Can You Knock Out Curnow in Dishonored? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, you absolutely can knock out Captain Geoff Curnow in Dishonored. In fact, it’s often the preferred method for players aiming for a low-chaos playthrough and the coveted “Clean Hands” achievement. Dishonored presents multiple ways to deal with key characters, and rendering Curnow unconscious opens up several strategic possibilities within the “High Overseer Campbell” mission.
Saving Captain Curnow: More Than Just Wine
The core challenge in the “High Overseer Campbell” mission revolves around preventing Campbell from poisoning Curnow. While the most direct method involves switching the wine glasses, Dishonored offers a more nuanced approach for players looking to minimize casualties: rendering Curnow unconscious.
The Unconscious Approach
Here’s how to pull it off:
-
Avoid the Poison: The first step is to ensure Curnow doesn’t drink the poisoned wine. This can be achieved in several ways: switching the glasses, spilling both glasses, or even simply intervening before either character takes a sip.
-
Immediate Action: Once the poisoning is averted, Campbell will inevitably become suspicious and direct Curnow towards his secret chamber. This is your opportunity.
-
The Knockout: Follow them discretely. Inside or en route to the secret chamber, use a non-lethal takedown (chokehold) on Curnow. Timing is crucial. You don’t want Campbell to witness your actions.
-
Strategic Placement: Once Curnow is unconscious, you have a few options. The safest and most common choice is to carry him to the dumpster across the street from the main entrance of the building. Be wary of the guards patrolling the area. Neutralize them non-lethally or stealthily avoid them to successfully deposit Curnow.
Why Knocking Out Curnow Matters
Opting to knock out Curnow instead of resorting to lethal methods has several advantages:
-
Low Chaos: This is paramount for players seeking the “Clean Hands” achievement and the “good” ending. Non-lethal takedowns significantly contribute to maintaining a low-chaos world state.
-
Story Implications: While the immediate impact of saving Curnow may seem minimal, the cumulative effect of sparing lives shapes the overall narrative. A low-chaos approach often results in a more hopeful and less bleak ending.
-
Strategic Flexibility: Saving Curnow, even through unconsciousness, opens up different strategic pathways. It allows you to focus on neutralizing Campbell without the added pressure of protecting Curnow.
FAQs: All About Curnow and Non-Lethal Playthroughs
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the nuances of saving (or subduing) Captain Curnow:
How do you save Captain Curnow in Dishonored?
The most straightforward way is to switch the wine glasses so Campbell drinks the poison. However, a low-chaos alternative is to spill both glasses of wine and then knock Curnow unconscious before Campbell can lead him into the secret room.
What happens if you poison both glasses in Dishonored?
If you poison both glasses, Campbell will realize something is amiss. He will then take Curnow to his secret chamber to kill him personally, triggering the next phase of the mission where you can intervene.
Where do you put Curnow if you knock him out?
The most common and recommended location is the dumpster located across the street from the main entrance of the Overseer’s building. Be careful of the guards patrolling that area.
What happens to Geoff Curnow if he drinks the poison?
If Curnow drinks the poison, he will die. This results in a higher-chaos playthrough, making it more difficult to achieve the “Clean Hands” achievement and obtain the “good” ending.
How do you knock out Campbell in Dishonored?
Campbell can be neutralized non-lethally by branding him with the Heretic’s Brand. You’ll need to find the brand and the ritual information in the Office archives and interrogation room. Once branded, Campbell will be disgraced and no longer pose a threat.
Can you save Martin Teague in Dishonored?
Yes, you can save Martin Teague, the man in chains being interrogated by Overseer Jasper. Freeing him is generally considered a “good” action and contributes to a lower-chaos playthrough.
What happened to Callista Curnow in Dishonored?
Callista’s fate depends on your chaos level. In high chaos, she is often killed by Havelock. In low chaos, she survives and will help Corvo by opening the door to Emily’s room in the tower.
How do you get into Campbell’s secret room?
There are two main ways: through the kennels, finding the bust with the shiny eye, and pressing the eye to reveal the secret entrance; or by following Campbell and Curnow when they head there after the wine incident.
Do hounds count as kills in Dishonored?
No, hounds (wolfhounds), rats, hagfish, and river krusts do not count towards lethal kills in the end-mission summaries. You can kill them without affecting your chances of achieving “Clean Hands.”
Can you complete Dishonored without killing anyone?
Yes, absolutely! Achieving a zero-kill playthrough is the key to unlocking the “Clean Hands” achievement. This requires careful planning, stealth, and a mastery of non-lethal takedowns.
Should you infect the distillery in Dishonored?
Infecting the distillery raises Chaos. It will not add to your kill total, but it will increase the number of Weepers in the next mission, making your gameplay experience more difficult.
Does killing matter in Dishonored?
Yes, killing directly affects your “Chaos” level. Higher chaos leads to a darker world state, more enemies, and ultimately, a “bad” ending. Lower chaos results in a more positive outcome.
Which Dishonored ending is canon?
The low chaos ending is considered the canonical ending. While Corvo may have killed some enemies, he spared key figures and avoided widespread bloodshed.
Can you save Lizzy Stride in Dishonored?
Yes, if you’re playing the DLC Knife of Dunwall, Daud can rescue Lizzy Stride from her cell after making a deal.
How do you get the good ending in Dishonored?
To get the “good” ending, maintain a low-chaos level throughout the game. Focus on non-lethal takedowns, avoid detection, and spare the lives of key targets whenever possible. Your choices have consequences, so consider your actions carefully.
Mastering Non-Lethal Gameplay
Dishonored rewards players who embrace stealth and non-lethal approaches. While taking down enemies and targets might seem easier with a sword or pistol, the long-term consequences of high chaos can significantly impact the game world and the overall narrative experience. Learning the art of choking out guards, utilizing sleep darts, and strategically placing unconscious bodies is crucial for achieving the “Clean Hands” achievement and unlocking the more optimistic ending.
Moreover, exploring the world and finding alternative solutions to problems often reveals hidden depths and story elements that might be missed in a more aggressive playthrough. Dishonored, at its core, is a game about choices and their ramifications. Saving Captain Curnow, whether through cunning manipulation or a swift knockout, is just one example of the many decisions that shape your personal journey through Dunwall.
Interested in learning more about the educational aspects of video games? Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization explores the potential of games as tools for learning and development.