Bloodflies

Lore & Background

Beyond their role as dangerous predators, bloodflies hold a mystical significance within the supernatural framework of the Dishonored world. The Outsider's magic allows certain individuals, most notably Emily Kaldwin, to temporarily possess these creatures directly via line-of-sight in Dishonored 2. This ability grants the user a unique aerial perspective, allowing them to scout enemy positions, listen through walls, and navigate tight spaces undetected. While the flies themselves are mindless beasts driven by instinct, their possession represents one of the most versatile tools in an assassin's arsenal, turning a symbol of death into an instrument of stealth. Note that Corvo Attano cannot possess bloodflies in the first game.

In Their Own Story

The damp air of the Hound Pits Bay district hung heavy with the smell of rot and stagnant water. Corvo paused behind a crumbling brick wall, his breath held tight in his chest. Above him, a swarm of bloodflies buzzed erratically, drawn to the fresh wound on a guard's arm just yards away. The insects circled like a dark storm cloud, their wings humming a low, sickening drone. With a whisper and a thought, Corvo stepped out of his own body. His vision shifted instantly; the world became a blur of motion and scent. He was no longer a man in shadows but a tiny, buzzing speck, rising into the gloom to watch the patrol from above, unseen and silent.

Reader's Guide

Bloodflies are not wielded as weapons in the traditional sense but serve as supernatural conduits for the 'Possession' ability granted by the Outsider. To utilize them, an assassin must first locate a swarm or individual flies, which are commonly found near plague victims, corpses, or in dark, secluded areas of Dunwall and Karnaca. Once close to a bloodfly, the user can channel supernatural energy to take control of its mind and body. This grants immediate flight capabilities, allowing for silent reconnaissance over enemy lines, through ventilation shafts, and across rooftops. The possessed fly is immune to physical damage that would kill a human, though it remains vulnerable to environmental hazards like fire or heavy impacts. This ability is primarily used by the protagonist Corvo Attano in the first game and his apprentice Emily Kaldwin in the sequel. It is essential for high-level stealth playthroughs, enabling players to gather intelligence on guard rotations, identify locked doors from the inside without triggering alarms, and bypass complex security measures without ever being detected.

Did You Know?

• Bloodflies are attracted specifically to blood and movement, making them dangerous even when not possessed by a supernatural user.
• Possessing a bloodfly is one of the few abilities that allows an assassin to see through walls from an external vantage point.
• In-game mechanics require direct line-of-sight to possess an individual bloodfly; players cannot acquire a swarm for later use.
• The creatures are distinct from the plague rats; they are not mutated from the Rat Plague and do not spread it.

Gameplay Mechanics and Stealth Systems

Dishonored 2 operates as a first-person action-adventure title that heavily emphasizes player agency through its nonlinear design. Following a prologue featuring Empress Emily Kaldwin, players select either her or Royal Protector Corvo Attano to reclaim the throne from the usurper Delilah Copperspoon. The core loop involves navigating missions using an array of upgradable weaponry, including pistols, crossbows, and retractable blades, alongside purchasable upgrades found in black market shops. A defining feature is the sophisticated stealth system where enemy detection relies on line-of-sight cones and auditory cues; players can utilize darkness, cover, or even break bottles to distract guards. The game introduces new mechanics such as peering through keyholes for reconnaissance and leaning from cover without full exposure. Crucially, the chaos system tracks player violence, influencing dialogue and enemy density. This system is uniquely tied to bloodflies, which nest in corpses; high kill counts attract these insects, forcing players to conceal bodies or risk infestation. Whether opting for non-lethal takedowns via choke-holds or sleep darts, or engaging in direct conflict, the gameplay rewards adaptability and strategic planning.

The Bloodfly Mechanic and World Ecology

A distinctive ecological element introduced in Dishonored 2 is the behavior of bloodflies, which serve as a dynamic consequence of player violence. These insects are programmed to nest within corpses left behind during missions, creating a direct link between the chaos system and environmental hazards. If a player adopts a lethal approach, resulting in numerous deaths, the population of bloodflies increases significantly throughout the level. This mechanic encourages stealthy playstyles where bodies are hidden or removed to prevent infestation, as swarms can pose a threat to the protagonist. However, these nests also function as interactive loot sources; destroying them yields valuable resources for the player. The presence of bloodflies adds a layer of tactical depth, requiring players to manage not just enemy patrols but also the aftermath of their actions. This system reinforces the game's theme that violence destabilizes the world, manifesting physically through pestilence. By integrating these creatures into the level design, the developers created an organic feedback loop where the player's moral choices alter the immediate environment and available resources.

Narrative Structure and Character Dynamics

The narrative of Dishonored 2 expands upon its predecessor by offering a dual-protagonist experience, allowing players to choose between the young Empress Emily Kaldwin or her father, Corvo Attano. This decision stems from development ideas that arose during the creation of the first game's downloadable content, specifically the desire to give Corvo a voice after his silence in the original installment. The story is set against the backdrop of a coup led by the witch Delilah Copperspoon, forcing the chosen protagonist to navigate a complex web of political intrigue and supernatural threats. While the storyline received some criticism for lacking focus compared to the first game, it successfully integrates character-specific abilities that reflect their unique backgrounds. Both characters possess an array of optional supernatural powers, though players can choose to reject them entirely in favor of purely physical combat. The narrative is further enriched by a diverse cast of voice actors and mission designs that explore different facets of the world, ensuring that the story remains engaging regardless of which character path is selected.

Artistic Vision and Critical Reception

The game's primary setting, the fictional city of Karnaca, is modeled after Larnaca in Cyprus but also incorporates influences from Greece, Italy, and Spain to create a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere. This visual style was met with widespread acclaim upon its 2016 release, with critics praising the creative mission design, improved stealth mechanics, and the realization of its immersive world. The game won Best Action/Adventure Game at the 2016 Game Awards and recognized for costume design in 2017. Despite some initial technical issues on PC and critiques regarding narrative focus, it is now regarded as one of the greatest games ever made. Its success paved the way for a standalone sequel, Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, released in 2017. The combination of historical inspiration and supernatural elements created a unique visual identity that distinguished it within the action-adventure genre.