Navigating the Morality of Mortality: Weepers and Clean Hands in Dishonored

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Does killing Weepers count against Clean Hands? This is a question that has plagued many a stealthy assassin in the grim, plague-ridden streets of Dunwall. The short answer is: yes, killing Weepers will void your Clean Hands achievement. They are considered humans, albeit tragically afflicted ones, and taking their lives contributes to your overall kill count. But the nuances extend far beyond a simple yes or no. Let’s delve into the murky ethical waters and gameplay mechanics surrounding Weepers and the coveted Clean Hands achievement.

The Ethical Quandary: Are Weepers Just Another Kill?

Dishonored, at its core, is a game about choice and consequence. The game isn’t just about stealth and assassination. Even though the game allows for that, the players actions have meaning. The player is presented with challenges and then has to navigate all the consequences of actions taken. The decision to kill or spare a Weeper is a prime example of this. These aren’t soldiers or conspirators; they’re victims of the Rat Plague, driven mad by their affliction. Their attacks are not malicious but desperate pleas for help, twisted by disease. This begs the question: does killing a Weeper constitute murder, or is it an act of mercy?

From a gameplay perspective, the game treats them like any other human. A lethal approach will contribute to your overall Chaos level and, more importantly, jeopardize your Clean Hands run. This emphasizes the game’s moral ambiguity, forcing players to confront the ramifications of their actions beyond mere objectives.

The Mechanics of Mortality: Chaos and Clean Hands

The Chaos system in Dishonored is directly tied to the player’s actions. Higher kill counts, especially of non-combatants, lead to increased Chaos. This, in turn, affects the game world, leading to more rats, more aggressive guards, and a darker ending. Conversely, a low Chaos playthrough results in a brighter, more hopeful conclusion.

Clean Hands is a separate but related achievement. It demands that the player complete the entire game without killing anyone. This includes guards, targets (who must be dealt with non-lethally), and, crucially, Weepers. While the game doesn’t explicitly track Weeper kills separately, their deaths are factored into your total kill count. Successfully securing Clean Hands requires careful planning, mastering non-lethal techniques, and a commitment to avoiding unnecessary bloodshed.

Strategies for Dealing with Weepers Non-Lethally

Avoiding killing Weepers requires a different skillset than simply eliminating guards. Here are some key strategies:

• Stealth and Avoidance: The most straightforward approach is to simply avoid them. Stick to the shadows, use Blink to traverse the environment, and take routes that bypass Weeper-infested areas.
• Sleeping Darts: The most reliable non-lethal option. A well-aimed dart will incapacitate a Weeper, allowing you to safely move past them.
• Chokeholds: While risky, choking out a Weeper is a viable option. However, be aware that the act of carrying a Weeper can attract rats, potentially leading to complications. Be mindful of your surroundings!
• Environmental Manipulation: Use your powers to your advantage. Blink to higher ground, create distractions, or even use Possession to move a rat away from you.
• Rewiring: Rewiring a wall of light will unfortunately count as a kill, so do not use that ability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions relating to Clean Hands, Weepers, and the general mechanics of death and morality in Dishonored:

1. Do unconscious bodies count against Clean Hands? No. As long as the person does not die as a result of falling from a great height or from an environmental hazard like rats, unconscious bodies do not count against Clean Hands.

2. Does killing rats void Clean Hands? No. Rats, along with other creatures like fish and River Krusts, are exempt from the Clean Hands kill count. Feel free to thin their numbers without penalty.

3. Does alerting guards raise Chaos? Yes. Being detected, even if you don’t kill anyone, contributes to your Chaos level. Try to remain undetected whenever possible.

4. What’s the best way to deal with Granny Rags non-lethally? There are a few options, but the most common involves burning her cameo in the furnace and then subduing her non-lethally. This requires careful timing and stealth.

5. Do Clockwork Soldiers count as kills? No. Killing or destroying Clockwork Soldiers does not affect your Clean Hands achievement or Chaos level.

6. Does letting enemies fall to their death count as a kill? Yes. If an enemy dies as a direct result of your actions, even indirectly, it will count against your Clean Hands run.

7. Can I use the Bend Time power without affecting Clean Hands? Yes. Using Bend Time, even to sneak past or reposition enemies, does not affect Clean Hands as long as you don’t directly cause their death.

8. Does possessing an enemy and making them walk into a Wall of Light count as a kill? Yes, it does. Be mindful of the consequences of Possession, as any death resulting from it will be attributed to you.

9. If a guard is killed by another guard, does it count against me? No. If an enemy is killed by another enemy without your direct involvement, it will not affect your Clean Hands achievement.

10. Do wolfhounds count as kills? No, wolfhounds, like rats, fish, and River Krusts, do not affect your Clean Hands achievement.

11. If I choke someone out and they’re eaten by rats, does that affect Clean Hands? Yes, this is a tricky situation. If you leave an unconscious body in a rat-infested area and the rats kill them, it will count against your Clean Hands achievement. Always move bodies to safe locations.

12. Does rewiring a Wall of Light to kill enemies affect Clean Hands? Yes. While rewiring itself isn’t a kill, if it results in the death of an enemy (including Clockwork Soldiers), it will void your Clean Hands run.

13. Does the number of times I’m detected affect the ending? Yes, the amount of times you are detected affects the Chaos level.

14. What are the essential powers for a Clean Hands playthrough? Blink is essential for traversal and evasion. Dark Vision helps you plan your routes and avoid enemies. Bend Time can be useful for tight situations. Sleep Darts will be your best way to non lethally deal with Weepers.

15. Where can I find more information on game design and learning? For more insights into the intersection of gaming and education, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org. You’ll find valuable research and resources on how games can be used to foster learning and engagement.

The Final Verdict: Compassion and Completion

Achieving Clean Hands in Dishonored is a challenging but rewarding experience. It forces you to think creatively, master your abilities, and make difficult choices. And in regards to Weepers, while the challenge is daunting, the reward of a clear conscience, and a brighter future for Dunwall, is well worth the effort. Remember, every action has a consequence, and in a world as morally complex as Dishonored’s, choosing compassion can be the most powerful weapon of all.