Does Killing Matter in Dishonored? A Deep Dive into Chaos and Consequences
Absolutely. Killing matters immensely in Dishonored. The game’s core mechanic, the Chaos system, directly ties your actions to the world around you. Each kill, each detection, each violent act contributes to an invisible score that determines the overall tone of Dunwall and, ultimately, which ending you receive. The consequences ripple outward, impacting everything from the environment to the reactions of other characters.
The Chaos System: A Web of Cause and Effect
Dishonored isn’t just about slicing and dicing your way through enemies. It’s about making choices, and understanding the ramifications of those choices. The Chaos system tracks your lethality, detection rate, and overall violent actions. This data influences:
- The World: A High Chaos playthrough will result in more rats, more Weepers (plague victims), increased security, and a generally grimmer atmosphere in Dunwall. Low Chaos, on the other hand, leads to fewer enemies, fewer rats, and a more stable, hopeful Dunwall.
- The Ending: The ending you receive is directly tied to your Chaos level. A High Chaos playthrough results in a darker, more tragic ending, while a Low Chaos playthrough results in a more optimistic one. There’s also a variation of the High Chaos ending.
- Character Interactions: Characters will react differently to you depending on your Chaos level. Guards might be more aggressive and wary in a High Chaos world, while allies may express disappointment or even fear.
Lethal vs. Non-Lethal: A Matter of Perspective
The game provides you with a wide array of tools, both lethal and non-lethal. While swords and pistols are readily available for dispatching enemies, you also have access to sleep darts, choking, and other methods for incapacitating them without causing permanent harm.
Choosing the non-lethal path requires more planning, patience, and skill. You’ll need to master stealth, understand enemy patrol routes, and utilize your powers creatively to avoid detection and subdue your opponents. However, the reward is a Low Chaos playthrough and the satisfaction of knowing you saved lives.
The Clean Hands Achievement: A Testament to Pacifism
For the truly dedicated, there’s the “Clean Hands” achievement, earned by completing the game without killing anyone (excluding certain unavoidable circumstances, like the final boss). This is a significant challenge, requiring a mastery of the game’s mechanics and a willingness to explore every non-lethal option available. Obtaining this achivement shows your dedication to the non-lethal approach and earns you bragging rights among the GamesLearningSociety.org community, demonstrating a mastery of game mechanics and ethical decision-making.
Morality and Gameplay: A Symbiotic Relationship
Dishonored’s Chaos system isn’t just a tacked-on feature. It’s deeply integrated into the gameplay, forcing you to consider the moral implications of your actions. It elevates the game beyond a simple power fantasy, transforming it into a thought-provoking experience that explores themes of revenge, justice, and the corrupting influence of power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it worth it to not kill in Dishonored?
Yes, absolutely. Playing with a Low Chaos approach offers a unique and rewarding experience. You’ll see a more positive ending, experience a less bleak Dunwall, and challenge yourself to master the game’s stealth mechanics.
2. Does it matter if I kill people in Dishonored?
Yes, it directly impacts your Chaos level, which in turn influences the world, the ending, and character interactions. The more you kill, the darker the game becomes.
3. Is it possible to not kill in Dishonored?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to complete the game with minimal to no kills, earning the “Clean Hands” achievement.
4. What happens if I kill no one in Dishonored?
You’ll be rewarded with a Low Chaos ending, a less rat-infested Dunwall, fewer enemies, and the satisfaction of completing the game peacefully.
5. Is it okay to kill Dogs in Dishonored?
Yes. Like rats, hagfish, and river krusts, wolfhounds do not count toward lethal kills in mission summaries. You can kill them and still achieve Clean Hands.
6. How many endings does Dishonored have?
There are three main endings. There is a Low Chaos ending, a High Chaos ending, and a very High Chaos ending. The most violent ending is a variation of the High Chaos ending.
7. Is it better to not kill anyone in Dishonored?
It depends on your preference. Non-lethal is “better” for the game’s world and the ending. Killing is “better” if you are looking for an easier and quicker way to deal with situations.
8. Does Corvo kill anyone canonically?
Yes, he does. Based on the second game’s dialogue, and the graphic novels, Corvo brands the High Overseer and kills Granny Rags, and Havelock.
9. Is there a body limit in Dishonored?
Yes. By default, Dishonored attempts to maintain a maximum of five bodies per level, and an absolute maximum of ten bodies per level.
10. What happens if I kill too much in Dishonored?
Your Chaos level increases, leading to a darker world, more rats and Weepers, increased security, and ultimately, the darker ending.
11. Why is Dishonored so scary?
The oppressive atmosphere, the bleak environments, and the environmental storytelling all contribute to a sense of dread. The Chaos system further enhances the tension, making you constantly aware of the consequences of your actions.
12. Is it good to kill rats in Dishonored?
It’s generally better to possess rats for stealth and infiltration. Killing them can yield adrenaline through certain trinkets, but it’s not a primary strategy.
13. Who did Corvo canonically kill?
As referenced in the game and expanded upon in supplementary materials, Corvo canonically killed Havelock by slitting his throat.
14. Which Dishonored is harder?
Many players find Dishonored 1 harder due to less refined abilities and movement mechanics compared to Dishonored 2.
15. Does killing assassins raise Chaos in Dishonored?
Yes, generally. Killing NPCs, including assassins, contributes to your Chaos level.
In conclusion, the choice is yours. Embrace the shadows, master the art of stealth, and strive for a brighter future, or revel in the chaos and unleash your inner assassin. Just remember that every action has a consequence in the world of Dishonored. The Games Learning Society offers a great platform for discussing the intricate systems and moral choices presented in games like Dishonored, fostering a deeper understanding of the narratives and mechanics that drive these experiences. Access them at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.