Dishonored 2 Gets Surprise Update 9 Years After Launch

Surprise Patch for Dishonored 2 on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox

Dishonored 2, a critically acclaimed Bethesda title, has received a small, unexpected update across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. This minor patch appears focused on bug fixes and language updates, rather than the performance enhancements many players desired.

Released in late 2016, Dishonored 2 introduced Emily Kaldwin as a playable protagonist, expanding upon the original's acclaimed gameplay and intricate level design. The game's development by Arkane Lyon preceded their work on Deathloop (2021) and their current project, Marvel's Blade, in collaboration with Marvel Games.

The recent update, weighing in at a mere 230MB (though requiring a full 40GB re-download on Xbox), sparked speculation among fans. While SteamDB notes language depot updates, the exact contents remain somewhat unclear.

No 60 FPS Upgrade (Yet?)

The lack of a performance boost, particularly a much-requested 60 FPS mode, is a source of disappointment for many. Unlike other Arkane titles, Dishonored 2 remains locked at 30 FPS on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, despite backward compatibility enhancements for other Arkane games, including the original Dishonored and Dishonored: Death of the Outsider. The possibility of a 60 FPS patch for the game's tenth anniversary in 2026 remains open, but it's unclear if this would be sufficient to satisfy player expectations.

The future of the Dishonored franchise is uncertain. While many fans eagerly anticipate a third installment, the closure of Arkane Austin in 2024 significantly impacts Arkane's development capacity. With Arkane Lyon currently focused on Marvel's Blade, a new Dishonored game appears to be some time away, if it's even in development.