Dishonored 2

A rich, detailed world, tense stealth and frenetic action. Dishonored 2 has it all.

86%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

optimization, stability

90% User Score Based on 27,620 reviews

Critic Score 84%Based on 47 reviews

Platforms

Buy Nowfrom $4.99

Buy NowGet on Steam$29.99

Buy NowGet on Xbox Games Store

Buy NowGet on Epic Games Store

Buy NowGet on PS Store$5.99

About

In Dishonored 2, you play as either Emily Kaldwin or Corvo Attano, seeking to regain your stolen throne and expose a treacherous conspiracy. Traverse a steampunk-inspired world and utilize supernatural abilities to creatively eliminate or bypass your foes, shaping the story through your choices and playstyle. With a focus on immersive freedom, the game offers a rich, atmospheric experience filled with intrigue and suspense.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

90%

Audience ScoreBased on 27,667 reviews

story3.8k positive mentions

optimization1.2k negative mentions

The gameplay is fluid and engaging, with a variety of mechanics and level designs that encourage creative problem-solving and replayability.
The art direction and graphics are stunning, showcasing a vibrant steampunk aesthetic that enhances the immersive experience.
The introduction of two distinct playable characters, each with unique powers, adds depth and replayability to the game.

The story lacks the emotional impact and complexity of its predecessor, often feeling predictable and derivative.
The game suffers from numerous technical issues and bugs, particularly at launch, which detracts from the overall experience.
Character development is minimal, with many players feeling that the main characters lack depth and meaningful growth throughout the narrative.

