Do Clockwork Soldiers Count as Kills in Dishonored 2? Understanding the Kill Count Rules

Decoding Dishonored 2: What REALLY Counts as a Kill? (And How to Stay Clean)

Welcome to the dark world of Dishonored 2. You want to be a stealthy assassin, yes? Good choice! But before taking up the blade in Karnaca, consider one big question: what counts as a kill?

In Dishonored 2, it’s not just swords and guns. It’s more complex. You aren’t just counting dead bodies. You’re walking a tightrope of ethics. One mistake? You fail a mission, and raise chaos across the city. That’s a heavy burden.

Let’s break down what counts as a kill. This is your guide to stay clean and reach that ‘Clean Hands’ achievement.

The Grim Reaper’s Guest List: What Officially Counts as a Kill

First, the basics. If you kill someone directly, that’s a kill. Here’s the list:

• Direct lethal takedowns: Stab, shoot, or blow someone up. Easy enough. Whether it’s a City Watch guard or a Grand Guard, any death by your hand counts.
• Indirect lethal actions: Now it gets tricky. If your actions lead to death, even without direct contact, it’s counted. For example:
  • Drowning: Did a guard fall into water? That’s your fault.
  • Incineration: Left a body near flame? That’s a death.
  • Friendly Fire: Used a hostage against their buddies? Another kill on you.

If you are the cause of an NPC’s death, it’s a kill. No gray areas.

Creature Feature: The Kill-Count Exemption List

Now to the creatures in Dishonored 2. Fortunately, not everything counts as a kill:

• Dogs (Wolfhounds): They don’t count. Sneak past, knock them out. No guilt.
• Rats: Kill all you want. No one will judge you.
• River Krusts: They are free to eliminate as well. No worries.
• Gravehounds: Go ahead. Destroy those skeletons without guilt.
• Fish: They don’t impact your tally at all. Why would you bother?

These creatures are obstacles or resources, not actual ‘people’. Deal with them as needed.

Clockwork Conundrum: The Robotic Rules

Next, we discuss the Clockwork Soldiers. Jindosh created them. Killing one does not count as a human kill. It’s like breaking a robot without guilt.

But here’s the twist:

“If a decapitated Clockwork Soldier kills someone, it’s counted as a kill.”

Dismantle them, but beware. A headless rampage counts against you. Stay cautious around those robots!

Weepers: The Exception That Proves the Rule

Now we examine Weepers. They are tragic figures in Dishonored. About kills, they are considered human. Sadly:

• Killing Weepers counts as a kill.
• Killing Weepers increases Chaos.

Chaos Theory: Kills and Consequences

So why does all this matter? Chaos matters. Dishonored 2 follows a Chaos system. Your lethal actions shape the game world.

• Killing humans increases Chaos.
• High Chaos = Nastier World.
• Low Chaos = A Brighter World.

Think of it as karma. Each kill ripples out, affecting the world and your fate. Your choices matter beyond the mission.

Clean Hands: The Pacifist’s Prize

Understanding what qualifies as a kill is vital. Any mistake can break your run.

But don’t worry! Knowing the rules is key. Stick to non-lethal options and avoid unnecessary kills. Navigate Dishonored 2 without blood on your hands.

Detection vs. Devastation: Knowing the Difference

Lastly, remember: detection isn’t a kill. Getting spotted or triggering alarms isn’t lethal. It raises tension but doesn’t count as a death. As the game shows, detection is marked by an alert signal. Annoying? Yes. Kill-worthy? No. But if you react to being spotted with violence… that’s different.

You now have the guide to what counts as a kill in Dishonored 2. Will you embrace shadows? Or will you cause chaos? Make your choice wisely. Every action matters in this world. Happy non-hunting!

If you’re curious about character choices, read “The Morally Ambiguous Women of Dishonored 2” by Amanda Jean.

For game strategies, check out IGN’s Guide for tips.

If you ponder kill counts outside gaming, read “Every soldier I’ve known has kept a kill count” from The Times.