Is Killing Weepers Bad in Dishonored? The Moral Minefield of Dunwall
The simple answer? It’s complicated. Whether killing Weepers in Dishonored is “bad” hinges entirely on your chosen playstyle and moral compass. There’s no easy black-and-white answer; Dishonored expertly forces players to grapple with the gray areas of morality and consequence within the plague-ridden city of Dunwall. The game encourages thoughtful consideration of every action, especially those involving the suffering citizens transformed into Weepers.
The Nuances of Weeper Encounters
Are Weepers Truly Evil?
No, they aren’t. Weepers are victims of a devastating plague, not inherently malevolent beings. They’ve been twisted and driven mad by disease. This core fact forms the crux of the ethical dilemma. Eliminating them offers relief from suffering and removes a threat, but it also ends a life, albeit one ravaged by illness. Viewing them simply as enemies is a convenient simplification that ignores the tragedy of their existence.
The “Low Chaos” vs. “High Chaos” System
Dishonored employs a Chaos system that reacts dynamically to your actions throughout the game. Killing Weepers (or anyone, for that matter) contributes to High Chaos. High Chaos leads to several negative consequences:
- Increased Rat Swarms: More Weepers and rats appear throughout the city, making navigation more dangerous.
- Darker Story Ending: The ending reflects the violence and brutality you’ve inflicted on Dunwall, often resulting in a more pessimistic and tragic outcome.
- Character Changes: Characters within the game respond differently, reflecting the player’s actions.
Conversely, a Low Chaos playthrough, achieved by minimizing kills and opting for non-lethal solutions, results in:
- Fewer Enemies: The environment becomes less hostile, allowing for easier stealth and exploration.
- More Optimistic Ending: The story concludes on a more hopeful note, showcasing the positive impact of your choices.
- Character Trust: NPCs are more likely to trust and aid Corvo in his quest.
Therefore, if you’re aiming for a Low Chaos playthrough, killing Weepers is detrimental to your goal. It pushes you further down the path of violence and its associated consequences.
Is “Mercy” a Viable Option?
The game doesn’t explicitly offer a “cure” for Weepers. They are, for all intents and purposes, doomed. Therefore, some players argue that killing them is an act of mercy. This perspective sees it as a way to end their suffering and prevent them from spreading the plague further. While this argument holds some weight, the Chaos system still penalizes killing, regardless of the intention.
Gameplay Considerations
- Resource Management: Weepers can be challenging to deal with, especially in large numbers. Killing them can seem like the most efficient way to clear an area.
- Stealth Opportunities: Utilizing distractions and environmental elements can often allow you to bypass Weepers entirely, preserving your Low Chaos status.
Ethical Implications
Dishonored is not just about completing objectives; it’s about making choices with lasting consequences. The Weepers are a constant reminder of the human cost of the plague and the ethical dilemmas that arise in desperate times.
The Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, often explores these themes of morality and choice in games. They study how games can be used to promote critical thinking and ethical decision-making. GamesLearningSociety.org believes these complex systems foster greater discussions about the impact of the player’s actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Weepers in Dishonored
1. Does Killing Weepers Affect Achievements/Trophies?
Yes. Some achievements/trophies are specifically tied to completing the game with Low Chaos, which requires minimizing kills, including Weepers. Aiming for achievements like “Clean Hands” makes killing Weepers a significant obstacle.
2. Are There Any Non-Lethal Ways to Deal with Weepers?
No, not directly. The game doesn’t provide specific tools to incapacitate them without killing them. Your best bet is avoiding them entirely.
3. Do Weepers Respawn?
In most cases, no. Once you eliminate Weepers in a particular area, they typically do not respawn. However, the number of Weepers present in a level can increase with higher Chaos levels.
4. Do Weepers Count Towards the “Ghost” Achievement?
No, technically, killing Weepers doesn’t directly impact the “Ghost” achievement (completing a mission without being detected). However, engaging with them at all increases your chances of being spotted.
5. How Can I Best Avoid Weepers?
Utilize stealth tactics: stick to shadows, use Blink (if you have it), and take advantage of distractions like bottles or alarms to lure them away. Explore alternate routes whenever possible.
6. Is it Morally Justifiable to Kill Weepers to Protect Others?
This is subjective. Some might argue that sacrificing a few Weepers to save innocent citizens is justifiable. However, the game’s Chaos system doesn’t differentiate between “justifiable” and “unjustifiable” killings.
7. Are Weepers Immune to Certain Attacks?
Weepers are susceptible to most weapons and powers. Fire is particularly effective, but be mindful of the surrounding environment, as it can spread.
8. What Happens if a Weeper Attacks a Guard?
Guards will typically attack and kill Weepers. This can be a convenient way to clear an area without incurring a Chaos penalty yourself.
9. Do Weepers Carry Anything Useful?
No, Weepers don’t carry any items or loot. There’s no tangible benefit to killing them beyond clearing a path.
10. Does the Difficulty Setting Affect the Number of Weepers?
No, the difficulty setting primarily affects enemy awareness, damage dealt, and health, not the number of Weepers present.
11. Can I Use Weepers as a Distraction?
Yes! Weepers are attracted to noise and can be lured using distractions to clear a path for yourself or to create chaos for guards.
12. Do Weepers React to Different Types of Noise Differently?
All noises will attract their attention, there are no types of noises in the game which attracts them more.
13. Is There Any Lore Explanation for Why the Plague Creates Weepers?
The exact science is never fully explained, but it’s implied that the plague mutates victims, causing physical and mental degradation.
14. If I Am Playing High Chaos, Is There Any Reason Not to Kill Weepers?
Not really. If you’re already committed to a High Chaos playthrough, killing Weepers becomes a matter of practicality. However, even in High Chaos, resource management is key, so avoid unnecessary engagements.
15. Can Mods Change the Way Weepers Behave or Interact?
Yes, the PC version of Dishonored has a vibrant modding community. Some mods might alter Weeper behavior, add non-lethal options, or even introduce a “cure” for the plague. These mods can significantly change the ethical landscape of the game.