story
11,437 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
61%
5%
The story of "Dishonored 2" continues the narrative of its predecessor, focusing on Emily Kaldwin and Corvo Attano as they seek to reclaim the throne from the usurper Delilah. While the gameplay and level design have received praise for their creativity and depth, many reviewers feel the story lacks the emotional impact and complexity of the first game, often describing it as predictable or derivative. Despite this, the game offers multiple paths and choices that can influence the outcome, providing a degree of replayability and engagement for players.
- “The story, powers, and atmosphere are as excellent as they are in the first game.”
- “Dishonored 2 is a true successor to the initial dishonored game, that manages to capture the same atmosphere, gameplay and, equally important, expands upon the story of the outsider's universe.”
- “The story is captivating, the stylized graphics are still beautiful, and the characters are given much more depth and personality.”
- “The story is a huge disappointment; if you played the first one and the DLC, the follow-up in the story makes no sense.”
- “The story is relatively well done, though the ending does feel a bit cheap and rushed in terms of how things play out after the last mission.”
- “The story is a bit more convoluted than the one in Dishonored 1, but the game adds some new gameplay options that make it worthwhile.”
gameplay
6,566 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
51%
3%
The gameplay in "Dishonored 2" is widely praised for its fluidity, depth, and variety, building upon the solid foundation established by its predecessor. Players appreciate the introduction of new mechanics, such as time manipulation and unique character abilities, which enhance the overall experience and encourage creative problem-solving. While some critiques mention a weaker story compared to the first game, the engaging gameplay and intricate level design, particularly in standout missions like the Clockwork Mansion, make it a highly enjoyable and replayable title for fans of stealth-action games.
- “The gameplay in Dishonored 2 is as addictive as ever, offering players a fantastic blend of stealth, action, and choice.”
- “Dishonored 2 is a masterful sequel that builds on the unique gameplay and immersive storytelling of its predecessor.”
- “The gameplay is fluid and fun, levels are well-made and memorable, aesthetics and atmosphere are great.”
- “Gameplay enhancements are pretty minimal, which is hugely disappointing as before this Arkane put out Prey 2017, which is a much better immersive sim but didn't carry any of the mechanics over.”
- “The reliance on trial and error mechanics exacerbates this issue, forcing players to repeat the same sections multiple times, not to refine their strategy, but to memorize patterns or exploit the AI’s flaws.”
- “This game is just more of the same as Dishonored 1 when it comes to gameplay and plot.”
optimization
4,490 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
61%
26%
The optimization of "Dishonored 2" has been a significant point of contention among players, particularly at launch, where many experienced severe performance issues, including frame drops and stuttering, even on high-end systems. While subsequent patches have improved performance for some, a considerable number of players still report ongoing optimization problems, leading to mixed reviews. Overall, while the game offers an engaging experience, its technical shortcomings continue to hinder its reception.
- “Despite the performance issues, this game is still incredible.”
- “The game runs smoothly and looks stunning even on mid-range hardware, making it accessible to a wide range of players.”
- “The performance has improved since launch, and now I can play this nice game with my RTX 2080 at 1440p, max settings and mostly above 120 fps.”
- “Technical issues also hindered the game’s launch, particularly on PC, where performance problems and optimization issues frustrated many players.”
- “My only issues lie in the performance, where even on a modern rig, I still struggle to hold a stable 120fps throughout the entirety of the game.”
- “The game is poorly optimized, and I have to wait a few minutes to let it load everything before actually playing.”
graphics
3,903 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
55%
4%
The graphics in "Dishonored 2" have received widespread praise for their stunning art style and attention to detail, showcasing a vibrant steampunk aesthetic that enhances the immersive experience. While many players appreciate the visual improvements over the original game, some have reported performance issues, including frame rate drops and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, the game is considered visually impressive, though it may require a capable graphics card to fully enjoy its graphical fidelity.
- “The architecture along with the beautiful steampunk/Victorian aesthetic is fully realized in large-scale cities and multi-leveled environments.”
- “The game boasts an incredible art direction, with its blend of intricate steampunk aesthetics and fantastical elements.”
- “The graphics are nothing short of breathtaking, with every texture, shadow, and lighting effect meticulously designed to create a truly lifelike experience.”
- “Some users suggest disabling the integrated graphics driver, but that is a temporary solution as Windows will automatically install it, and I'm not going to be stuck at old Windows versions because Bethesda refuses to fix the game they continue to sell that literally doesn't even launch.”
- “My first overall impression: empty, hollow, graphics attempting to be more realistic actually ruined the game for me within the first 5 minutes of playtime.”
- “The graphics were improved but lacked the art style that made the first game stand out.”
replayability
1,286 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
51%
1%
Dishonored 2 is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, largely due to the introduction of two distinct playable characters, Corvo and Emily, each with unique powers and playstyles. Players appreciate the freedom to approach missions in various ways—stealthy or aggressive—and the impact of their choices on the game's narrative and outcomes, which encourages multiple playthroughs. The addition of a New Game+ mode further enhances replay value, allowing players to retain abilities and explore different strategies, making it a standout title for those who enjoy replayable experiences.
- “Dishonored 2 is a critically underappreciated game that has replayability beyond any other game I've ever played.”
- “The freedom to choose how to approach each mission, whether through stealth or combat, adds an incredible layer of depth and replayability.”
- “The addition of a second playable character brings a fresh perspective to the narrative, enhancing the replayability factor.”
- “However, the game isn't really replayable after the first try and it still has the same issue as its precursor: the high-chaos playstyle is way funnier than the low-chaos one.”
- “I think 30 euros is excessive considering its limited replayability, so maybe wait until the sales.”
- “Despite its short story campaign, there's plenty of replayability with the different characters, powers, and ways to conquer the same objective.”
atmosphere
720 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
41%
2%
The atmosphere in "Dishonored 2" is widely praised for its rich detail and immersive world-building, with many players noting the vibrant yet gritty aesthetic of Karnaca compared to the darker tones of Dunwall from the first game. While some reviewers feel that the sequel lacks the same level of atmospheric depth and narrative intrigue as its predecessor, others appreciate the game's ability to create a captivating environment filled with history and character. Overall, the game's art direction, sound design, and environmental storytelling contribute to a compelling atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience.
- “The world of Karnaca is gorgeous, with sunlit coastlines, crumbling architecture, and a rich atmosphere that makes exploration rewarding.”
- “Each area feels alive with history, and the attention to detail in the architecture and atmosphere is nothing short of breathtaking.”
- “The atmosphere is dense and the setting, a kind of steampunk 1850s era of whaling and mechanical contraptions, is perfectly captured by its sure-footed art style and immersive world.”
- “Makes sense since there's not a plague going around but it just doesn't have the same atmosphere or tone as the original game.”
- “The dark gritty and dense atmosphere from the first game is gone.”
- “The atmosphere isn't as creepy, but I think that's fine.”
music
562 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
52%
4%
The music in "Dishonored 2" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric and immersive qualities that enhance the game's tone and tension. While some players find the soundtrack to be hauntingly beautiful and fitting for the setting, others feel it lacks memorable tracks compared to the first game. Overall, the sound design, including ambient music and in-game performances, contributes significantly to the game's rich world-building and emotional depth.
- “The soundtrack complements the game’s tone, building tension and emotion as you make your way through each mission.”
