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Delving into the Void: Is Dishonored: Death of the Outsider the First Game?

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The short answer is a resounding no. Dishonored: Death of the Outsider is not the first game in the acclaimed Dishonored franchise. It’s a standalone expansion to Dishonored 2, meaning it relies on the established lore, mechanics, and characters of the previous games. Jumping into Death of the Outsider without experiencing the other games first would be like starting a novel in the middle of the third act – you’d be missing crucial context and character development.

Understanding the Dishonored Timeline

To fully appreciate the Dishonored universe, it’s essential to understand the chronological order of the games and their DLCs. This order allows you to experience the narrative as it unfolds, with each installment building upon the events and characters of the previous ones. Think of it as building a house – the first game sets the foundation, and each subsequent title adds a new layer of complexity and intrigue.

Here’s the definitive order in which you should play the Dishonored games:

Dishonored (2012)
Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall (DLC)
Dishonored: The Brigmore Witches (DLC)
Dishonored 2 (2016)
Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017)

Why Play in Chronological Order?

Playing the Dishonored games in the order they were released isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the optimal way to experience the story. Each game builds on the lore, world-building, and character development of the previous entries. Starting with Death of the Outsider would rob you of the emotional impact and understanding that comes from following the narrative from the beginning.

Dishonored introduces the world, the powers, and the central conflict. The DLCs for Dishonored further expand upon the lore and introduce key characters and plot points that become relevant in later games. Dishonored 2 continues the story, building upon the choices and consequences of the first game. Finally, Death of the Outsider provides a compelling conclusion to many of the overarching storylines.

Imagine trying to understand the relationship between Emily Kaldwin and Corvo Attano without playing the first Dishonored – you’d miss out on the emotional depth and significance of their bond. Similarly, the events of Dishonored and its DLCs directly influence the narrative and motivations of characters in both Dishonored 2 and Death of the Outsider.

The Standalone Nature of Death of the Outsider

While Death of the Outsider is technically a standalone expansion, meaning you don’t need to own Dishonored 2 to play it, it’s designed for players who are already familiar with the Dishonored universe. The game assumes you have a working knowledge of the characters, factions, and lore, and it doesn’t hold your hand in explaining these elements.

Think of it as a spin-off novel in a popular series – it might focus on a specific character or event, but it still relies on the reader’s understanding of the broader world and its history. Without that context, the story simply won’t resonate as deeply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Dishonored Series

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Dishonored series, designed to provide further clarity and guidance for new and returning players alike:

Is it okay to play Dishonored 2 before Dishonored 1? No, it is highly recommended to play Dishonored 1 first. Dishonored 2 builds directly upon the story and characters of the first game, and you’ll miss out on crucial context if you skip the original.
Do I have to play the Dishonored DLCs? While not strictly required, the Knife of Dunwall and Brigmore Witches DLCs for Dishonored add significant depth to the story and introduce key characters that become important in later games. Playing them will enhance your overall experience.
Should I play as Emily or Corvo first in Dishonored 2? If it’s your first time playing Dishonored 2, many recommend playing as Emily. The story feels more tailored to her character arc. However, Corvo offers a familiar playstyle from the first game. The choice is yours.
Which Dishonored game is the hardest? Many players find the original Dishonored to be more challenging due to less refined movement mechanics and abilities.
Is Dishonored 1 or 2 longer? Dishonored 2 is generally considered to be longer than the first game, with larger levels and more intricate gameplay.
What is the best way to play Dishonored? The “best” way is subjective, but a common recommendation is to play through the game stealthily with a “low chaos” approach (avoiding kills). This allows you to explore the game’s mechanics and story in a more nuanced way.
Does killing rats affect the “Clean Hands” achievement? No, killing rats (or wolfhounds and river krusts) does not affect the “Clean Hands” achievement, which requires completing the game without killing any human characters.
Can you play as a female character in Dishonored? In Dishonored 2, you can choose to play as either Corvo Attano or Emily Kaldwin, a female character. Death of the Outsider features Billie Lurk as the playable protagonist.
How many hours does it take to beat Death of the Outsider? On average, it takes around 6-7 hours to complete the main story of Death of the Outsider, and around 17-18 hours to achieve 100% completion.
What should I know before playing Death of the Outsider? Before playing Death of the Outsider, it is highly recommended to be familiar with the controls, the AI behavior, and the mechanics of the series. Furthermore, a playthrough of all the previously listed games would grant you an experience with more context to the world.
What makes Death of the Outsider different? Death of the Outsider introduces new powers and mechanics, and focuses on a specific goal: eliminating the Outsider. It’s more focused and streamlined than the previous games.
Is Death of the Outsider a good starting point? Again, no. Although it is standalone in terms of not needing to own Dishonored 2, it is not a good starting point for the Dishonored series. The game expects you to have a general idea of what is going on at all times.
What is the story of Dishonored about? The original Dishonored tells the story of Corvo Attano, a bodyguard framed for the Empress’s murder, who becomes an assassin seeking to clear his name and avenge her death.
What is “Chaos” in Dishonored? The “Chaos” system tracks your actions and their consequences. High Chaos, resulting from killing many enemies, leads to a darker ending. Low Chaos, achieved through stealth and non-lethal methods, results in a more positive ending.
Will there be a Dishonored 3? While there have been rumors and leaked documents suggesting a Dishonored 3 is in development, there has been no official confirmation from Arkane Studios or Bethesda Softworks.

Diving Deeper: Beyond the Games

The Dishonored universe extends beyond the games, encompassing novels, comics, and tabletop RPGs. Exploring these additional mediums can further enrich your understanding of the world, its characters, and its lore. For example, studying the design and mechanics of the games within the series can prove fruitful, and even be beneficial within the Games Learning Society.

If you are interested in learning more about the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.

In Conclusion

While Dishonored: Death of the Outsider offers a compelling story and unique gameplay, it’s not the place to start your journey into the Dishonored universe. Begin with the original Dishonored, immerse yourself in its rich lore and intricate mechanics, and then progress through the subsequent games and DLCs in chronological order. By doing so, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the story, the characters, and the overall experience that the Dishonored series has to offer. So, grab your mask, hone your skills, and prepare to delve into a world of intrigue, betrayal, and supernatural power. The Empire awaits.