Dishonored, Arkane Studios’ critically acclaimed stealth-action game, immerses players in the atmospheric city of Dunwall, a place teeming with secrets, moral choices, and hidden treasures. Beyond the main story missions, the game offers hidden side-missions, secret endings influenced by player decisions, and collectible loot that can significantly alter gameplay. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of all hidden content, ensuring players uncover every secret, optional quest, and hidden narrative element for 100% completion.
Introduction — why Dishonored’s hidden content matters
Dishonored’s appeal extends far beyond its core assassination missions. Hidden side-missions reveal backstory, expand character development, and often reward players with rare loot or special tools. Secret endings depend on subtle moral choices, player actions, and exploration. Fully uncovering these secrets not only enhances gameplay but provides insight into Dunwall’s political and social landscape, and the consequences of Corvo’s actions.
How hidden content works in Dishonored
Secrets and hidden content are often triggered through:
- Exploring off-path areas: Side streets, rooftops, and hidden alleys frequently hide optional quests, loot, and narrative clues.
- Using powers creatively: Blink, possession, and other supernatural abilities allow access to secret areas or bypass normal barriers.
- Interacting with NPCs: Some hidden missions or lore are unlocked by engaging with certain characters multiple times.
- Observation and puzzle-solving: Inspecting the environment for subtle visual cues can reveal hidden passages, keys, or loot.
Hidden Side-Missions
Dishonored features several optional missions that add depth and rewards:
The Clockwork Mansion
- Accessed via an optional route during the mission “The Royal Conservatory.”
- Contains valuable loot, including rare bone charms and unique upgrades.
- Environmental storytelling reveals more about Dunwall’s nobility and the Clockwork Soldiers’ origins.
The Flooded District Side Quests
- Investigate hidden docks and warehouses to uncover smuggling operations.
- Optional targets provide unique assassination challenges.
- Completing these missions can alter the chaos level, affecting story progression.
Dunwall City Twists
- Small, hidden missions involve rescuing or observing citizens, providing insight into the plague-stricken population.
- Some NPCs grant secret loot or map fragments leading to hidden areas.
Secret Endings & Moral Consequences
Dishonored’s multiple endings depend on choices and exploration:
- Low Chaos Ending: Achieved by completing missions with minimal civilian casualties and fully exploring side-quests. Unlocks a resolution where Dunwall begins a hopeful recovery.
- High Chaos Ending: Results from widespread violence or neglecting hidden side-missions. Reveals a darker city fate with political turmoil.
- Hidden Variations: Certain secret areas and actions can subtly alter dialogue, NPC reactions, and minor story outcomes, rewarding observant players.
Tips for unlocking secret endings:
- Avoid unnecessary kills when possible.
- Complete every hidden side-mission and optional objective.
- Explore rooftops, alleys, and off-map locations for overlooked quests or loot.
Collectible Loot & Hidden Items
- Bone Charms: Enhancements for Corvo’s abilities, often hidden in secret rooms or unreachable ledges.
- Runes: Required to unlock or upgrade powers, frequently tucked away behind puzzles or optional objectives.
- Unique Weapons & Gadgets: Hidden in optional mission areas or secret compartments.
- Environmental Clues & Letters: Provide context and unlock hidden lore, sometimes affecting chaos level and endings.
100% Completion Strategy
- Fully explore every map, including rooftops, alleys, and waterways.
- Complete all hidden side-missions for extra loot and narrative content.
- Collect all runes and bone charms, using supernatural abilities to access secret areas.
- Observe NPCs and interact multiple times to unlock hidden dialogue or missions.
- Monitor chaos levels and ensure optional missions are completed to unlock the low-chaos or alternate endings.
By following this strategy, players will uncover all hidden side-missions, collectible loot, and secret endings, experiencing the full depth and narrative richness of Dishonored.
GGC