- “The subtle, yet haunting music playing in the background, the far away screams, the buzzing of blood flies, chittering of rats, the somber and melancholy call of a whale, all of it blends together to make you feel as though dread is always around the corner, and there is no such thing as a happy ending.”
- “Coupled with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that adapts to the player's actions, the atmosphere remains immersive and captivating throughout.”
- “The soundtrack is lacking, only 17 save slots available to use per campaign slot, only 3 campaign slots available.”
- “The music seems lacking in some way compared to the original; it's closer to background ambience than the more interesting scores present and used to highlight events in the original, and the game doesn't feel as alive as a result.”
- “The game has a very quiet soundtrack, which I understand because the game is supposed to be a stealth game, but I'm more a fan of the energetic and bombastic soundtracks.”
stability
536 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
2%
80%
The stability of "Dishonored 2" has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting a wide range of bugs and glitches, including crashes, graphical issues, and inconsistent AI behavior. While some users have experienced minimal problems and found the game to run smoothly, the overall consensus indicates that the game is still plagued by numerous technical issues, particularly at launch, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite patches improving performance for some, many players still encounter frustrating bugs that can disrupt gameplay.
- “The game looks gorgeous, runs great (contrary to many reports), and has some of the best gameplay I've ever seen.”
- “It runs great and looks gorgeous at 4k resolutions and ultra details with my NVIDIA 1080.”
- “After patches, for me this game runs great on very high settings around 60-80 in all environments.”
- “The biggest problem of all though is that the game is just buggy, buggy, buggy, inconsistent, buggy.”
- “It's honestly a buggy mess and the automatic save feature made me want to kill myself.”
- “This game is a buggy mess like every Bethesda game.”
emotional
152 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
92%
1%
7%
The emotional aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players feeling that it lacks the depth and impact of its predecessor. While some moments resonate, particularly in character interactions and certain story arcs, the overall narrative is often described as boring or lacking emotional weight, leading to a sense of detachment from the characters and their journeys. Despite improvements in gameplay mechanics, the emotional engagement seems diminished, leaving players feeling less invested in the story and outcomes.
- “The voice acting and dialogue further enhance the emotional depth of the game, making it an immersive and unforgettable journey.”
- “The crucial act of letting her mother move on in order to hold Delilah in the heart was a clever analogy for Emily growing up, and of course gave Jessamine’s story an emotional close.”
- “With coming back to the Dishonored story after so long, I was worried, but after playing through the game, I have to admit I cried with the way the story played out.”
- “Most of her comments throughout the game are boring and stupid, and it makes an already very boring story even worse.”
- “This will most likely result in a boring story as killing all your targets is just illogical (the protagonist's goal is to prove their innocence and get back the throne, not kill everyone...).”
- “Boring story, with an open-ended world meant I had no interest in exploring or finding secrets because it felt like it was fairly inconsequential.”
grinding
144 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
28%
70%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious and time-consuming, particularly when attempting non-lethal or stealth runs. While some appreciate the challenge of achievement grinding, others feel that the extensive exploration and collection of items can detract from the overall enjoyment, making the gameplay feel repetitive and drawn out. Overall, players suggest that the game may require significant time investment, often leading to frustration rather than satisfaction.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “The missions are shorter, no tedious expeditions through the sewers, etc.”
- “The levels are bigger, but their design is more linear, ironically, and getting all collectibles or even progressing through the story sometimes feels tedious, as you search for the key/code in a large area instead of being allowed to progress at your own pace.”
- “I found the game extremely tedious; I had to push myself to finish it.”
- “The upgrade system is more tedious than interesting because of how out of the way upgrades are.”
humor
138 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
97%
1%
2%
The humor in "Dishonored 2" is a blend of dark comedy and absurdity, with players finding amusement in the game's quirky mechanics, unexpected glitches, and the often ridiculous situations that arise during gameplay. From the humorous dialogue of NPCs to the comedic outcomes of stealthy maneuvers gone awry, the game offers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, even amidst its darker themes. Overall, players appreciate the game's ability to evoke laughter through both intentional humor and unintentional bugs, making for a uniquely entertaining experience.
- “The story's quite funny actually - there's this bloke Corvo, right, who keeps getting framed for murder.”
- “Watching a guy shock himself before straight up drowning to death, while nabbing the guy beside him with Far Reach will never not be funny.”
- “It's hilarious to painstakingly reach a point using all your wits and abilities, just to find out there was an easier way to get there.”
- “Dishonored 2 is currently competing with a high school sophomore's unfunny unity meme game for 'worst performance of the 21st century', and the only thing 'arkane' about this is the supernaturally horrible optimization; I would rather go outside than contend with the Outsider in this 50 gigabyte mistake.”
- “It's not funny anymore.”
- “You spend more time laughing/crying than playing.”
character development
97 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
56%
10%
Character development in the "Dishonored" series has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the character designs and aesthetics are impressive, the depth of character growth is often lacking, particularly in "Dishonored 2." Some players appreciated the development of specific characters like Emily and Megan Foster, while others criticized the overall narrative for being one-dimensional and failing to provide meaningful interactions or growth for the main characters. Overall, while the game excels in visual design and gameplay mechanics, it struggles to deliver a compelling character development experience compared to its predecessor.
- “The character development for Emily and Corvo is very well done and is different whether you play in low chaos or high.”
- “Finally, the story is very good (at least Emily's story is good) with a goal that is very easy to get behind, the reasons as to why we want to achieve the goal are well presented, and the main character development is very well done.”
- “There were so many nooks and crannies with lore, scene development, and character development that I learned something new every time I replayed a mission.”
- “The lack of character development and the emptiness of the allied forces make me feel sad.”
- “There's less environmental storytelling, less conflicts, less plot twists and tipping points; character development is rather nonexistent, since your two main companions stay the same and are only around in between levels. The outsider just reveals mysteries instead of growing as a character, and the protagonist only changes based on how many people you kill.”
- “Dishonored 2 has very minor amounts of character development, no tension, and no climax, which is why the story fails.”
monetization
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
15%
71%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players feeling it resembles a cash grab due to perceived lack of innovation and reliance on outdated design elements. However, others appreciate the absence of microtransactions and in-game purchases, praising the developers for focusing on delivering a complete experience without the pressure of monetization tactics. Overall, while some view it as a disappointing attempt to capitalize on the franchise, others commend its commitment to a traditional gaming experience.
- “With no microtransactions or non-binary drama, just a good story and solid gameplay, it still holds up today despite some optimization issues.”
- “Thank you for not trying to nickel and dime us with DLC or microtransactions.”
- “Unlike many other newer games, it feels like the developers were left alone to just make the game they wanted, as there are no microtransactions, no multiplayer, and no cliffhanger ending with delusional aspirations to make this a huge franchise.”
- “Feels like a cash grab that's just a bastardization of everything the first game did.”
- “It just feels like they wanted the cash grab, so they said it was a whole new game, when it just isn't.”
- “C'mon Bethesda, stop chasing short-term rewards of cash grabs and Arkane, maybe it's time to find a new publisher or avoid succumbing to the whims of your publisher and delivering a sub-par product.”

