From Dunwall to Karnaca: How to Play All Dishonored Games in Order

If you are looking to dive into one of the most celebrated immersive sim franchises in gaming history, understanding the dishonored games in order is essential for following the complex narrative of the Empire of the Isles. Navigating the plague-ridden streets of Dunwall and the sun-drenched coasts of Karnaca requires a clear roadmap, especially since the dishonored games in order include standalone expansions and hidden narrative links that can be confusing for newcomers. In this guide, we will break down the release dates, chronological timeline, and essential DLCs to ensure you experience Corvo Attano and Emily Kaldwin’s journey exactly as intended.

Why Playing the Dishonored Games in Order Matters

The Dishonored series is not just a collection of stealth missions; it is a cohesive saga that tracks the political and supernatural evolution of a world powered by whale oil and ancient magic. Developed by Arkane Studios, these games pioneered a "play your way" philosophy where every choice—from the number of guards you kill to the paths you take through a mansion—influences the world’s state.

Playing the games out of sequence can lead to significant spoilers regarding the identity of the Outsider, the fate of the Empress, and the ultimate resolution of the "Chaos" system. Player experience often highlights that the emotional weight of the later titles, particularly Death of the Outsider, relies heavily on the relationships established in the first two main entries.

The Definitive Release Order

For most players, the release order is the most logical way to experience the series. This allows you to see the mechanical evolution of the "Blink" ability and the refinement of the level design. Arkane Studios spent years perfecting the verticality of their maps, and jumping from the first game’s industrial aesthetic to the sequel’s "Clockwork Italy" vibe is a visual treat that works best in sequence.

1. Dishonored (2012)

The game that started it all. You play as Corvo Attano, the Royal Protector framed for the murder of the Empress. Granted supernatural abilities by a mysterious entity known as the Outsider, you embark on a quest for vengeance. Community reports often cite the "Lady Boyle’s Last Party" mission as a high point for the genre, showcasing the game's social stealth and environmental storytelling.

2. The Knife of Dunwall & The Brigmore Witches (DLCs)

While these are technically expansions for the first game, they are mandatory for understanding the story of Dishonored 2. You play as Daud, the assassin who actually killed the Empress. These chapters introduce Delilah, the primary antagonist of the sequel, and provide a much-needed perspective on the world beyond Corvo’s mask.

3. Dishonored 2 (2016)

Set 15 years after the original, players choose between an older Corvo or a grown-up Empress Emily Kaldwin. After a coup by Delilah Copperspoon, the protagonist flees to the southern city of Karnaca. This entry is famous for the "Clockwork Mansion," a level that players can physically rearrange by pulling levers, representing the pinnacle of Arkane's level design.

4. Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017)

Originally conceived as a DLC for the second game, this standalone expansion follows Billie Lurk. It streamlines many of the series' mechanics, removing the Chaos system and allowing mana to regenerate automatically. The narrative serves as a definitive conclusion to the "Kaldwin Era," focusing on the source of all magic in the Isles.

Chronological Timeline of the Isles

If you want to experience the story as a continuous historical thread, the dishonored games in order of their in-universe dates look slightly different. This timeline includes the vital DLCs that bridge the gap between the major releases.

Industry insights and developer interviews have confirmed that Deathloop (2021) takes place in the same universe, though centuries after the events of the original trilogy. While not a "Dishonored" game by name, it features similar powers and lore references that suggest it is the ultimate chronological endpoint for the franchise.

Key Gameplay Systems Across the Series

One of the reasons players return to the dishonored games in order is the deep complexity of the "Chaos System." This mechanic tracks your playstyle: "Low Chaos" is achieved by using non-lethal takedowns and staying undetected, while "High Chaos" results from open combat and high kill counts.

• Low Chaos: Leads to a more hopeful ending, fewer rats/plague victims in the streets, and more optimistic dialogue from NPCs.
• High Chaos: Results in a darker world, more enemies, grimmer weather, and a cynical outlook for the future of the Empire.

Supernatural Abilities and Combat

Each protagonist offers a unique suite of powers granted by the Mark of the Outsider. Corvo focuses on time manipulation and rat swarms, while Emily uses "Far Reach" and "Shadow Walk" to manipulate the battlefield. In Death of the Outsider, Billie Lurk uses void-based tech and "Displace," which offers a more tactical, marker-based teleportation system.

The Obscure Entries: Mobile and Tabletop

While the core trilogy is what most fans think of when discussing the dishonored games in order, there are a few outliers. In 2012, a mobile tie-in called Dishonored: Rat Assassin was released for iOS. Community reports describe it as a "Fruit Ninja" clone where players sliced rats instead of fruit. It was largely a marketing tool and has since been removed from app stores, but it remains a curious footnote in Arkane's history.

Additionally, for those who want to take the experience off the screen, a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) was released in 2020. It allows players to create their own assassins and explore the lore of the Isles through a pen-and-paper system, further expanding the narrative depth of the universe.

Industry Impact and the Future of Arkane

Despite being critical darlings, the Dishonored games never reached the massive sales figures of franchises like Assassin's Creed. The "immersive sim" genre is notoriously difficult to market because its greatest strength—player freedom—is hard to capture in a 30-second trailer.

However, the legacy of the series remains strong. In 2023, leaked documents from Microsoft suggested that a Dishonored 3 was at one point in active development. While Arkane has faced challenges recently, including the closure of some studio branches, the fan base remains vocal about wanting a return to Dunwall. You can find more information on the franchise's history and current status on the official Bethesda website.

Expert Tips for New Players

If you are starting the dishonored games in order today, here are some actionable tips to maximize your enjoyment:

1. Don't Fear the Save Load: Immersive sims are about experimentation. If a plan fails, don't be afraid to reload a quicksave and try a different power combo.
2. Look Up: Arkane designs levels with incredible verticality. Most guards rarely look at the ceiling or the chandeliers, making rooftops your best friend.
3. Read the Notes: The lore of Dishonored is hidden in books and letters found throughout the world. They often contain codes for safes or hints about non-lethal ways to eliminate targets.
4. Listen to Hearts: In the first two games, you possess a mechanical "Heart" that whispers the secrets of NPCs. This can help you decide who deserves mercy and who deserves the blade.

The Dishonored series remains a masterclass in environmental storytelling and player agency. By following the dishonored games in order, you can witness the rise and fall of empires through the eyes of those who strike from the shadows. Whether you choose to be a ghost who never touches a blade or a whirlwind of steel and supernatural fury, the Empire of the Isles is yours to shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Dishonored games in order of release?

The games were released as follows: Dishonored (2012), Dishonored 2 (2016), and Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017). There is also a mobile spin-off called Rat Assassin released in 2012 and the chronologically distant Deathloop in 2021.

Can I play Dishonored 2 without playing the first one?

While you can understand the basic plot of Dishonored 2 on its own, it is highly recommended to play the dishonored games in order. The sequel's emotional stakes and its main antagonist, Delilah, are established in the first game's DLC expansions, The Knife of Dunwall and The Brigmore Witches.

Is Death of the Outsider a full game or DLC?

Death of the Outsider is a standalone expansion. This means you do not need to own Dishonored 2 to play it. However, it is shorter than the main entries and serves as the narrative conclusion to the story arcs started in the previous games.

Does Deathloop count as a Dishonored game?

Officially, Deathloop is part of the same universe but is not a direct sequel. It takes place in the far future of the same world. While it shares many gameplay elements, it is usually treated as a separate experience when listing the dishonored games in order.