Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Dishonored.
What is Dishonored?
Dishonored is an immersive first-person action-adventure series developed by Arkane Studios, set in the steampunk-inspired city of Dunwall and its surroundings. Players assume the role of a supernatural assassin tasked with navigating political intrigue while utilizing unique abilities to eliminate targets or bypass them entirely.
Who are the main protagonists?
The series primarily follows Corvo Attano, a former Royal Protector framed for murder, and Emily Kaldwin, his ward who becomes Empress. Later entries introduce Billie Lurk, an amnesiac assassin seeking her past, as well as returning characters in expanded storylines.
Where should I start playing?
Newcomers should begin with the original Dishonored game to experience the foundational narrative and mechanics before moving to its sequel. The DLCs, particularly 'The Knife of Dunwall' and 'Death of the Outsider', can be played after completing their respective base games.
What is the Chaos system?
Chaos measures the level of violence and disruption caused by the player's actions throughout the game world. High chaos leads to darker story outcomes, more aggressive enemies, and a grim atmosphere, while low chaos encourages stealth and non-lethal solutions for a lighter ending.
Who is the Outsider?
The Outsider is an enigmatic supernatural entity who grants powers to those he marks with his sign. He serves as a mysterious observer of human events rather than a traditional god, often manipulating fate through his chosen agents.
What defines the game's setting?
The world is characterized by a Victorian-era aesthetic blended with advanced clockwork technology and supernatural phenomena known as 'the Void'. The cities are plagued by a deadly plague called the Rat Plague, which has drastically altered society and architecture.
How does gameplay vary based on player choice?
Players can choose to eliminate targets violently or use stealth and non-lethal takedowns to spare lives. These choices dynamically alter enemy behavior, NPC dialogue, and the final state of the game world without strictly locking players into a single path.
What are the most notable supernatural abilities?
Key powers include Blink for short-range teleportation, Possession to control enemies or animals, and Domino to chain explosions between targets. These skills allow for creative problem-solving beyond standard combat mechanics.
Who is Daud and why is he important?
Daud is a legendary assassin who leads the Whalers gang in the first game and serves as the protagonist of the standalone expansion 'The Knife of Dunwall'. His complex relationship with Corvo and his own redemption arc are central to the series' lore.
Is there a canonical story order?
While games can be played in release order, the narrative timeline flows from Dishonored 1 through its DLCs, then to Dishonored 2, and finally concludes with Death of the Outsider. This sequence ensures players understand character developments and lore connections properly.