84%Critics’ scoreBased on 50 critic reviews

Buy Dishonored 2

16h Median play time

33h Average play time

12h Main story

45h Completionist

6-40h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 163 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

This game contains adult content

90%35.5kreviews

Dishonored

2021

Role Playing Shooter

+13

This game contains adult content

77%30.8kreviews

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

2016

Open World Role Playing Shooter

This game contains adult content

77%10.1kreviews

DEATHLOOP

2021

Shooter

This game contains adult content

93%14.9kreviews

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

2012

Open World Role Playing Shooter

This game contains adult content

83%59.1kreviews

Assassin's Creed Origins

2017

Open World Role Playing

+10

This game contains adult content

77%3.6kreviews

Styx: Shards of Darkness

2017

Role Playing Shooter

This game contains adult content

66%6.5kreviews

Thief

2014

Shooter

+11

This game contains adult content

83%40kreviews

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

2018

Survival Role Playing Shooter

+16

This game contains adult content

88%52.5kreviews

Rise of the Tomb Raider

2016

Open World Shooter

+18

This game contains adult content

86%102.3kreviews

Assassin's Creed Odyssey

2018

Open World Role Playing

+11

Dishonored 2

Platforms

About

Dishonored 2 Review

Dishonored 2 Review - An Honorable Stumble

Dishonored 2 Review - PS4

Buy Dishonored 2

Dishonored 2 - Imperial Assassin's DLC XBOX One / Xbox Series X|S CD Key

Dishonored 2

Dishonored 2 (PC) - Steam Key - GLOBAL

Dishonored 2

Dishonored 2

Dishonored 2

Videos

Games Like Dishonored 2

Dishonored

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

DEATHLOOP

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Assassin's Creed Origins

Styx: Shards of Darkness

Thief

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Rise of the Tomb Raider

Assassin's Creed Odyssey