Mastering Dunwall: A Guide to Your First Powers in Dishonored
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The grim, rat-infested city of Dunwall awaits, and your journey as Corvo Attano or Emily Kaldwin (in Dishonored 2) is about to begin. But with a limited supply of runes, choosing your first powers can be daunting. The right early investments will dramatically shape your gameplay experience, influencing whether you become a ghostly shadow, a brutal assassin, or something in between.
The Essential First Powers: Prioritizing Stealth and Utility
So, what powers should you snag first in Dishonored? The absolute must-have is Dark Vision. For the cost of a single rune, it’s the most impactful power to start with. It’s not just good; it’s game-changing. Once you get your hands on a rune, immediately purchase this power.
Then, depending on your desired playstyle, follow up with:
- For Stealth Masters: After Dark Vision, focus on Blink (Corvo) or Far Reach (Emily). These are your primary traversal powers, crucial for navigating environments undetected and reaching advantageous positions. Improve Agility to further enhance your stealth and movement.
- For a Blend of Stealth and Combat: After Dark Vision, grab Blink/Far Reach, then consider Agility or Vitality to boost your combat durability. Later, Windblast can give you some edge in combat.
Why Dark Vision is Non-Negotiable
Dark Vision grants you the ability to see enemies, their vision cones, and other key elements through walls. This immediately elevates your situational awareness, allowing you to anticipate enemy movements, plan your routes, and identify hidden pathways. At the start of the game, resources are scarce, and enemies can be challenging. Dark Vision drastically reduces the difficulty of navigating levels, making it easier to avoid detection and conserve resources.
Think of it this way: Dark Vision is like having permanent cheat codes enabled for enemy locations and patrols. For only one rune, it provides an incredible advantage that lasts throughout the entire game. It’s arguably the most efficient rune investment in the entire game.
Blink/Far Reach: Mastering Movement
Blink (Corvo) and Far Reach (Emily) are your primary mobility powers. They allow you to traverse rooftops, bypass obstacles, and quickly reposition yourself during encounters. The key difference is that Blink is a short-range teleport, while Far Reach allows Emily to pull herself to distant locations or objects. Either way, these powers are invaluable for both stealth and combat.
- Stealth Applications: Use Blink/Far Reach to quickly move between cover, reach high vantage points, and bypass guarded areas altogether.
- Combat Applications: Use Blink/Far Reach to dodge attacks, close the distance on enemies, or quickly escape dangerous situations.
Agility: The Silent Predator
Agility enhances your movement speed, jump height, and overall agility. This makes it easier to navigate environments undetected, perform parkour maneuvers, and quickly react to threats. Upgrading Agility makes your footsteps quieter, making you less likely to be detected while moving quickly.
Alternative Powers to consider
Vitality provides a noticeable increase in your overall health, making it easier to survive encounters and shrug off damage. With Bend Time you can slow time down significantly. It lets you set up traps, escape hairy situations, or just get a better shot. Windblast can knock enemies off their feet. The wind power can be useful for creating openings and pushing enemies off ledges.
Dishonored FAQs: Your Questions Answered
1. Which Dishonored game should I start with?
Begin with the first Dishonored. The narrative and character development build upon the original, and understanding Corvo’s backstory is crucial for appreciating the events of Dishonored 2.
2. What are the best powers for a stealth-focused playthrough?
Blink (Corvo)/Far Reach (Emily), Agility, and Dark Vision are essential. Invest in upgrades that reduce footstep noise and enhance movement speed. Shadow Kill also makes disposing of bodies easier.
3. Should I spend my first rune on Dark Vision?
Yes, absolutely! For a single rune, it provides unparalleled situational awareness, allowing you to see enemies and their vision cones through walls. It is the best way to go to start the game.
4. Do my choices matter in Dishonored?
Yes, absolutely! Your actions influence the game’s chaos level, which affects the story, environment, and ending. High chaos leads to more rats, guards, and a darker storyline. The more choices you make, the more the story changes!
5. In Dishonored 2, who should I pick: Corvo or Emily?
For a first playthrough of Dishonored 2, Emily is often recommended. The story is tailored to her character, and her perspective offers a fresh take on the events of the first game.
6. Does it matter if I play as Emily or Corvo in Dishonored 2?
Yes, the game subtly suggests that Emily’s playthrough is the true story. Even the tutorial is from Emily’s perspective.
7. What is the single best power in Dishonored?
Blink (Corvo) is arguably the best power due to its versatility. It allows for quick traversal, stealthy repositioning, and evasive maneuvers in combat.
8. Is it worth holding onto golden runes?
Golden Runes act as a safe, portable rune reserve, especially useful if you are scared of dying and losing them. Cash them in when you need to acquire or upgrade powers.
9. Is it worth using Great Runes?
Great Runes provide temporary buffs when activated with a Rune Arc in Elden Ring. They offer powerful advantages but require consuming a limited resource. (This answer relates to the information from the document provided; however, Great Runes are not relevant to Dishonored gameplay)
10. Which Dishonored game is harder?
Some players find Dishonored 1 more challenging due to less refined mechanics and movement. Abilities are less refined.
11. Who is the best assassin in Dishonored?
Corvo is renowned as one of the most skilled assassins and spymasters. But don’t underestimate Emily’s agility in Dishonored 2!
12. Is there a God in Dishonored?
The Outsider represents the Void within the Dishonored universe. The Outsider himself is not the first god to act as such a representation.
13. Is Dishonored 1 or 2 better?
Dishonored 2 refines the gameplay mechanics, offers larger levels, and provides more player options. However, Dishonored 1 remains a strong entry point to the series.
14. Can you finish Dishonored without killing anyone?
Yes, both Dishonored and Dishonored 2 offer the option to complete the game without killing any human targets. Killing wolfhounds, rats, and river krusts do not count toward body total.
15. How does killing affect the chaos level in Dishonored?
Killing at least 20% of the map’s population each mission will set you on a path towards the bad ending.
Mastering Your Playthrough
Your initial power choices in Dishonored and Dishonored 2 are crucial for shaping your experience. Start with Dark Vision for enhanced awareness, then prioritize Blink (Corvo)/Far Reach (Emily) for mobility and Agility for stealth. Experiment with other powers as you progress, tailoring your build to your preferred playstyle. Remember that your choices matter, influencing the story and environment. Embrace the darkness, master your abilities, and carve your own legend in the world of Dishonored. For more in-depth game analyses and the educational aspects of games, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.