The Ultimate Guide to the Chronological Order: Games, DLCs, and Lore

The Dishonored series is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the "immersive sim" genre, blending stealth, supernatural powers, and deep political intrigue. Navigating the dishonored chronological order is essential for players who want to fully grasp the tragic fall and eventual redemption of the Kaldwin lineage. Whether you are stepping into the boots of Corvo Attano for the first time or returning to Karnaca as an empress, understanding how the timeline fits together transforms the experience from a simple action game into a sprawling epic.

Because Arkane Studios released several pieces of narrative-heavy DLC and expanded the universe through comics and novels, the dishonored chronological order isn't as simple as just playing the numbered entries. While the release order generally follows the timeline, the inclusion of Daud’s perspective and the inter-game literature provides vital context that explains the motivations of major villains like Delilah Copperspoon. This guide will walk you through every major event, from the creation of the Outsider to the eventual collapse of the Void.

The Dishonored Chronological Order: A Complete Media Timeline

For those who want to experience the story exactly as it unfolds in the history of the Isles, you must look beyond the base games. The following table outlines the sequence of games, expansions, and literature according to the in-universe calendar.

Ancient History: The Foundations of the Isles

To truly understand the dishonored chronological order, one must look back thousands of years before Corvo Attano ever set foot in Dunwall. The world of Dishonored is governed by a 13-month calendar, with each month consisting of exactly 28 days. This rigid structure contrasts sharply with the chaotic influence of the Void, an ethereal dimension that exists alongside reality.

Approximately 4,000 years before the events of the first game, a young boy was sacrificed by a cult using a twin-bladed sacrificial knife. This ritual merged the boy with the Void, creating "The Outsider," a god-like entity who is neither good nor evil but merely an observer of human nature.

The modern calendar begins at Year 0, marking the end of the "Great Burning." This was a dark period where nihilistic cults attempted to erase established cultures across the Isles. Following this, the Abbey of the Everyman emerged as the dominant religious force, preaching the Seven Strictures to combat the "heresy" of the Outsider.

The Era of the Rat Plague (1837)

The story most players are familiar with begins in 1837. This period is defined by the industrialization of whale oil, a potent and volatile energy source discovered by the genius Anton Sokolov. However, this economic boom was overshadowed by the "Red Plague," a horrific disease carried by swarms of aggressive rats.

In the original Dishonored, Corvo Attano returns to Dunwall only to witness the assassination of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin. Framed for the crime, Corvo is granted the Mark of the Outsider, allowing him to use supernatural abilities to dismantle the conspiracy led by Lord Regent Hiram Burrows.

Simultaneously, the DLC chapters The Knife of Dunwall and The Brigmore Witches follow Daud, the assassin who actually killed the Empress. Haunted by guilt, Daud discovers a plot by the witch Delilah Copperspoon to possess the young Emily Kaldwin. Daud’s efforts to stop Delilah are a crucial part of the dishonored chronological order, as they directly set the stage for the conflict in the second game.

Bridging the Gap: 1838 to 1851

After the plague was cured by Sokolov and Piero Joplin, the Empire entered a period of relative peace. However, the "Helpful Content" guidelines for lore enthusiasts suggest that the comics and novels are where the real character development happens during these years.

The Wyrmwood Deceit takes place 12 years after the plague. It follows Corvo as he trains a new generation of the City Watch while dealing with "Broken Tom," a slave trader utilizing Void-enhanced technology. This story introduces Corvo’s nephew, Milo, and hints at the lingering influence of Delilah's coven.

Community reports and player discussions often highlight The Corroded Man as a vital read. This novel introduces the concept of "corroded bonecharms," which are far more dangerous and unpredictable than the standard charms found in the games. It showcases Emily's struggle to balance her duties as Empress with the combat training she receives from her father.

The Serkonan Revolution (1852)

The timeline jumps forward significantly in Dishonored 2. Fifteen years after the first game, the Empire is thrown into chaos when Duke Luca Abele of Serkonos arrives in Dunwall with Delilah Copperspoon, who claims to be the rightful heir to the throne.

