallboys or Walls of Light, Bend Time operates on a metaphysical level, reflecting the game's theme of choice and consequence. The ability is unlocked using runes—artifacts carved from whale bone—and can be upgraded. Co-creative designer Harvey Smith and designer Raphaël Colantonio noted that no single playthrough allows players to acquire every power, making choices like prioritizing Bend Time significant for gameplay style.

In Their Own Story

Framed as an assassin, he moves through levels like loading docks and royal estates, aided by the Loyalists. In these environments, time manipulation becomes a tool for survival against guards whose alertness states range from normal to suspicious. The game's narrative shifts based on player actions tracked by a 'chaos' system; using violence consumes resources but completes missions faster, while stealth preserves mana and health. Bend Time supports both approaches, allowing Corvo to bypass obstacles or neutralize threats without triggering the chaos that leads to darker endings.

Reader's Guide

Bend Time is assigned to the player's left hand control and requires mana to activate. It allows for two distinct effects: slowing time or freezing it entirely. Mana partially regenerates after use, enabling repeated uses of lower-cost powers like 'Blink' or 'Dark Vision,' but higher-cost abilities such as Bend Time necessitate mana potions for sustained use. The power can be upgraded using runes, extending its duration or reducing costs. Players cannot accrue all 40 bone charms and every ability in one playthrough. When combined with other magic or gadgets, it creates varied effects, supporting the game's design philosophy of player choice. Enemies respond to sound and alertness; Bend Time helps mitigate these threats by freezing them mid-action.

Did You Know?

• Bend Time is one of six active powers in Dishonored, alongside Dark Vision, Blink, Possession, Devouring Swarm, and Wind Blast.
• The ability requires runes carved from whale bone to unlock and upgrade.
• Designers Harvey Smith and Raphaël Colantonio stated it is impossible for a player to acquire all powers in a single playthrough.
• Mana partially regenerates after use, but potions are needed for higher-cost abilities like Bend Time.
• The game features 40 bone charms that grant supernatural perks, though only three can be active at once without upgrades.