The Whale in the Works: Does Killing the Whale Count in Dishonored?
The simple answer is no, killing the whale in the “Knife of Dunwall” DLC for Dishonored does not count as a kill for the end-level screen or for the “Cleaner Hands” achievement. This exception is specifically designed to allow players to complete the “Granny’s Recipe” side objective, which requires retrieving the whale’s eye. Now, let’s delve into the intricate world of lethal and non-lethal choices in Dishonored and explore the various nuances that define what constitutes a kill.
Understanding the Nuances of Lethality in Dishonored
Dishonored isn’t just about slashing through enemies; it’s about choice. The game’s core mechanic encourages players to consider the consequences of their actions, particularly when it comes to taking lives. The game tracks kills, which influences the Chaos level, ultimately dictating the ending you receive. A lower kill count leads to a “low chaos” ending, while a higher kill count results in a “high chaos” ending, with associated changes to the game world, enemy behavior, and even the prevalence of rats.
However, not all deaths are created equal in Dishonored. The game makes a distinction between direct and indirect kills, as well as between human and non-human targets. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for players aiming for a specific ending or trying to achieve the elusive “Cleaner Hands” achievement, which requires completing the game without killing anyone.
Direct vs. Indirect Kills
A direct kill is a kill that you physically perform, such as shooting a guard with your pistol, stabbing them with your sword, or using your powers to directly eliminate them.
Indirect kills are trickier. They involve setting up situations that lead to an NPC’s death, even if you don’t directly perform the killing blow. For example, if you knock out a guard near a swarm of rats and they are subsequently devoured, that counts as a kill. Similarly, re-wiring a Watchtower, Arc Pylon, or Wall of Light to kill enemies also contributes to your kill count. The game considers you responsible for the outcome because your actions set the chain of events in motion.
Human vs. Non-Human Targets
The game generally differentiates between human and non-human targets when calculating kills. Killing humans (including Nest Keepers), typically increases Chaos levels and impacts the ending you receive. On the other hand, killing creatures like rats, hagfish, and river krusts does not contribute to your kill count or affect your Chaos level.
Interestingly, certain mechanical enemies, like Clockwork Soldiers, are also exempt from the kill count. This distinction reflects the game’s focus on the moral implications of taking human life, rather than simply tallying the number of bodies left in your wake.
Beyond the Kill Count: Chaos and Its Implications
The Chaos system is more than just a simple kill counter. It’s a dynamic measure of the overall impact of your actions on the game world. While killing directly contributes to Chaos, other factors, such as alarms triggered, being detected by enemies, and causing civilians to panic, also play a role.
A high Chaos level leads to a more bleak and oppressive game world, with increased rat populations, more aggressive enemies, and a darker ending. A low Chaos level, on the other hand, results in a brighter, more hopeful world with fewer rats, more lenient enemies, and a happier ending. This system encourages players to think beyond simply avoiding kills and to consider the broader consequences of their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions that arise regarding kills, chaos, and related mechanics in Dishonored:
1. Do rats count as kills?
No, killing rats, hagfish, and river krusts does not count towards your kill count or affect your Chaos level.
2. Does killing dogs count?
No, killing wolfhounds does not count towards lethal kills in mission summaries. However, killing them might alert guards, similar to a sleep dart.
3. Does killing Clockwork Soldiers count?
No, killing Clockwork Soldiers does not count against you.
4. Do deaths caused by rats count as kills?
If you directly cause a human to be eaten by rats (e.g., by knocking them unconscious near a swarm), it does count as a kill. Deaths from naturally occurring rats are not counted.
5. Does re-wiring traps to kill enemies count as kills?
Yes, kills caused by re-wired traps, such as Watchtowers, Arc Pylons, and Walls of Light, contribute to your kill count and Chaos.
6. Does knocking out Paolo count as a kill?
No, knocking out Paolo does not count as a kill, even though he disappears.
7. Does killing Nest Keepers count towards Chaos?
Yes, killing Nest Keepers counts as a lethal takedown and increases Chaos.
8. Does killing bloodflies count as kills?
No, killing bloodflies does not count against you. There are even abilities in Dishonored 2 that are predicated on you killing them.
9. What counts as being detected in Dishonored?
Being detected means that the enemy has fully identified you as a threat. In Dishonored 1, this is indicated by all three bolts filling up and turning red, then breaking. In Dishonored 2, it’s shown by one bolt going fully red.
10. Do alarms count towards high chaos?
Yes, alarms contribute to the Chaos as well.
11. What contributes to high chaos?
Things that can contribute to high chaos in Dishonored include: kills, alarms rung, detections, causing civilians to panic or bodies found.
12. How does chaos affect the game?
The Chaos level influences the ending you receive, the prevalence of rats, enemy behavior, and the overall atmosphere of the game world. High chaos leads to a darker and more oppressive experience, while low chaos results in a brighter and more hopeful one.
13. Can you spare Granny Rags?
Yes, you can spare Granny Rags by destroying her cameo. However, killing her will count as a civilian kill and increase Chaos.
14. Is it possible to get the “Cleaner Hands” achievement if I kill dogs?
Yes, dogs don’t count towards lethal kills in the mission summaries.
15. Are there consequences to killing too much?
Yes, killing too many people leads to a higher Chaos level, resulting in a darker world and the “bad” ending.
The Art of Choice and Consequence
Ultimately, Dishonored is a game about making difficult choices and living with the consequences. While the game provides clear rules about what constitutes a kill, it also encourages players to think critically about their actions and the impact they have on the world around them. Whether you choose to embrace a lethal approach or strive for a non-lethal playthrough, the game offers a rich and rewarding experience that is shaped by your decisions. If you would like to learn more about games and learning visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.