Where to Buy Dishonored 2
Dishonored 2 Gameplay Video
Dishonored 2 Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Void Engine (Modified id Tech 5) |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, Stealth, Immersive Sim, First-Person |
| Initial Release | 2016-11-11 |
| Developer | Arkane Studios |
| Publisher | Bethesda Softworks |
| Setting | Dunwall (Empire of the Isles) & Karnaca (Serkonos) |
| Perspective | First-Person |
| Platforms | PC (Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
| Multiplayer | None (Single-Player Only) |
| Unique Feature | Play as Emily or Corvo with Unique Powers, Deep Stealth & Combat Systems, Choice-Driven Narrative & Chaos System, Intricate Sandbox Level Design, 'Play Your Way' Philosophy. |
Dishonored 2 System Requirements
1080p_Low
tune Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, Low Preset) – Low Preset
1080p_High_60FPS
tune Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset) – High Preset
1440p_VeryHigh_60FPS
tune High Performance (Estimated 1440p ~60 FPS, Very High Preset) – Very High Preset
4K_60FPS_Ultra
tune Ultimate (Estimated 2160p/4K ~60 FPS, Ultra Preset, Upscaling potentially needed) – Ultra Preset (Upscaling may be needed for consistent 60 FPS)
Dishonored 2 Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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: 1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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: 1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1699
Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1615
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G16 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 45W
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
US $1300
Model: MSI Cyborg 15 (RTX 5050 & Intel 7)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (Score: 1286)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 45W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $1689
Model: HP Omen 16 (RTX 5060 & Ryzen 9 8940HX)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor (Score: 2225)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA / FHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 140W
storage 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $799
Model: HP Victus 15 (RTX 4050 & Ryzen 7)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 105W
storage 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $1699
Model: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 with RTX 4050
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 105W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU
storage 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $2699
Model: HP OMEN 16 with RTX 4080 and intel i9 14th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (Score: 10500)
storage RAM: 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX (Series 2)
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $2299
Model: GIGABYTE AORUS Elite 16 (RTX 5070 & Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX (Series 2) (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU (Score: 12000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit versions)
64-bit Windows 7 or newer is required. Windows 10/11 64-bit recommended for best performance.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 11
DirectX 11 API is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 60 GB available space (SSD Recommended).
An SSD is highly recommended for faster loading times between large levels.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: NVIDIA Ansel support for screenshots. No native widespread upscaling tech like DLSS/FSR in original release, but this could vary with patches or PC driver features.
Key Settings: Texture Quality, View Distance, Shadow Quality, Anti-Aliasing, Decal Quality, Water Quality, and Post-Processing effects heavily impact performance.
Dishonored 2: Post-Launch Content / DLC
A standalone expansion/sequel, 'Dishonored: Death of the Outsider' (starring Billie Lurk), was released in 2017. For Dishonored 2 itself, a significant free update added a New Game Plus mode (allowing players to access both Emily's and Corvo's powers in a single playthrough) and custom difficulty settings.
Dishonored 2: Game Editions
Available in Standard Edition and a Collector's Edition. The Collector's Edition included a replica of Corvo Attano's mask and stand, Emily Kaldwin's ring replica, a propaganda poster, a SteelBook case, and the 'Imperial Assassin's Pack' digital items (bonecharms, lore book, in-game currency). Pre-orders often included Dishonored: Definitive Edition.
Dishonored 2: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Dishonored 2 is a single-player game and does not feature any multiplayer modes, therefore no cross-platform play or cross-progression.
Dishonored 2 Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Dishonored 2 is a purely single-player experience. There are no multiplayer modes.
- labelUser Interface
Features a first-person HUD displaying health (red) and mana (blue) bars, equipped powers/gadgets, and contextual prompts. A radial menu is used for selecting powers and weapons. The Heart (Corvo) or Void Gaze (Emily - conceptual equivalent for finding Runes/Bonecharms) helps locate collectibles. Journal tracks quests, lore, and targets. Chaos level is subtly indicated by world state and ending outcomes rather than a persistent UI element.
- labelSound and Music
Original score composed by Daniel Licht, featuring atmospheric and often melancholic orchestral pieces that reflect the game's dark, industrial, and supernatural themes. Sound design is crucial for stealth gameplay, with distinct audio cues for enemy patrols, awareness levels, traps, and power usage. Voice acting from a notable cast (e.g., Rosario Dawson, Sam Rockwell, Vincent D'Onofrio, Pedro Pascal) brings characters to life.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Developed on Arkane's Void Engine (a modified id Tech 5), Dishonored 2 features a distinct 'painterly' art style with stylized character models and richly detailed environments. Karnaca's design is inspired by southern European coastal cities, showcasing vibrant colors mixed with industrial decay and dust storms. The game is known for its intricate level architecture and environmental storytelling.
- labelAccessibility Features
Offers a range of accessibility options, including customizable controls (PC), extensive subtitle and caption customization, options for aim assist strength, options to adjust UI element size, colorblind modes, and various gameplay toggles for difficulty and visual comfort (e.g., reducing head bob).
- labelStory and Setting
Set 15 years after the first Dishonored game. Empress Emily Kaldwin is overthrown during a coup orchestrated by Delilah Copperspoon, an artist and powerful witch claiming to be the half-sister of Emily's mother, Jessamine Kaldwin. The player chooses to play as either Emily or her father, Corvo Attano. The chosen protagonist escapes Dunwall and travels to Karnaca, the 'Jewel of the South' on the island of Serkonos, Delilah's homeland, to uncover the conspiracy, gather allies, eliminate Delilah's key supporters (like Kirin Jindosh, Duke Luca Abele, Breanna Ashworth), and reclaim the throne. The story explores themes of power, betrayal, choice, and the nature of justice, with the player's actions influencing the Chaos level and the game's ending.
