Dishonored Difficulty Face-Off: Which Game Reigns Supreme?
Without a doubt, Dishonored 1 generally presents a greater challenge, especially when pursuing a low-chaos, non-lethal playthrough. The first game’s restrictive level design, fewer non-lethal options, and absence of readily available “neutral zones” make stealth and pacifism demonstrably harder to achieve compared to Dishonored 2. While the sequel polishes mechanics and offers a plethora of synergistic abilities, allowing for more creative and forgiving approaches, the original demands meticulous planning and execution.
Diving Deep: The Core Differences in Difficulty
Dishonored and Dishonored 2, while sharing core mechanics, diverge significantly in their approach to difficulty. Several key elements contribute to Dishonored 1’s heightened challenge:
Limited Non-Lethal Options
In Dishonored 1, your primary non-lethal takedown is the chokehold, which leaves you vulnerable and requires close proximity to your target. The sleep darts are scarce, and other gadgets like the spring razor are decidedly lethal. Dishonored 2, on the other hand, introduces a more robust arsenal of non-lethal tools, including stun mines, upgraded sleep darts, and the ability to slide-tackle enemies into unconsciousness.
Tighter Level Design
Dishonored 1’s levels, while atmospheric and well-crafted, are often more confined and linear than those in its sequel. This limits your options for maneuvering around enemies and finding alternate routes. Dishonored 2’s expansive, multi-layered environments offer a wealth of possibilities for stealth, evasion, and creative problem-solving, making it easier to avoid detection and confrontation. The renowned Clockwork Mansion stands as a testament to the cleverness of level design in both games.
Aggressive Enemy AI and Detection
Some players find the enemy AI in Dishonored 1 to be more aggressive and perceptive than in Dishonored 2. Guards seem to detect you more quickly, and their patrol routes are often more tightly spaced. While Dishonored 2’s enemies also pose a threat, the player is typically given more tools to manipulate their awareness or avoid them altogether.
Scarcity of Resources
Resources, such as crossbow bolts and elixirs, are generally scarcer in Dishonored 1. This forces you to be more conservative with your usage and rely more on stealth and evasion. In Dishonored 2, you have more opportunities to replenish your supplies, which reduces the pressure to conserve resources and allows for more experimentation with different playstyles.
The Impact of Chaos
The Chaos system plays a significant role in both games, influencing the overall difficulty and tone. High Chaos, resulting from frequent kills, leads to increased enemy presence, more rats, and a darker, more oppressive atmosphere. Conversely, Low Chaos, achieved through non-lethal approaches, results in fewer enemies and a more positive ending. Dishonored 1’s initial difficulty in maintaining Low Chaos can make the overall experience feel more challenging, especially for first-time players.
Dishonored 2’s Perceived Difficulty
Despite being generally considered easier, Dishonored 2 can still present challenges. Some players find the enemy sightlines to be excessively long and their hearing too acute. The game’s complex levels, while offering numerous pathways, can also be disorienting, making it difficult to anticipate enemy movements and plan your route effectively. Furthermore, the game introduces new enemy types, such as the Clockwork Soldiers, which require specific strategies to overcome.
Character Choice: Corvo vs. Emily
The choice between playing as Corvo Attano or Emily Kaldwin in Dishonored 2 also influences the perceived difficulty. Corvo retains his powers from the first game, allowing experienced players to leverage familiar strategies. Emily, on the other hand, possesses a new set of powers that require learning and mastering. While her powers can be incredibly powerful and versatile, they may initially present a steeper learning curve for some players. It should be noted that while either character can work in the game, the main story in Dishonored 2 is considered to be primarily Emily’s story.
Considering Difficulty Options
Both Dishonored games offer adjustable difficulty settings. The “Very Easy” setting provides significant advantages, such as reduced enemy damage and increased resource availability, while the “Very Hard” setting increases enemy awareness and damage output. These settings allow players to tailor the difficulty to their individual skill level and preferences.
Embracing the Challenge
Ultimately, the difficulty of Dishonored and Dishonored 2 is subjective and depends on your playstyle and experience. While Dishonored 1 presents a greater initial challenge, Dishonored 2 offers its own unique obstacles. Both games are rewarding experiences that encourage experimentation and creative problem-solving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Dishonored game should I start with?
