Dishonored: The Art of the Non-Lethal Run – A Master Assassin’s Guide to Pacifism

Yes, you absolutely can beat Dishonored without killing anyone. This feat, often referred to as a “Clean Hands” run, is not only possible but also adds a unique layer of challenge and strategic depth to the game. While Dishonored casts you as Corvo Attano, a master assassin framed for the Empress’s murder, it simultaneously empowers you to choose your own path, including one of absolute pacifism. Embracing this path requires cunning, patience, and a masterful understanding of Dishonored’s intricate mechanics and level design.

The Allure of Non-Lethal Gameplay

Why choose to play Dishonored without killing? The answer lies in the game’s sophisticated chaos system. Your actions, particularly your lethality, directly influence the game world. A high body count translates to a higher chaos level, resulting in:

• An increase in rat swarms and weepers (plague victims).
• More aggressive guard patrols and heightened security.
• A darker ending, reflecting the moral decay of Dunwall.

Conversely, a low-chaos playthrough, achieved through non-lethal methods, leads to:

• A reduction in rat swarms and weepers, making traversal safer.
• More lenient guard patrols, allowing for easier stealth.
• A brighter ending, showcasing the potential for redemption and renewal.

Beyond the tangible gameplay benefits, a non-lethal run offers a profound sense of accomplishment. It forces you to think creatively, to utilize your powers and gadgets in innovative ways, and to truly master the art of stealth. It’s a testament to your skill and a rejection of the easy path of violence.

Mastering the Tools of Pacifism

Achieving a Clean Hands run demands a shift in mindset. Forget the sword; embrace the tranquilizer dart and the chokehold. Here’s a breakdown of the essential tools and techniques:

• Sleep Darts: The bread and butter of a non-lethal run. Aim for the head for a guaranteed knockout.
• Chokeholds: Effective against unaware enemies. Approach from behind and subdue them quickly.
• Sleep Mines: A potent area-of-effect incapacitation tool. Deploy strategically to neutralize groups of enemies.
• Blink (Level 1): Essential for quick movement, evasion, and positioning for chokeholds.
• Agility: While not strictly necessary, Agility enhances your movement speed and jumping ability, making stealth easier.

Strategic Considerations

• Learn Enemy Patrols: Observation is key. Study guard routes to identify opportunities for non-lethal takedowns.
• Utilize Verticality: Dishonored’s level design encourages vertical movement. Exploit rooftops and balconies to bypass enemies or set up ambushes.
• Distraction is Your Friend: Throw bottles or use the “Bend Time” power (if you choose to take it, though not required) to create distractions and lure guards away from key areas.
• Hide Bodies (or Unconscious Foes): Out of sight, out of mind. Hide incapacitated enemies in secluded areas to prevent them from being discovered.
• Save Frequently: Accidents happen. Save often to avoid costly mistakes and replaying large sections.

Non-Lethal Mission Solutions: A Glimpse

Each mission in Dishonored presents unique challenges, but all can be overcome without resorting to lethal force. Here are a few examples:

• The Golden Cat: Instead of assassinating the Pendleton twins, brand them as slaves on the streets of Dunwall.
• House of Pleasure: Spare Slackjaw and instead, help Granny Rags punish the Pendleton brothers.
• Lady Boyle’s Last Party: Instead of killing Lady Boyle, kidnap her and deliver her to her secret admirer.
• High Overseer Campbell: Brand Campbell with the heretic brand and expose his crimes.

These alternative solutions demonstrate Dishonored’s brilliance. They offer satisfying conclusions to each mission without resorting to bloodshed and often delve deeper into the game’s lore and character development.

The Clean Hands Achievement: A Badge of Honor

Successfully completing a Clean Hands run unlocks the corresponding achievement/trophy, a testament to your skill and dedication. But the real reward is the satisfaction of mastering Dishonored on its own terms, proving that a true assassin is not defined by their ability to kill, but by their capacity for restraint and strategic thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does killing rats count against the Clean Hands achievement?

No, killing rats does not count against the Clean Hands achievement unless you summon the rats through powers, such as the “Devouring Swarm” power. Natural rat swarms are considered part of the environment.

2. What about dogs? Can I kill wolfhounds?

Similarly, killing wolfhounds does not void the Clean Hands achievement. They are considered non-human enemies and their deaths do not contribute to the body count.

3. What if an enemy falls from a great height after I knock them out?

If an enemy dies as a direct result of your actions, even indirectly, it will count as a kill. Be careful where you leave unconscious bodies. Make sure bodies don’t slide off from a slope or roof, and make sure they don’t touch water or they’ll instantly drown and die.

4. Can I use grenades or spring razors on a non-lethal run?

No, grenades and spring razors are lethal weapons and will void the Clean Hands achievement. Stick to sleep darts, chokeholds, and sleep mines.

5. Does being detected break the Clean Hands achievement?

No, being detected by enemies does not affect the Clean Hands achievement. The only thing that matters is your kill count.

6. What happens if an enemy dies from a trap that was already set?

If an enemy dies from a pre-existing trap, such as an electrified water puddle, it does not count against you, as it was not a direct result of your actions.

7. Are there any missions where it’s impossible to avoid killing?

No, every mission in Dishonored has a non-lethal solution. Some may be more challenging than others, but they all exist.

8. Does killing Clockwork Soldiers count against the Clean Hands achievement in Dishonored 2?

In Dishonored 2, destroying Clockwork Soldiers does not count as a kill. They are considered non-organic enemies. Note that this does not apply to humans.

9. What are the best powers to take for a Clean Hands run?

Blink (Level 1) is essential for mobility and stealth. Dark Vision helps you scout enemy locations. Bend Time (though not required) can be useful for creating distractions and avoiding detection.

10. Does the chaos level affect the gameplay if I’m not killing anyone?

Yes, the chaos level still affects the gameplay, even if you’re not killing. Being detected, letting bodies be discovered, and causing civilians to panic will raise your chaos level, leading to more rats and tougher enemies.

11. How do I deal with the Tallboys non-lethally?

Tallboys are tough, but not invincible. The most reliable method is to reprogram their arc mines to target them. You’ll need to find the reprogramming device. Alternatively, you can use a combination of Blink and chokeholds to dismount them, although this is extremely risky.

12. Is it okay to kill River Krusts?

Yes, killing River Krusts does not count against Clean Hands, as they are considered part of the environment.

13. What happens if an enemy is eaten by rats after I knock them out?

If rats consume an unconscious body, it does count as a kill against you. It is very important to hide bodies away from rats.

14. Does the Clean Hands achievement unlock immediately after completing the game?

No, the Clean Hands achievement unlocks after the mission summary screen, which appears after you finish the final mission.

15. Where can I learn more about the impact of games on learning?

To explore the broader impact of games on education and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org or https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. They offer valuable resources and research on the subject.

Dishonored’s non-lethal gameplay is more than just a challenge; it’s a statement. It’s a testament to the power of choice and the potential for redemption, even in the darkest of worlds. Embrace the path of the pacifist assassin, and discover a new dimension to this critically acclaimed masterpiece.