Does Killing Guards in Dishonored Affect the Ending?

Killing guards in Dishonored does indeed affect the ending, as the Chaos level is influenced by the player’s actions, including the number of guards and civilians killed, leading to different outcomes based on whether the player achieves a Low Chaos or High Chaos rating. The game’s ending is determined by the player’s overall Chaos level, which is impacted by the number of kills, making it essential to consider the consequences of killing guards and other characters throughout the game.

Understanding the Chaos System

The Chaos system in Dishonored is a mechanism that tracks the player’s actions and their impact on the game world, influencing the story and its outcome. The system takes into account the number of kills, non-lethal takedowns, and other factors to determine the player’s Chaos level, which can range from Low Chaos to High Chaos.

Impact of Killing Guards on Chaos Level

Killing guards contributes to a higher Chaos level, as it is considered a violent and disruptive act that affects the game world and its inhabitants. However, the game allows for some flexibility, and players can still achieve a Low Chaos rating if they keep their kills to a minimum and use non-lethal methods whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQs provide additional information on the Chaos system and its impact on the game:

1. What is the Chaos system in Dishonored?: The Chaos system is a mechanism that tracks the player’s actions and their impact on the game world, influencing the story and its outcome.
2. How does killing guards affect the Chaos level?: Killing guards contributes to a higher Chaos level, as it is considered a violent and disruptive act that affects the game world and its inhabitants.
3. Can I still get a Low Chaos rating if I kill some guards?: Yes, the game allows for some flexibility, and players can still achieve a Low Chaos rating if they keep their kills to a minimum and use non-lethal methods whenever possible.
4. What is the difference between Low Chaos and High Chaos?: Low Chaos results in a more optimistic ending, while High Chaos leads to a darker and more cynical outcome.
5. Do non-lethal takedowns affect the Chaos level?: Non-lethal takedowns do not contribute to a higher Chaos level, making them a viable option for players seeking to minimize their impact on the game world.
6. Can I kill civilians without affecting the Chaos level?: No, killing civilians contributes to a higher Chaos level and can negatively impact the game’s outcome.
7. Do enemies killing each other count towards the Chaos level?: No, enemies from different factions killing each other do not count towards the Chaos level, as the game does not consider them allies.
8. Does killing rats and other animals affect the Chaos level?: No, killing rats and other animals does not contribute to a higher Chaos level, unless the player has summoned them themselves.
9. Can I spare certain characters, like Granny Rags, without affecting the Chaos level?: Yes, sparing certain characters can help minimize the player’s Chaos level and contribute to a more positive outcome.
10. Is it better to play as Corvo or Emily in terms of Chaos level?: Both characters have their unique abilities and playstyles, and the choice between them does not directly impact the Chaos level.
11. How many kills do I need to achieve a Low Chaos rating?: The game does not provide a specific number, but keeping kills to a minimum and using non-lethal methods whenever possible can help achieve a Low Chaos rating.
12. Can I change my Chaos level mid-game?: Yes, the player’s Chaos level can be influenced by their actions throughout the game, allowing for changes to be made mid-game.
13. Does the Chaos level affect the game’s difficulty?: Yes, a higher Chaos level can result in a more challenging game, as the environment and enemies become more hostile and aggressive.
14. Can I achieve a Low Chaos rating without using non-lethal methods?: Yes, while non-lethal methods can help minimize the player’s Chaos level, it is possible to achieve a Low Chaos rating through other means, such as avoiding detection and minimizing kills.
15. Is there a canonical ending to Dishonored?: Yes, the overall Low Chaos canonical ending is considered the “true” ending, but the game’s story and outcome can vary depending on the player’s choices and actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, killing guards in Dishonored does affect the ending, as it contributes to a higher Chaos level and influences the game’s outcome. By understanding the Chaos system and its impact on the game, players can make informed decisions and shape the story to their desired outcome. Whether playing as Corvo or Emily, the choice is theirs, and the game’s flexibility and replayability make it an engaging and immersive experience.