Should I Play as Emily or Corvo in Dishonored 2? A Definitive Guide
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The age-old question for newcomers (and even seasoned veterans) jumping into the richly crafted world of Dishonored 2: Should you play as Emily Kaldwin or Corvo Attano? The short answer? For your first playthrough, you should absolutely choose Emily Kaldwin. While both characters offer compelling experiences, Emily’s journey is subtly woven as the more canon-friendly and narratively resonant choice for a first-time player. She provides a natural continuation of the story begun in Dishonored, building upon the events surrounding her childhood and the loss of her mother. This allows for a deeper emotional connection and a richer understanding of the world’s evolving sociopolitical landscape.
Why Emily Kaldwin is Ideal for Your First Dishonored 2 Experience
The game subtly nudges players toward Emily. The tutorial itself is presented from her perspective. Switching to Corvo immediately after feels like a disconnect. Beyond this initial suggestion, Emily’s character arc simply fits better within the context of the narrative. She’s reclaiming her throne, navigating a coup, and grappling with newfound powers while facing threats from familiar enemies and unexpected betrayals. This struggle is particularly poignant when contrasted with the carefree child seen in the first Dishonored.
Character Growth and Narrative Impact
Emily’s journey feels more formative. As a young empress forced into exile, she embodies resilience and resourcefulness. Experiencing the story through her eyes allows players to witness the world through the lens of someone evolving into a leader. This provides a compelling layer of personal investment that enhances the overall experience. Corvo, on the other hand, while possessing his own motivations, often feels more like a supporting figure in Emily’s story, even when he is the player character.
Unique Powers and Playstyle
While both characters share some core abilities like Blink (or Far Reach for Emily), their unique powers offer distinctly different gameplay styles. Emily’s powers, such as Domino (linking enemies) and Mesmerize (distracting foes with a summoning), encourage a more strategic and calculated approach. They also resonate with her character as a young ruler learning to manipulate her environment to her advantage. Corvo’s abilities, honed over years of training, are undoubtedly powerful, but they feel less organic to the narrative thrust of Dishonored 2.
Why Corvo Attano Still Offers a Worthwhile Playthrough
Don’t dismiss Corvo entirely! After experiencing the game as Emily, playing as Corvo provides a fresh perspective and allows you to fully appreciate the depth of the gameplay mechanics. Corvo’s skills are undeniably potent, allowing for brutal efficiency in combat and unparalleled stealth. His journey is one of protecting his daughter and reclaiming what was lost, a noble and compelling goal in its own right.
Classic Powers and Ruthless Efficiency
Corvo’s classic powers, like Blink, Possession, and Time Bend, are time-tested and incredibly versatile. They enable a playstyle that favors swift, decisive action, appealing to players who prefer a more direct approach. While Emily’s powers are arguably more nuanced, Corvo’s are straightforward and devastatingly effective. This makes him an excellent choice for players seeking a more challenging and action-oriented experience.
Understanding Corvo’s Perspective
Playing as Corvo also provides valuable insight into his character. By experiencing the events of Dishonored 2 through his eyes, you gain a deeper appreciation for his motivations and his unwavering dedication to Emily. This enhances the overall understanding of the Dishonored universe and allows you to fully appreciate the complexities of the characters and their relationships.
The Verdict: Emily First, Corvo Second
Ultimately, the best approach is to experience Dishonored 2 twice, once as Emily and once as Corvo. However, for your initial playthrough, choosing Emily Kaldwin offers the most narratively satisfying and emotionally resonant experience. Her journey provides a natural continuation of the first game’s storyline, while her unique powers encourage a strategic and engaging playstyle. Once you’ve completed her story, diving in as Corvo will provide a fresh perspective and allow you to fully appreciate the depth of the gameplay mechanics and the complexities of his character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to playing as Emily or Corvo in Dishonored 2, offering further insight and guidance:
1. Is Emily’s playthrough considered canon?
The game subtly suggests that Emily’s playthrough is the “true” or canon story. The tutorial is from her perspective, and the narrative flow feels more natural when continuing as her.
2. Are Corvo’s powers objectively better than Emily’s?
Neither character has objectively “better” powers. Corvo’s are classic and powerful for any situation. Emily’s are fresh and new, offering a wide variety, but some feel more situational. It mostly comes down to player preference.
3. Which character is harder to play as?
This depends on your playstyle. Corvo’s powers are more direct and aggressive, while Emily’s often require more planning and strategy. Some players find Emily’s Far Reach more difficult to master than Corvo’s Blink.
4. Does the story significantly change depending on who you play as?
The core story remains the same, but the dialogue and some interactions change to reflect the character’s personality and perspective. The overall plot, villain, and key events stay consistent.
5. Can you switch between Emily and Corvo mid-game?
No, you must choose one character at the beginning of the game and play through the entire story with them.
6. Does choosing a different character affect the ending?
The overall ending remains similar, but the nuances of the conclusion, the characters’ fates, and the specific dialogue can change slightly based on your choice and actions during the game.
7. Are there any unique missions or areas depending on who you play as?
No, the missions and areas remain the same regardless of your character choice. The differences lie in the dialogue, interactions, and how you approach the objectives using each character’s unique powers.
8. Does character choice affect the difficulty level?
The difficulty level is independent of your character choice. You can adjust the difficulty settings regardless of whether you’re playing as Emily or Corvo.
9. What are the key differences between Blink and Far Reach?
Blink is a short-range teleport, allowing for quick and precise movement. Far Reach is a grappling ability that pulls you to a location or pulls objects and enemies towards you. Far Reach offers more versatility but can be harder to control.
10. How does Emily’s Domino power work?
Domino links enemies together. If one linked enemy is affected (e.g., knocked out or killed), the effect is applied to all linked enemies. This allows for strategic takedowns of multiple foes with a single action.
11. What are some effective strategies for using Corvo’s Possession power?
Possession allows you to inhabit the bodies of animals and humans. It’s useful for stealth, bypassing guards, and creating distractions. Possessing a rat to sneak through tight spaces or possessing a guard to walk past other guards are common strategies.
12. Is it possible to complete the game without killing anyone as either character?
Yes, both Emily and Corvo can complete the game with a non-lethal “low chaos” playthrough. This requires careful use of stealth, non-lethal takedowns, and avoiding direct combat.
13. Does your chaos level affect which character is “better” to play as?
Not directly, but high chaos playthroughs might favor Corvo’s more aggressive powers, while low chaos playthroughs might benefit from Emily’s strategic abilities. Ultimately, either character can achieve high or low chaos outcomes.
14. Where can I find more information about Dishonored lore and gameplay strategies?
You can explore various online resources, including the Dishonored Wiki, community forums on platforms like Reddit, and websites dedicated to gaming guides and walkthroughs. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) also occasionally features articles and discussions on game design and mechanics that could be relevant.
15. Will there be a Dishonored 3?
While not officially announced, there have been rumors and speculation about a potential Dishonored 3. Keep an eye on official announcements from Bethesda Softworks for any updates. The success and enduring popularity of the series make a sequel a possibility.
By considering these factors and exploring the world of Dishonored 2 as both Emily and Corvo, you’ll gain a complete and enriching experience within this compelling and immersive universe. Enjoy your journey!