Does Killing Matter in Dishonored 2? A Deep Dive into Chaos, Morality, and Endings

Yes, killing absolutely matters in Dishonored 2. The game’s Chaos system directly responds to your choices, most significantly how many people you eliminate (or don’t). This system acts as a moral compass, influencing the world around you and ultimately determining which ending you receive. More than just a simple kill count, though, the Chaos system intricately weaves into the narrative, character interactions, and even the environmental design. The game encourages thoughtful gameplay where stealth and non-lethal solutions are rewarded, but brutal efficiency also has its consequences, shaping Dunwall and Karnaca in profound ways.

Understanding the Chaos System

The Chaos system isn’t just a simple tally of bodies. It’s a complex mechanism that calculates your overall impact on the world. While the number of kills is the primary factor, other elements come into play. For instance, completing specific side objectives in a violent manner can also increase Chaos, even if your kill count remains relatively low. Conversely, actions that alleviate suffering or help those in need can slightly reduce it.

The system functions on a spectrum, generally categorized into Low Chaos and High Chaos.

• Low Chaos: Achieved by minimizing kills (generally less than 20% of the human population per mission), favoring non-lethal takedowns, and making choices that benefit the people of Dunwall and Karnaca. This leads to brighter environments, more hopeful character dialogues, and ultimately, the “good” ending.

• High Chaos: Reached by significantly increasing the kill count (above 20% of the population) and engaging in brutal or morally questionable acts. This results in a darker, more oppressive atmosphere, increased enemy presence, and a bleak “bad” ending.

It’s important to note that the game doesn’t explicitly tell you your Chaos level during a mission. You’ll need to pay attention to the environment, character reactions, and the overall tone to get a sense of where you stand.

How Chaos Affects the Game World

The consequences of your actions manifest in tangible ways throughout the game.

• Environment: In a Low Chaos playthrough, Dunwall and Karnaca appear relatively clean and orderly. Guards are less aggressive, and citizens are more hopeful. High Chaos, however, transforms these cities into plague-ridden hellholes. Rat swarms become more frequent, guard patrols intensify, and the atmosphere becomes increasingly oppressive.

• Character Interactions: The way NPCs react to Corvo or Emily is directly influenced by your Chaos level. In Low Chaos, characters are more likely to be helpful and trusting. In High Chaos, they will be fearful, hostile, or even attempt to betray you. Even allies will show signs of doubt and disillusionment.

• Enemy Behavior: High Chaos increases the number of guards and their level of aggression. They become more vigilant, quicker to detect you, and more likely to resort to lethal force.

• Story and Endings: Ultimately, the Chaos level dictates the ending you receive. Low Chaos endings usually involve reconciliation, hope for the future, and a restoration of order. High Chaos endings, on the other hand, are characterized by death, despair, and the collapse of society. There are variations within these endings, influenced by specific choices made throughout the game, making multiple playthroughs worthwhile.

Moral Implications and Player Choice

Dishonored 2 isn’t just about choosing between “good” and “bad” endings. It’s about exploring the moral complexities of power, revenge, and the consequences of violence. The game presents players with difficult choices, forcing them to confront the ethical implications of their actions.

The design emphasizes the importance of non-lethal approaches. Abilities like sleep darts, chokeholds, and non-lethal takedowns are readily available, encouraging players to find creative ways to neutralize enemies without killing them. This adds a layer of challenge and requires strategic thinking, making each encounter more engaging.

However, the game also acknowledges that violence can sometimes be necessary. It doesn’t punish players for choosing to kill, but it does make them aware of the consequences of their choices. The High Chaos ending serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the destructive nature of unchecked aggression and the importance of considering the wider impact of one’s actions.

The game encourages players to engage with the GamesLearningSociety.org ethos and understand the impact of their choices in the context of the game world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How is Chaos calculated in Dishonored 2?

Chaos is primarily calculated by the number of human enemies and civilians you kill. Completing certain side objectives in a violent manner and making destructive choices also contribute to the overall Chaos level.

2. What is the kill threshold for Low Chaos?

Generally, keeping the kill rate below 20% of the total population in each mission will help you maintain Low Chaos.

3. Do animal kills affect Chaos?

No, killing animals like rats, fish, and dogs does not affect the Chaos level. Only human kills are factored into the calculation.

4. Do Clockwork Soldiers count as kills?

No, destroying Clockwork Soldiers does not affect your Chaos level. They are considered automatons, not humans.

5. Do Weepers count as kills?

Yes, killing Weepers does increase Chaos as they are considered humans afflicted by the plague.

6. Do kills from rewired traps affect Chaos?

Yes, kills caused by rewired traps like Arc Pylons and Wall of Lights count towards your kill count and will increase Chaos.

7. What are the benefits of playing Low Chaos?

Low Chaos leads to a more optimistic storyline, a cleaner environment, more helpful NPCs, and ultimately, the “good” ending.

8. What are the consequences of playing High Chaos?

High Chaos results in a darker, more oppressive world, increased enemy presence, hostile NPCs, and a bleak “bad” ending.

9. Can I switch between Low and High Chaos in a single playthrough?

While it’s possible to fluctuate between the two, it’s difficult to drastically shift from one to the other mid-game. Once your Chaos level reaches a certain point, it becomes difficult to reverse it.

10. Does my choice of character (Corvo or Emily) affect the Chaos system?

No, the Chaos system is not influenced by which character you choose to play. It is solely based on your actions within the game.

11. Are there achievements related to Chaos levels?

Yes, there are achievements for completing the game in both Low Chaos and High Chaos, encouraging players to explore both playstyles.

12. Does knocking out enemies raise Chaos?

No, knocking out enemies and performing non-lethal takedowns does not raise Chaos. It actually helps maintain a Low Chaos playthrough.

13. How do side objectives impact Chaos?

Some side objectives involve violent or destructive choices that can increase Chaos, even if you minimize your kill count.

14. Does killing Granny Rags raise Chaos?

Yes, Granny Rags is considered a civilian, and killing her will count as a civilian kill and increase your Chaos level.

15. Is there a “canon” Chaos level for Dishonored 2?

While there’s no official “canon” Chaos level, many fans and developers consider a Low Chaos playthrough to be the more consistent with the overall narrative and themes of the Dishonored universe. However, this does not invalidate playing the game in High Chaos.

Mastering Morality in Dunwall and Karnaca

Ultimately, the choice of how to play Dishonored 2 is up to you. The game provides the tools and the context to make informed decisions, but it doesn’t dictate how you should play. Whether you choose to be a merciful protector or a vengeful force of nature, your actions will have consequences. The Chaos system is a testament to the power of choice and the importance of considering the impact of your actions, reflecting the commitment of the Games Learning Society to promote informed decisions. So, embrace the freedom to choose, explore the different paths available, and discover the unique stories that unfold based on your choices.