Dishonored Gameplay Video
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Dishonored Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Unreal Engine 3 (Modified) |
| Genre | Stealth Action-Adventure, Immersive Sim |
| Initial Release | 2012-10-09 |
| Developer | Arkane Studios |
| Publisher | Bethesda Softworks |
| Setting | City of Dunwall, Empire of the Isles |
| Perspective | First-Person |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (Definitive Edition on PS4, Xbox One) |
| Multiplayer | Single-Player Only |
Dishonored System Requirements
720p_Low_Settings
tune Minimum (720p @ ~30 FPS - Official) – Low Preset, 720p Resolution
1080p_High_Settings
tune Recommended (1080p @ ~60 FPS - Official) – High Preset, 1080p Resolution
1440p_Ultra_Settings
tune Enthusiast (1440p @ 60+ FPS) – Ultra/Max Preset, 1440p Resolution
2160p_Ultra_Settings
tune 4K Target (60+ FPS with modern hardware) – Ultra/Max Preset, 2160p (4K) Resolution
Dishonored Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core I5 11400 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 2050 55W
storage 8GB DDR4-3200MHz
749
Model: ASUS TUF Gaming F15 with RTX 2050 and Intel i5
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 11400 H (Score: 499)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2050 (Score: 5130) @ 55W TGP
storage RAM: 8GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_Low_Settings - Minimum (Low Preset, 720p Resolution).
memory Intel Core I7 12700 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 12700 H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_Low_Settings - Minimum (Low Preset, 720p Resolution).
memory Intel Core I9 13900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 13900 H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_Low_Settings - Minimum (Low Preset, 720p Resolution).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_Low_Settings - Minimum (Low Preset, 720p Resolution).
memory Intel Core I9 12900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12900 H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_Low_Settings - Minimum (Low Preset, 720p Resolution).
memory Intel Core I5 12450 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12450 H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_Low_Settings - Minimum (Low Preset, 720p Resolution).
memory Intel Core I5 12500 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12500 H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_Low_Settings - Minimum (Low Preset, 720p Resolution).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_Low_Settings - Minimum (Low Preset, 720p Resolution).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 680 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 680 H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_Low_Settings - Minimum (Low Preset, 720p Resolution).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_Low_Settings - Minimum (Low Preset, 720p Resolution).
-
Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows Vista / Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Officially supports older Windows versions. Runs perfectly on Windows 8, 10, and 11.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 9.0c
Dishonored utilizes DirectX 9.0c for rendering.
- save_altStorage Note: 9 GB available HDD space (SSD Recommended for faster loading)
Small install size by modern standards. SSD improves level load times.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: No native support for modern upscaling technologies (DLSS/FSR/XeSS). Standard resolution and anti-aliasing options are available in-game.
Key Settings: Shadow Quality, Light Shafts, Texture Details, and Anti-Aliasing (MLAA/FXAA) can impact performance on very low-end hardware.
Dishonored: Map Size and Regions
The game features distinct, large, and intricately designed mission levels rather than a single continuous open world. Key locations in Dunwall include Dunwall Tower, the Hound Pits Pub (hub area), Kaldwin's Bridge, Boyle Estate, and the Flooded District. Each level offers multiple pathways and secrets.
Dishonored: Post-Launch Content / DLC
Dunwall City Trials: Challenge maps. The Knife of Dunwall: Story DLC playing as the assassin Daud. The Brigmore Witches: Continues Daud's story. Void Walker's Arsenal: Pre-order bonus pack with additional bonecharms and resources.
Dishonored Skills & Upgrades Overview
Corvo gains supernatural powers like Blink (teleportation), Dark Vision, Bend Time, Devouring Swarm, and Possession. These powers are unlocked and upgraded using Runes found in the world. Bonecharms provide passive buffs. Weapons and gadgets like the pistol, crossbow, grenades, and rewire tools can be upgraded using money at Piero Joplin's workshop.
Dishonored: Game Editions
Standard Edition: Base game. Game of the Year (GOTY) Edition / Definitive Edition: Base game + all DLC (Dunwall City Trials, The Knife of Dunwall, The Brigmore Witches, Void Walker's Arsenal).
Dishonored: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Originally released on PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360. Definitive Edition available on PS4 and Xbox One. No cross-play features.
