The stealth sequel Dishonored 2 gives players access to two sneaky assailants. Like any worthwhile game with multiple characters, each one comes with unique strengths and weaknesses. Players must learn these aspects if they hope to succeed. They can start with the characters' abilities. Corvo and Emily both have a series of supernatural powers at their disposal.
As the returning protagonist from the first game, Corvo is obviously the more powerful of the two. His powers suit the more offensive players. Some of them are capable of laying waste to enemies, so much so that they push the boundaries of what's considered "stealth."
6 Bend Time
Is this a gameplay nod to Corvo's current state as a statue, or is that too thin of a connection? Either way, this ability seems more like a gimmick than a useful tool. Sure, it lets Corvo slow or even stop time, but what advantage does that really give him? He moves just as slowly as those around him. All this is good for is giving gamers a few extra seconds to react.
If Corvo wants to quicken his pace and run circles around his enemies, then he must upgrade the ability through runes. The higher tier admittedly makes for some slick navigation, handy for outmaneuvering does and escaping detection. Until it's unlocked, though, the most that players can do with Bend Time is reenact The Matrix.
5 Possession
As its name would suggest, this power lets the player control various hosts, but it comes with certain stipulations that hamper its enjoyment and utility. You have to upgrade it to control enemies who are dead or knocked out (preferably the latter if you want certain endings). Controlling conscious humans requires even more improvements.
Basically, players must invest several runes into Possession to make it remotely viable as a power. That being said, chaining together a series of hosts is fairly fun and functions as a decent method of scouting out the environment.
4 Devouring Swarm
This is one of those abilities that seems overpowered. Maybe that was the point since Corvo is the more experienced character, but it somewhat undermines the stealth aspect of gameplay. Summoning swarms of rats to attack adversaries and devour their bodies eliminates the need for sneaking.
Not only does it let wildlife do your dirty work, but it also prevents other unsuspecting victims from discovering the corpses of their friends. Upgrading the rats to follow you or split into two smaller swarms is just icing on the cake. The downside to all this is that the power can't be used effectively if you're going for a no-killing run. On the flip side, players who strive for lethal tactics may find certain encounters too easy with Devouring Swarm. Sometimes, though, that's cathartic.
3 Windblast
Even with Corvo's abilities being more offensive than Emily's, this is ridiculous. Windblast is exactly what it sounds like: a mighty gust that blows open doors and deflects incoming projectiles. An upgraded version can even kill enemies by throwing them against the wall. Finally, Corvo can let out a second blast for anyone foolish enough to come close.
This is an undeniably satisfying move. It's brutal, convenient for navigation, and great for a multitude of combat encounters. It's also radically out of place in a stealth game. Windblast is not the least bit sneaky, trading in covert strategy for bombastic action, which is why it trails last in some lists. If anything, the power seems straight out of Star Wars, Infamous, or Skyrim rather than Dishonored. If you can look past that, then this ability is for you. Sure, it's silly, but it's also fun.
2 Blink
Allowing Corvo to teleport you to wherever the player points obviously works as a means of navigation. Unlike Emily's Far Reach power, Blink doesn't risk enemies spotting you. This lets Corvo dart around populated areas with an ease that his daughter never manages. You'd think he'd teach her better during their lessons. Alas, no.
The upgrades only increase the ability's attractiveness. Runes can extend the range of Blink and even stop time while players aim it. It can also function as an offensive power, coming out of the teleport with a strike that topples enemies. These extra bells and whistles don't control the ability's utility. Blink serves as a good all-around move that fuels both stealth and basic traversal. Any Dishonored devotee should be happy to have it.
1 Dark Vision
This is one power that Corvo has in common with Emily. Like with his daughter, it's the most useful weapon in his arsenal. No, it's not an offensive power that decimates anyone in his path. Instead, it grants him an invaluable advantage: omniscience.
Dark Vision lets players see enemies through walls. With the proper upgrades, it also displays security systems, enemy patrol routes, and various objects. This obviously doesn't benefit Corvo in the immediate short term. What it does accomplish, though, is giving players a lay of the land. After all he's been through, the old warrior deserves as much.
They can use this enhanced view to plan their approach and traverse the environment without fail. They are never in the dark (pun intended) as to where they stand and how much resistance they'll meet, and they can either avoid their adversaries or systematically pick them off. Dark Vision is a rock-solid foundation for all other gameplay, which is why it tops Corvo's list of powers.