Sparing the Duke: A Comprehensive Guide to Non-Lethal Resolution in Dishonored 2
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So, you’re aiming for a low-chaos playthrough in Dishonored 2 and want to spare Duke Luca Abele? Excellent choice! Avoiding bloodshed not only nets you a more positive ending but also presents a unique puzzle to solve. Here’s the key: you need to identify the Duke’s body double, Armando, and manipulate events to make it appear as though Armando is the real Duke while portraying Luca as the impostor. This leads to Luca’s arrest and imprisonment, a fate far more suitable than a messy assassination.
The Non-Lethal Path: Step-by-Step
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Locate Both the Duke and Armando: This is where Dishonored 2 throws you a curveball. The locations of both Luca and Armando are randomized at the start of the mission. Common locations include:
- The Duke’s Chamber
- The Duke’s Office
- The Grand Throne Chamber
- The Private Garden
- Delilah Copperspoon’s Chamber
Use your abilities (Dark Vision for Corvo, Far Reach for Emily) to scout these areas efficiently.
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Identify Armando: Telling the two apart can be tricky. They look identical! The clues lie in their behavior:
- Armando is generally much nicer and more agreeable than Luca. He’s easier to reason with, or at least talk to.
- Armando smokes, while Luca does not. Look for a lit cigarette or a pipe.
- Pay close attention to their dialogue. Armando will eventually reveal his true identity if you persist in conversation.
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Convince Armando to Cooperate: Once identified, you must talk to Armando. He’s initially scared, but by demonstrating that you aren’t a threat (and perhaps promising him a better life), you can convince him to help. He will instruct you on how to proceed with the charade. He’ll outline the steps needed to expose Luca as the “impostor.”
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Gather Evidence (If Necessary): Armando might require you to gather specific pieces of information or items to solidify the ruse. Pay close attention to his instructions. This could involve finding documents, overhearing conversations, or manipulating environmental factors.
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Expose Luca: Follow Armando’s instructions to the letter. This typically involves creating a scenario where Luca’s behavior seems erratic and un-Duke-like, while Armando convincingly plays the role of the calm and collected leader. This may require you to manipulate key figures within the palace guard.
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Let the Grand Serkonan Guard Handle It: Once you’ve successfully planted the seeds of doubt, the Grand Serkonan Guard will arrest Luca, believing him to be an insane impostor. He will be imprisoned at an asylum, effectively removed from power without bloodshed.
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Achievement Unlocked! Success! You’ve spared the Duke and maintained a low-chaos playthrough.
Understanding the Nuances
The success of this strategy hinges on careful observation, strategic dialogue choices, and precise execution. Don’t rush the process. Take your time, explore every nook and cranny, and pay attention to the subtle details that will help you expose Luca and secure Armando’s cooperation.
Tips for Success
- Save Frequently: Dishonored 2’s randomized elements can sometimes lead to unexpected complications. Save often so you can revert to an earlier point if things go south.
- Listen Carefully: Dialogue is crucial. Pay attention to what both Luca and Armando say, as well as the conversations of other characters in the palace.
- Utilize Your Abilities: Corvo’s Blink and Possession, and Emily’s Far Reach and Domino, can be invaluable for scouting, eavesdropping, and manipulating the environment.
- Be Patient: Sparing the Duke is a process that requires patience and attention to detail. Don’t get discouraged if you encounter setbacks. Keep experimenting, and you’ll eventually find the right combination of actions to achieve your goal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sparing the Duke
What happens if I accidentally kill the Duke?
Killing the Duke will increase your chaos level, leading to a darker ending and potentially making future missions more difficult. It also prevents you from obtaining the non-lethal achievement.
How do I know if I’m detected while trying to spare the Duke?
The red bar fills up completely, which is usually when the symbol kind of breaks and you’ll usually hear the music. Pause at any time to see if you have been detected. Detections are only if you are fully seen/caught and they react.
Where can I find the Duke’s body double?
The locations of the Duke and his body double are randomized each time the mission starts. The possible locations are: the Duke’s chamber, the Duke’s office, the Grand Throne chamber, the private garden, or Delilah Copperspoon’s chamber.
What does it mean to have low chaos in Dishonored 2?
A low-chaos playthrough typically involves minimal killings and a generally more merciful approach to dealing with enemies. This leads to a more optimistic ending and a less hostile environment.
Is there a way to save Aramis Stilton?
Knock him out while you’re in the past. Knock him out. He won’t participlate in the ritual and won’t go insane, get all the runes and charms from the present day mansion first.
What if Armando refuses to help me?
Make sure you are talking to Armando (the one who smokes and is nicer) and that you haven’t alerted him to your presence. If he seems scared, try sheathing your weapon and speaking to him calmly. You may need to reload a previous save if you make him hostile.
Can I use powers like Possession to help spare the Duke?
Absolutely! Possession (Corvo) can be incredibly useful for manipulating guards or eavesdropping on conversations. Just be mindful of your mana consumption and the visibility of your actions.
What happens to Luca after he’s arrested?
Luca is imprisoned in an asylum, essentially removed from power. This is considered the non-lethal resolution to his character arc.
Is it easier to spare the Duke as Corvo or Emily?
There is no real difference, the choice between which character is used to spare the duke does not affect any outcomes. They both have similar capabilities for stealth and manipulation, making the difficulty relatively equal.
Where is the Duke’s Vault?
There’s a button in the shelves on the left side of the center aisle. Push it and head into the secret passage. Inside, there’s a couple of collectibles in the weird shrine room to the left and a blueprint on the table. Head to the back of the room and use the Duke’s key to open the vault.
Can the Grand Serkonan Guard turn on me if they believe I’m working with Luca?
Yes, this is possible! Avoid any actions that might make them suspicious of your motives. Stealth and discretion are key.
What is the Chest Key for the Dukes in Dishonored 2?
The Chest Key opens the locked chest in the Duke’s Chambers. It is carried by his body double from whom it can be pickpocketed.
Where is the Duke’s chest in Dishonored 2?
The Duke’s Quarters. The other door on the main floor leads to the Duke’s Double’s small room, where his chest (locked with a key he carries) contains a silver ingot and stack of coins inside.
How does chaos affect the final mission and ending?
High chaos leads to a more difficult final mission, with more enemies and a generally grimmer atmosphere. The ending will also reflect the darker choices you’ve made throughout the game, often resulting in a less optimistic outcome for Dunwall and its inhabitants.
What if I accidentally kill a guard while trying to spare the Duke?
One or two accidental kills are unlikely to drastically alter your chaos level, but try to avoid them. If you do accidentally kill someone, reload a previous save if you’re concerned about maintaining a low-chaos playthrough.
By following these guidelines and paying close attention to detail, you can successfully spare Duke Luca Abele and achieve a satisfying, low-chaos resolution in Dishonored 2. Remember, patience and observation are your greatest assets. Good luck, and may your blade remain sheathed! The Games Learning Society recognizes the value of strategic thinking and problem-solving fostered by games like Dishonored 2. For more on the educational aspects of gaming, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.