Dishonored Specific Game Elements
Dishonored Weapons
- securityCorvo's Folding Blade (Melee)
Corvo's signature collapsible sword, used for lethal combat, stealth takedowns, and parrying attacks.
- securityCrossbow (Ranged (Stealth))
A silent ranged weapon. Fires standard bolts, sleep darts for non-lethal takedowns, and incendiary bolts.
- securityGrenade (Throwable (Explosive))
Standard fragmentation grenade effective against groups or for creating diversions.
- securityPistol (Firearm (Ranged))
A flintlock-style pistol. Can be upgraded for damage, accuracy, and reload speed. Standard and explosive bullets available.
- securitySpring Razor (Trap (Lethal))
A deployable trap that, when triggered, unleashes a whirlwind of sharp wires, shredding nearby enemies.
- securitySticky Grenade (Throwable (Explosive))
A grenade that adheres to surfaces or enemies before detonating.
Dishonored Vehicles
- directions_carSamuel's Boat (Watercraft (Transport))
Samuel Beechworth's small motorboat, used to transport Corvo to and from mission areas along Dunwall's waterways.
- directions_carWhale Oil Powered Rails/Carts (Automated Transport (Environmental))
Some levels feature automated rail carts or lifts powered by whale oil, which can be used for traversal within specific areas.
Dishonored Animals / Creatures
- petsHagfish (Fictional Aquatic Creature)
Role: Aquatic Hazard, found in water bodies, can be possessed.
- petsRat (Rattus norvegicus (Plague Rats))
Role: Environmental Hazard (swarms), Can be possessed, Source of Devouring Swarm power
- petsWolfhound (Canis lupus familiaris)
Role: Enemy Type, Guard Animal, often accompanies City Watch.
Dishonored Characters
- personCorvo Attano - Protagonist / Royal Protector (playable)
The Empress's loyal bodyguard, framed for her murder. Granted powers by the Outsider to seek revenge and clear his name.
- personDaud - Antagonist / Assassin Leader
The infamous 'Knife of Dunwall', leader of the Whalers assassin gang, responsible for carrying out the Empress's murder.
- personEmily Kaldwin - Heir to the Throne / Damsel
Daughter of Empress Jessamine, kidnapped after her mother's assassination. Rescuing her is a primary objective.
- personEmpress Jessamine Kaldwin - Ruler of the Isles
The beloved Empress murdered at the start of the game, setting Corvo's journey in motion.
- personHiram Burrows (Lord Regent) - Primary Antagonist / Usurper
The Royal Spymaster who orchestrates the Empress's assassination and seizes power as Lord Regent.
- personSamuel Beechworth - Ally / Boatman
A loyalist boatman who ferries Corvo to and from missions and offers moral guidance.
- personThe Outsider - Supernatural Entity / Narrator
A mysterious, amoral god-like figure from the Void who grants supernatural powers to individuals he finds 'interesting', observing their choices.
Top 3 Characters:
Attano (Playable protagonist, iconic mask and powers) 2. The Outsider (Enigmatic granter of powers) 3. Daud (Leader of the Whalers assassin group, antagonist/anti-hero).
Dishonored Missions / Objectives
- flagDishonored (Prologue)
Objective: Witness the Empress's assassination, get framed, and escape Coldridge Prison.
- flagHigh Overseer Campbell
Objective: Eliminate High Overseer Thaddeus Campbell or find a non-lethal solution to neutralize him.
- flagHouse of Pleasure
Objective: Infiltrate the Golden Cat bathhouse to deal with the Pendleton twins.
- flagLady Boyle's Last Party
Objective: Infiltrate a masquerade ball at the Boyle Estate to identify and eliminate one of the three Boyle sisters (or find a non-lethal alternative).
- flagThe Light at the End
Objective: Infiltrate Kingsparrow Island lighthouse for the final confrontation with the Lord Regent and to rescue Emily.
- flagThe Loyalists
Objective: Return to the Hound Pits Pub only to face betrayal.
Top 3 Missions/Levels (Subjective):
Boyle's Last Party (Infiltrate a masquerade ball with multiple ways to identify and eliminate the target) 2. House of Pleasure (Assault the Golden Cat bathhouse) 3. The Flooded District (Navigate the dangerous, plague-infested ruins of Dunwall).
Dishonored Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkBonecharms
Location/Use: Found in various hidden spots or carried by specific NPCs; provide passive buffs to Corvo's abilities. The Heart reveals their locations.