- labelMap Size and Regions (Level Design)
Dishonored 2 features a series of large, intricate, multi-layered sandbox levels rather than a single contiguous open world. Each mission takes place in a distinct district or major location. Key locations include Dunwall (Tower of Dunwall, Dunwall Streets - prologue/epilogue) and various districts of Karnaca (Dockyard Quarter, Addermire Institute, Clockwork Mansion, Royal Conservatory, Dust District, Grand Palace). Each level is designed with extensive verticality, multiple pathways, hidden routes, and secrets, encouraging exploration and diverse playstyles (stealth, combat, non-lethal). The 'Crack in the Slab' mission features a unique time-manipulation mechanic allowing travel between two versions of the same mansion.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Powers, Enhancements, Bonecharms, Weapon/Gadget Upgrades)
Both Emily and Corvo have unique sets of supernatural Powers gifted by The Outsider (or can choose to play with no powers). Runes found in levels are used to unlock and upgrade these powers. Bonecharms (common, corrupted, black) provide passive buffs and can be crafted or stacked. Blueprints found in the world unlock upgrades for weapons (sword, pistol, crossbow) and gadgets (mines, grenades, rewire tools) at Black Market shops, purchased using coin. Corvo has powers largely returning from the first game (Blink, Devouring Swarm, Bend Time, Possession, Windblast). Emily has new powers (Far Reach, Mesmerize, Domino, Shadow Walk, Doppelganger). Character Enhancements (passive skills like agility, vitality) are also purchased with Runes.
- labelTop 5 Powers/Gadgets (Subjective/Iconic - Examples)
- 1. Blink (Corvo) / Far Reach (Emily): Essential traversal powers for teleportation or pulling oneself across gaps. 2. Domino (Emily): Links multiple enemies so that what happens to one (e.g., sleep dart, kill) happens to all linked targets. 3. Bend Time (Corvo): Slows or stops time, allowing for strategic positioning or bypassing enemies. 4. Rewire Tool: Allows re-programming of security systems like Walls of Light, Arc Pylons, and Watchtowers to target enemies. 5. Springrazor / Stinging Bolts: Lethal trap and non-lethal crossbow ammunition, respectively, for incapacitating or eliminating targets.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Supernatural Powers: A diverse set of upgradable powers for both Emily and Corvo (e.g., Blink/Far Reach for traversal, Domino/Bend Time for creative takedowns, Doppelganger/Devouring Swarm for combat/distraction) allowing for varied playstyles. 2. Lethal vs. Non-Lethal Playstyles: Players can choose to complete most objectives and eliminate targets either lethally or through non-lethal means (e.g., tranquilizer darts, sleep darts, chokeholds, finding alternative solutions to neutralize targets). This impacts the Chaos level and story outcomes. 3. Sandbox Level Design: Large, intricate levels with multiple pathways, hidden routes, verticality, and interactive environmental elements that encourage player freedom, experimentation, and emergent gameplay.
Dishonored 2 Frequently Asked Questions
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help_outline Can I play as both Emily and Corvo in one playthrough of Dishonored 2?In the initial playthrough, you choose to play as either Emily Kaldwin or Corvo Attano for the entire campaign. However, after completing the game once, a New Game Plus mode is unlocked which allows you to start a new game with access to all powers from both Emily and Corvo, regardless of which character you choose to play as.
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help_outline What is the Chaos system in Dishonored 2?The Chaos system tracks the player's actions throughout the game, primarily how many people they kill. A Low Chaos playthrough (minimal kills, non-lethal takedowns) results in a more optimistic world state, fewer hostile enemies like Bloodflies, and a more hopeful ending. A High Chaos playthrough (many kills) leads to a darker world, more Bloodflies and guards, more pessimistic dialogue, and a bleaker ending. Specific character fates can also be affected.
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help_outline Are there non-lethal options for all main targets?Yes, a core design philosophy of Dishonored 2 is player choice. Every main assassination target in the game has a non-lethal elimination method, often more complex or requiring more investigation to discover and execute than a straightforward lethal approach. Choosing non-lethal methods contributes to Low Chaos.
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help_outline What is Karnaca?Karnaca is the primary setting for most of Dishonored 2. It's a coastal city in Serkonos, known as the 'Jewel of the South.' It has a distinct visual style inspired by southern European and Mediterranean cities, characterized by its sunny climate (though often plagued by dust storms due to silver mining), wind turbines, grand architecture, and significant problems with Bloodfly infestations and political corruption under Duke Abele.
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help_outline Can I play Dishonored 2 without using any supernatural powers?Yes, at the beginning of the game, when The Outsider offers powers, the player can choose to refuse them. This enables a 'No Powers' playthrough, which is a significantly more challenging experience relying purely on stealth, gadgets, combat skills, and environmental awareness. There is an achievement/trophy for completing the game this way.
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help_outline What is the 'Void Engine'?The Void Engine is Arkane Studios' proprietary game engine used for Dishonored 2 and Dishonored: Death of the Outsider. It is a heavily modified version of id Software's id Tech 5 engine, tailored to support Arkane's signature immersive sim gameplay, detailed environments, and distinct art style.