Do Clockwork Soldiers Ruin Your Dishonored “Clean Hands” Run? Let’s Break it Down.
You are in Dunwall. You want the “Clean Hands” achievement in Dishonored. You dodge guards and choke Overseers. You aim for a non-lethal run. Then you see them: the Clockwork Soldiers. These automatons patrol the areas. They are dangerous. A question arises: Does killing these machines ruin your low chaos goals?
Fear not, stealth player! The answer is a clear no. You can destroy Clockwork Soldiers without adding chaos. Game mechanics state that dismantling these machines does not raise chaos. You can use guns, swords, or powers to break them. Enjoy your peaceful playthrough without worry.
Chaos Theory 101: Dishonored Edition
To grasp why Clockwork Soldiers don’t affect chaos, let’s recap the system. Chaos tracks the violence of your actions. High chaos leads to a grim world. Low chaos creates a brighter setting with fewer enemies. What causes chaos to rise?
- Human Casualties: This matters most. Killing a human raises chaos. Guards and civilians increase the score. For each civilian death, chaos jumps by 6 points. For guards, it takes more kills, but it adds up quickly.
- Target Elimination: Killing assassination targets adds to chaos. Non-lethal options still count toward chaos accumulation.
- Accidental “Kills”: Dishonored tracks unusual kills too. An unconscious guard drowning? Chaos points. Tossing a sleeping thug into a fire? Chaos points.
- Detection and Alarms: Getting spotted raises chaos. Use stealth not only for survival but to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
Clean Hands: A Trophy Hunter’s Obsession
The “Clean Hands” achievement rewards the pacifist player. It means completing the game without killing anyone. The game distinguishes between your actions and Dunwall’s fate. Environmental deaths do not count against your record. If an NPC kills, you remain safe.
Animals like rats and hagfish are different. You can kill these creatures. They do not affect “Clean Hands”. Treat them as targets or part of Dunwall’s ecosystem.
Clockwork Soldiers: Metal, Gears, and Zero Chaos Impact
Now back to the Clockwork Soldiers. These machines are non-human enemies. They do not contribute to chaos. You can dismantle them freely, especially if they block your path.
If you prefer quick dispatch, use Corvo’s pistol with the Crimson Painter upgrade. A shot removes their limbs and exposes the core. Another shot finishes them off. It is satisfying and creates no chaos.
The Exception to the Non-Human Rule: Beware the Weepers!
Most non-human enemies do not raise chaos. However, Weepers are different. They count as kills for chaos purposes. If you want low chaos, avoid killing Weepers. Use stealth to evade them.
Stealth and Subterfuge: Your Low Chaos Allies
To achieve low chaos in Dishonored, embrace stealth and non-lethal methods. Sneak past enemies when possible. Use Blink to move above and bypass guards. Use the environment for your advantage.
When confrontation is needed, stick to non-lethal methods. Choke holds, sleep darts, or traps to incapacitate work well. A sleeping guard equals no chaos. Always stay undetected. A silent shadow creates less chaos than frenzy.
Now, go forth. Dismantle those Clockwork Soldiers without guilt. Your “Clean Hands” run stays clear, and Dunwall’s machines will be less of a threat. Just avoid those Weepers and accidents. Enjoy sneaking!