- collections_bookmarkBooks, Notes, and Audiographs
Location/Use: Scattered throughout the world, providing lore, character backstories, hints, and world-building details.
- collections_bookmarkOutsider Shrines
Location/Use: Hidden shrines dedicated to the Outsider, usually containing a Rune and offering lore insights.
- collections_bookmarkRunes
Location/Use: Hidden throughout levels; used to acquire and upgrade supernatural powers. The Heart reveals their locations.
- collections_bookmarkSokolov Paintings
Location/Use: Collectible artworks by Anton Sokolov hidden in each mission level. Collecting them provides coin and contributes to completion.
Top 3 Collectibles:
(Unlock and upgrade supernatural powers) 2. Bonecharms (Provide passive perks and buffs) 3. Sokolov Paintings (Valuable art pieces hidden in levels).
Dishonored Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomCity Watch Uniform
Details: Blue and grey uniforms worn by Dunwall's guards, varying slightly by rank.
- checkroomOverseer Uniform
Details: Distinctive masked uniforms of the Abbey of the Everyman's militant order.
- checkroomRoyal Protector Uniform
Details: Corvo's signature dark, masked attire. Not customizable beyond its inherent design.
Dishonored Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Strictly a single-player experience. No co-op or competitive multiplayer.
- labelUser Interface
Relatively minimalist HUD with health/mana indicators, objective markers, and a quick-access wheel for powers and gadgets. Contextual prompts for interactions.
- labelSound and Music
Score by Daniel Licht, creating a dark, atmospheric, and memorable soundtrack. Sound design is crucial for stealth, providing auditory cues for guard patrols and environmental hazards. Features iconic voice acting, including Stephen Russell as Corvo (though Corvo is mostly silent).
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Utilizing a heavily modified Unreal Engine 3, Dishonored features a distinct 'whalepunk' art style characterized by exaggerated Victorian-era architecture, industrial elements powered by whale oil, and painterly textures. The game is known for its strong art direction and atmosphere rather than raw graphical fidelity by modern standards.
- labelAccessibility Features
Standard for its time: Subtitle options, remappable controls (PC), adjustable difficulty. Less comprehensive than modern titles but functional.
- labelStory and Setting
Players control Corvo Attano, the Royal Protector framed for the murder of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin and the kidnapping of her daughter, Emily. Set in the plague-ridden industrial city of Dunwall, Corvo seeks revenge on those who conspired against him, aided by supernatural powers granted by the enigmatic Outsider.
- labelTop 5 Powers/Gadgets (Subjective)
- 1. Blink (Essential for traversal and stealth) 2. Dark Vision (See enemies/items through walls) 3. Bend Time (Slow or stop time for strategic advantage) 4. Sleep Darts (Non-lethal ranged takedowns) 5. Possession (Inhabit animals or humans for infiltration).
- labelChaos System
The game tracks Corvo's lethal actions. Higher Chaos (more kills) leads to a darker world state: more rats and Weepers, pessimistic NPC dialogue, a more fortified city, and ultimately a bleaker ending. Low Chaos results in a more hopeful outcome.
- labelPlayer Freedom & Choice
Hallmark of Arkane games. Each mission offers numerous paths, tools, and powers allowing for diverse approaches: pure stealth, non-lethal, aggressive combat, or a combination. Main targets always have non-lethal elimination options.
Dishonored Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline What is the Chaos system in Dishonored?The Chaos system tracks Corvo's lethal actions. Killing more characters increases Chaos, leading to a darker world, more plague victims (Weepers), more rats, pessimistic dialogue, and a bleaker ending. A low Chaos playthrough (minimal kills) results in a more hopeful outcome.
- help_outline Can you complete Dishonored without killing anyone?Yes, it is possible to complete the entire game, including eliminating all main targets, without killing anyone (non-lethal playthrough). This often involves finding alternative methods to neutralize targets.
- help_outline What are Runes and Bonecharms used for?Runes are used to unlock and upgrade Corvo's supernatural powers. Bonecharms are trinkets that provide passive buffs, such as increased health/mana, faster movement, or enhanced stealth.
- help_outline Is Corvo a silent protagonist?For the most part, yes. Corvo has very few spoken lines in the base game, primarily making choices through player actions. He is more vocal in the DLC and Dishonored 2.