How to Spare Daud in Dishonored: A Master Assassin’s Guide to Non-Lethal Resolution
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So, you’re aiming for a low chaos run in Dishonored, or perhaps you’re just feeling a touch of empathy for the assassin Daud? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. The key to sparing Daud lies in a combination of stealth, strategy, and understanding the game’s mechanics. In the final mission involving him, The Flooded District, the direct answer is simple: do not kill him. Instead, focus on performing a non-lethal elimination. The most common method involves pickpocketing the bone charm he carries, leaving him alive and (relatively) well. This article details exactly how to accomplish that, and what to expect.
The Non-Lethal Approach: Pickpocketing Daud
The simplest non-lethal solution is pickpocketing the bone charm. This is easier said than done, however. The key to pickpocketing Daud successfully hinges on exploiting his patrol pattern and using distractions strategically.
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Approach with Caution: The Flooded District is riddled with enemies. Clear the immediate area around Daud’s location before attempting anything. This reduces the chances of being detected during your attempt.
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Observe His Pattern: Daud has a set patrol route. Watch him closely to identify the best moment to strike. Look for moments when he’s isolated, his back is turned, or he’s engaged in conversation.
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Utilize Distractions: Use bottles, grenades (without the fuse lit, of course), or even your crossbow with non-lethal bolts to create distractions. Toss them strategically to draw guards away from Daud, creating an opening for you to approach undetected.
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Bend Time is a No-Go: Remember, the information provided in the original text is correct – Daud is immune to Bend Time when pickpocketing. This means you can’t rely on this power to slow down time and slip your hand into his pocket.
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Stealth is Paramount: Crouch, move slowly, and pay close attention to the noise meter. Stay in the shadows as much as possible to minimize the risk of detection.
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The Pickpocket: Once you’re close enough, and when he is NOT suspicious of your presence the pickpocket prompt will appear. Successfully pickpocket the bone charm. This will count as a non-lethal elimination of Daud.
Avoiding a Direct Confrontation
While the game pushes you toward a confrontation, it is possible to completely stealth the mission. The text we examined is incorrect, you can completely avoid a direct confrontation by obtaining the key from the desk in his office and pickpocketing him.
After the Pickpocket
Once you have picked his pocket there is nothing left to do. Escaping the mission will mark your objective as complete. This leaves Daud alive, setting the stage for his appearance at the Empress’s tomb after the credits roll.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Daud
Here are 15 of the most commonly asked questions about Daud, including his fate, abilities, and role in the Dishonored universe.
1. Can you save Daud?
Yes, you can spare Daud in Dishonored by performing a non-lethal takedown, most commonly pickpocketing the bone charm.
2. What happens if you spare Daud?
If spared, Daud is later seen placing his sword at the tomb of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin, showing his remorse for his actions.
3. Is there a non-lethal way to deal with Daud?
Yes, the primary non-lethal method is pickpocketing the bone charm. This allows you to “eliminate” him without causing his death.
4. Can you avoid fighting Daud?
Yes, as the mission is complete once you pickpocket him. You can then escape the area to complete the mission.
5. Does Corvo canonically kill Daud?
According to the lore, Corvo spares Daud’s life. This is the canon ending.
6. What happens if you let Daud live in the Dishonored world?
Letting Daud live allows him to reflect on his actions and seek redemption.
7. Is Daud good or bad in Dishonored?
Daud is more of an anti-hero. He’s morally ambiguous, driven by his own code and motivations, making him neither purely good nor purely evil.
8. Does Daud have the same powers as Corvo?
Daud shares some powers with Corvo, including Blink, the ability to summon assassins, and a version of Bend Time. However, their implementations and nuances differ. Daud’s Blink is faster, and his Bend Time affects only himself, whereas Corvo’s affects a larger area.
9. Is Daud immune to sleep darts?
Yes, Daud is immune to sleep darts. Do not waste your darts on him.
10. Can you spare Granny Rags?
Yes, Granny Rags can be spared by destroying her cameo. This disables her without killing her.
11. Can you beat Dishonored without killing anyone?
Yes, you can complete Dishonored without killing anyone, earning the “Clean Hands” achievement.
12. Who are the non-lethal bosses in Dishonored?
Several characters can be dealt with non-lethally, including High Overseer Campbell, the Pendleton Twins, Lady Boyle, Admiral Havelock, and even Delilah in the sequel.
13. What is Daud’s Blink like in Dishonored?
Daud’s Blink is faster than Corvo’s. Also Daud’s Blink marker is darker than Corvo’s, and lacks the vertical light between the top and bottom marker.
14. Who is stronger, Corvo or Daud?
This is a debated topic, but many consider Corvo to be slightly stronger due to his superior training and resilience.
15. Can Daud be knocked out?
While you can attempt to knock out Daud, it’s not the recommended non-lethal method. The pickpocketing strategy is far more effective.
Conclusion: Embracing the Ghostly Path
Sparing Daud requires a strategic approach. While some information may lead you to believe a physical confrontation is imminent, you can avoid confrontation by pickpocketing. By using stealth, distractions, and patience, you can complete the mission without bloodshed, securing the “Clean Hands” achievement and seeing Daud’s remorseful gesture at the end. Remember to focus on observation, use your powers wisely, and embrace the ghostly path.
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