It’s highly recommended to start with Dishonored 1. The story and lore are more easily understood if you play the first game before diving into the sequel. Dishonored 2 builds upon the events and characters introduced in the first game, and you’ll appreciate the nuances and references more if you have prior knowledge of the Dishonored universe.
2. Is it okay to play Dishonored 2 before Dishonored 1?
While not ideal, it’s possible to play Dishonored 2 before Dishonored 1. However, you’ll miss out on crucial backstory and character development. The narrative connection between the two games will be less impactful, and you may find yourself confused by certain plot points or character motivations.
3. Is Dishonored 2 longer than Dishonored 1?
Yes, Dishonored 2 is generally longer than Dishonored 1. The average first playthrough of Dishonored 2 is around 14 hours, while Dishonored 1 typically takes about 12 hours. Completionists can expect to spend significantly more time with both games, exploring all the side quests and secrets. Some have spent upwards of 50 hours in both games to fully complete them.
4. What is the best difficulty to play Dishonored on for the first time?
For first-time players, Normal difficulty is recommended. This provides a balanced challenge that allows you to learn the game’s mechanics and explore its various systems without feeling overwhelmed. If you find Normal too easy, you can always increase the difficulty later.
5. Does killing affect the ending in Dishonored?
Yes, killing significantly affects the ending in Dishonored. The game features a Chaos system that tracks your level of violence. High Chaos, resulting from numerous kills, leads to a darker ending, while Low Chaos, achieved through non-lethal approaches, results in a more positive outcome.
6. Can you beat Dishonored without killing anyone?
Yes, it is possible to beat both Dishonored and Dishonored 2 without killing anyone. This requires careful planning, strategic use of non-lethal abilities, and a willingness to reload saves when mistakes are made. Achieving a non-lethal playthrough is a challenging but rewarding experience.
7. Does killing animals count towards Chaos?
In Dishonored 1, killing hounds does not count toward Chaos, however killing them affects the achievement progress. River Krusts and rats also do not affect the chaos level if you kill them. Be careful as killing weepers does affect the chaos level in Dishonored 1. The same is true in Dishonored 2. Killing civilians also affects the chaos level in both games.
8. How do I avoid rats in Dishonored?
Rats are attracted to dark places and corpses. To avoid them, stay in well-lit areas, dispose of bodies properly, and avoid lingering near dead bodies. You can also use powers like Windblast to clear rats from your path.
9. Is Dishonored okay for a 10-year-old?
Dishonored is generally not recommended for children under the age of 16. The game contains mature themes, including violence, gore, and sexual content. There are points where you can decapitate someone and carry their head, and there are scenes of graphic violence involving rats devouring NPCs. One level also takes place in a brothel.
10. Was Dishonored 2 a flop?
Dishonored 2 was not a flop, although its initial sales were lower than those of the first game. The game received critical acclaim for its gameplay, level design, and story. While the initial launch was marred by technical issues, these were eventually resolved, and the game has since become a fan favorite.
11. Is Dishonored 2 better as Corvo or Emily?
The choice between Corvo and Emily is largely a matter of personal preference. Emily’s story is considered more canon, but both characters offer unique gameplay experiences. Corvo retains his familiar powers from the first game, while Emily has a new set of abilities to master.
12. How many years pass between Dishonored 1 and Dishonored 2?
Fifteen years pass between the events of Dishonored 1 and Dishonored 2. This time jump allows for significant changes in the characters and the world, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
13. Will there be a Dishonored 3?
The future of the Dishonored franchise is uncertain. While there have been rumors and leaks suggesting that a Dishonored 3 is in development, there has been no official confirmation from Arkane Studios or Bethesda. Some sources have alluded to a release between April 2024 and March 2025.
14. Should I play Dishonored 2 or Death of the Outsider first?
It’s recommended to play Dishonored 2 before Death of the Outsider. While Death of the Outsider continues the story from the original Dishonored’s DLC, it also builds upon the events and characters introduced in Dishonored 2.
15. What makes Dishonored so amazing?
Dishonored’s appeal lies in its unique blend of stealth, action, and role-playing elements. The game’s diverse powers, branching pathways, and morally ambiguous choices allow for a highly personalized and engaging experience. The intricate level design, particularly the Clockwork Mansion, combined with the rich lore and compelling story, creates a truly unforgettable world. Games such as Dishonored have given inspiration for other video games that are both educational and entertaining, such as those explored by the Games Learning Society. Feel free to find more information about similar titles at GamesLearningSociety.org.