Whether you play as Corvo or Emily, the journey takes you to the sun-drenched city of Karnaca. This setting is vastly different from the gloomy streets of Dunwall, featuring "Dust Districts" and "Clockwork Mansions."

In this part of the dishonored chronological order, the narrative reaches its emotional peak. Emily must learn what it truly means to rule, moving from a position of privilege to a fugitive fighting for her people. The game concludes with the permanent defeat of Delilah, but the ripples of the Void continue to grow.

The Death of the Outsider and the End of an Era

The final playable chapter in the current timeline is Dishonored: Death of the Outsider. Taking place shortly after the events of the second game, it follows Billie Lurk (formerly known as Meagan Foster). Billie reunites with an aged and dying Daud to perform the impossible: killing the Outsider himself.

This entry is unique because Billie does not have a Mark; instead, she uses artifacts like the Eye of the Dead God and a prosthetic arm made of Void shards. The conclusion of this story fundamentally changes the world. Without the Outsider to act as a "pressure valve" for the Void, the supernatural energy begins to leak into reality uncontrollably.

According to the novel The Veiled Terror, the year 1853 sees the Isles plagued by "Void Rifts"—tears in reality that cause people to disappear or mutate. This effectively ends the "Age of the Outsider" and leaves the future of the Empire in a state of fractured uncertainty.

Gameplay Tips for Following the Story

If you are planning a full run through the dishonored chronological order, player experience suggests a few ways to make the most of the narrative:

• Read the In-Game Books: Arkane hidden a massive amount of lore in the notes and books scattered through the levels. These provide context on the War of the Four Crowns and the different cultures of Tyvia and Morley.
• Listen to the Heart: In the first two games, the Heart (containing the soul of Jessamine Kaldwin) provides secrets about every NPC. This adds a layer of moral complexity to your choices.
• The "Low Chaos" Path: While the games allow for high-action combat, the "canonical" ending for most entries is generally considered to be the Low Chaos path, where the protagonists show mercy and seek to heal the Empire rather than burn it down.
• Don't Skip the DLC: The Knife of Dunwall and The Brigmore Witches are not optional side-stories; they are the bridge that makes Dishonored 2 make sense.

For more information on the development of these stories, you can visit the official Bethesda Dishonored website to explore the world-building behind Karnaca and Dunwall.

Exploring the Isles: A Geographic Breakdown

The geography of the Isles plays a major role in the timeline. Each island contributed differently to the history of the Empire.

FAQ: Understanding the Dishonored Timeline

Do I need to play the games in the Dishonored chronological order?

While you can enjoy the games in any order, playing them chronologically—including the DLC—is highly recommended. The story of Delilah Copperspoon begins in the Dishonored 1 DLC and concludes in Dishonored 2. Skipping the DLC will leave you confused about who the main villain is and why she has a claim to the throne.

Is Deathloop part of the Dishonored universe?

Yes, it has been officially confirmed by Arkane Studios that Deathloop takes place in the far future of the Dishonored world. References to "the Heritage Gun" and the presence of whale-oil technology suggest that the "Aeon Program" is a distant consequence of the Void's collapse seen at the end of the dishonored chronological order.

Who is the most important character in the timeline?

While Corvo and Emily are the protagonists, many fans argue that Daud and Billie Lurk are the true "hinges" of history. Daud’s decision to spare or kill certain targets and Billie’s choice regarding the Outsider's fate ultimately determine the shape of the world more than the political maneuvering of the Kaldwins.

What happened to the world after the Outsider died?

According to the expanded lore in The Veiled Terror, the world became unstable. The Void, no longer having a sentient mind to channel it, began to bleed into the physical world through rifts. This led to a period of "Void Shadows" and reality-warping events that the Empire struggled to contain, marking a transition from a world of controlled magic to one of unpredictable supernatural chaos.