Do Hounds Count as Kills in Dishonored? The Definitive 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.
In the morally ambiguous world of Dishonored, every action has a consequence. But what about the canine companions patrolling the streets of Dunwall? The short answer: no, wolfhounds do not count as lethal kills in the game’s mission summaries. You can dispatch these loyal creatures without jeopardizing your Clean Hands achievement. However, that’s just scratching the surface. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of interacting with hounds in Dishonored and how they affect your playthrough.
Understanding Kill Counts and Chaos in Dishonored
Dishonored operates on a Chaos system, which tracks the level of violence and disruption you cause throughout the game. A Low Chaos playthrough results in a more favorable ending, fewer enemies, and a generally less grim environment. Conversely, High Chaos leads to increased enemy presence, more weepers (plague victims), and a darker conclusion.
The game meticulously monitors your actions, and the number of kills significantly impacts your Chaos level. But not all deaths are created equal. While eliminating guards, civilians, and even weepers will undoubtedly tip the scales toward High Chaos, certain creatures are exempt from this calculation.
Why Hounds Are the Exception
Wolfhounds, along with other non-human enemies like rats, hagfish, and river krusts, are categorized differently. Their deaths do not directly influence your Chaos level. This is a crucial distinction for players aiming for a pacifistic run or the elusive Clean Hands achievement.
However, dismissing them entirely is a mistake. While killing them won’t directly increase Chaos, their presence and behavior can indirectly affect your stealth and overall gameplay experience.
The Importance of Stealth and Detection
Even though wolfhound kills don’t count towards your lethal kill count, these animals still pose a threat. They are excellent at detecting your character, and their barks will alert nearby guards. This increased awareness can make stealth more challenging, potentially leading to confrontations and, ultimately, more kills.
Furthermore, while their deaths don’t count, finding their corpses does count towards “bodies found”. This can raise suspicion amongst guards, making it harder to move around undetected.
Indirect Consequences of Eliminating Hounds
Consider the wider implications. Killing a hound near a guard might provoke the guard into a heightened state of alert. A panicked guard is more likely to spot you, call for reinforcements, or even accidentally kill a civilian in the chaos. All of these scenarios contribute to increased Chaos, even though the initial hound kill was technically “free.”
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Hounds in Dishonored
Here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of dealing with hounds in Dishonored:
FAQ 1: Do dogs count as detection in Dishonored?
Yes, dogs are very capable of detecting you! Wolfhounds can detect your presence and will alert guards, increasing the risk of being discovered.
FAQ 2: Do animals count as kills in Dishonored?
Generally, animals do not count as kills, but killing humans certainly does.
FAQ 3: Does killing hounds increase chaos?
No, killing wolfhounds does not directly increase chaos. They are exempt from the kill count calculation. However, be mindful of indirect consequences, such as alerting nearby guards.
FAQ 4: Does killing gravehounds count?
No, killing gravehounds and destroying their skulls does not count as a kill. This means it won’t lock you out of achievements like “Clean Hands” or “Cleanest Hands.”
FAQ 5: Can you pet the dog in Dishonored?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot pet the wolfhounds in Dishonored. They are strictly enemies and cannot be interacted with in a friendly manner.
FAQ 6: Are wolfhounds hostile?
Yes, wolfhounds are hostile. They will attack you on sight.
FAQ 7: Do dogs count as kills in Dishonored 2?
The same rules generally apply in Dishonored 2. Non-human enemies, including dogs, usually do not count as kills.
FAQ 8: Is it worth not killing in Dishonored?
That depends on your playstyle. Less kills = low chaos = less enemies & rats in later missions. The choice is yours.
FAQ 9: Do rats count as kills in Dishonored 1?
Rats don’t count as kills UNLESS you summoned the rats yourself, such as through a power like Devouring Swarm. Naturally occurring rat deaths are not attributed to you.
FAQ 10: Does killing rats help in Dishonored 2?
In Dishonored 2, certain bone charms can provide benefits for killing rats or bloodflies. For instance, killing them might restore Health or Mana.
FAQ 11: Do bodies of dead hounds affect gameplay?
Yes, the corpse of a dead hound will count towards “bodies found”. Finding bodies will raise suspicion amongst guards, making it harder to move around undetected.
FAQ 12: How does the Chaos system work in Dishonored?
The Chaos system tracks the amount of violence and disruption you cause during the game. Killing guards, civilians, and using aggressive abilities will increase Chaos, leading to a darker ending and more challenging gameplay.
FAQ 13: What counts as killing someone in Dishonored?
Generally, any NPC that can be assassinated (Guards, Civilians, Weepers, and Dogs) counts against you if they die for any reason. However, as already explained, that isn’t fully correct, because dogs do not count. Deaths from rewired machines and accidental deaths also count.
FAQ 14: Can you beat Dishonored without killing anyone?
Yes, it is possible to beat Dishonored without killing anyone, earning you the “Clean Hands” achievement. The best way to do this is to focus on stealth and non-lethal methods of takedown.
FAQ 15: Who did Corvo canonically kill?
It is revealed that canonically Corvo killed Havelock by slitting his throat from behind. The Dishonored universe is rich with lore and branching paths, and the choices made by Corvo and Emily impact the world around them. Understanding the intricacies of these moral decisions enhances the gameplay and immersion.
Strategic Considerations When Dealing with Hounds
Knowing that killing hounds doesn’t directly affect Chaos opens up strategic possibilities.
- Distraction: Use hound corpses to distract guards, creating opportunities for stealthy passage.
- Resource Management: In High Chaos runs, don’t hesitate to eliminate hounds if they pose a significant threat to your survival.
- Stealth Tactics: Focus on avoiding detection rather than resorting to lethal force. Use Blink or Possession to bypass them entirely.
Conclusion: Hounds as Moral Gray Areas
While wolfhounds may not directly impact your kill count, they represent the moral gray areas inherent in Dishonored. Their presence forces you to consider the consequences of your actions, even when dealing with seemingly inconsequential creatures. By understanding the nuances of the Chaos system and the specific rules governing animal deaths, you can navigate the treacherous streets of Dunwall with greater awareness and strategic precision.
Ultimately, Dishonored encourages player agency. Whether you choose to embrace a pacifistic approach or unleash your inner assassin, the decisions are yours to make. Remember to explore different playstyles and uncover the secrets hidden within this captivating world. To explore more about the intersection of gaming, learning, and society, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.