The “new game plus” mode in Dishonored 2 represents a game mode unlocked after the initial completion of the main story. It allows players to restart the campaign while retaining previously acquired abilities, bone charms, blueprints, and collected runes from their prior playthrough. This carries over significant character progression from the first playthrough. For example, a player might begin a new campaign with Blink level 2, Dark Vision, and several powerful bone charms collected during their initial playthrough.
This mode provides players with enhanced replayability. The benefits are multifaceted. It allows for exploration of different gameplay styles and choices, creating opportunities to engage in missions with alternative strategies due to starting with an already powerful character. It also allows experiencing the story with different characters and moral choices. Historically, this feature extends the game’s lifespan and player engagement, as they’re able to explore different choices with an already upgraded character.
Subsequent sections will detail specific strategies within this game mode, discuss the most effective bone charm combinations, and explore how to leverage the retained powers and abilities to achieve different outcomes, including stealth-focused or combat-heavy playthroughs. Further analysis will compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of this mode versus starting the game from scratch, and delve into unique challenges and opportunities it presents.
1. Retained Runes/Bonecharms
The carryover of Runes and Bonecharms in a Dishonored 2 “new game plus” fundamentally alters the strategic landscape. This mechanic provides immediate access to upgraded abilities and passive benefits, enabling players to engage in highly customized and powerful character builds from the outset.
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Early Game Domination
Starting with previously acquired Runes allows for immediate unlocking of potent abilities such as Blink upgrades or Dark Vision enhancements. This provides a significant advantage during early missions. For instance, a player might begin the first level with Blink Level 2, allowing for greater mobility and access to previously inaccessible areas, enabling faster completion and exploration.
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Customization and Experimentation
Retaining Bonecharms means players have a collection of passive buffs. They can customize their playstyle from the very beginning. A player who enjoys a stealthy approach could immediately equip Bonecharms that reduce noise, increase movement speed, and enhance stealth abilities. This enables early specialization and encourages experimentation with various playstyles.
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Strategic Flexibility
The initial abundance of Runes and Bonecharms allows for greater strategic flexibility. Players can adapt their character build to the specific challenges. Facing a difficult enemy encounter, a player can equip Bonecharms that increase combat effectiveness. This adaptable playstyle enhances the replay value of the mode.
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Power Progression Curve
The traditional power progression curve of Dishonored 2 is disrupted. The player starts with a character that is already significantly more powerful than they would be in a fresh game. The player is still able to make progression, but it comes in the form of new Bonecharms and Runes found throughout the map.
In essence, the carryover system for Runes and Bonecharms is the foundation of the “new game plus” experience. It grants players immediate access to a customized and powerful character. It is a core mechanic that shapes the player’s approach to the game.
2. Upgraded abilities
In the context of Dishonored 2‘s new game plus mode, upgraded abilities represent a significant departure from the standard progression system. The retention of previously acquired abilities at the start of a subsequent playthrough fundamentally alters the gameplay experience. This mechanic allows players to experiment with new strategies and approaches that were inaccessible during their initial run.
The implications of starting with upgraded abilities are multifaceted. For instance, a player who focused on stealth abilities in their first playthrough might begin a new game plus run with fully upgraded Blink or Dark Vision. This creates a distinct advantage in early missions, enabling swift navigation and avoidance of enemy encounters. Alternatively, a player could use previously acquired combat abilities to engage in more aggressive playthroughs. The early availability of powers allows players to tackle encounters in different ways. This fosters a unique gameplay experience.
Ultimately, the persistence of upgraded abilities in this mode contributes significantly to player agency and the overall replayability of Dishonored 2. By allowing players to leverage their previously earned progress and modify strategies, the game promotes creative problem-solving and extends its appeal beyond a single playthrough.
3. Blueprint Carryover
Blueprint carryover, a key feature, significantly impacts the player experience. This mechanism allows players to retain previously acquired blueprints upon starting a subsequent playthrough, influencing resource management and available crafting options.
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Early Access to Upgrades
Blueprint retention grants immediate access to upgrade schematics. This access shortens the time required to enhance equipment. For instance, a player begins with blueprints for silenced pistols or improved crossbows, leading to immediate tactical advantages. Access to advanced upgrades in early missions impacts how situations are approached.
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Resource Management Implications
The impact on resources shifts from acquisition to strategic allocation. Players focus on gathering materials for already-unlocked upgrades, rather than acquiring blueprints. This influences player behavior, emphasizing exploration for crafting components. A player may prioritize exploration for specialized materials needed for advanced upgrades.
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Customization Freedom
Players are allowed to customize weapons and gadgets earlier. It gives them strategic freedom in character builds. This alters combat styles. The player may prioritize silent assassinations or all-out combat, dictated by what is available. The freedom that blueprints provide is strategic and tactical.
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Impact on Initial Difficulty
Early access to powerful upgrades reduces initial difficulty. Previously challenging encounters become more manageable, which is a core component of the mode. This impacts initial mission strategies. The player, armed with fully-upgraded weapons, may approach early encounters with increased confidence.
These facets collectively illustrate how blueprint carryover enhances the customization options and strategic depth. In doing so, it changes resource management strategies, and ultimately shifts the initial difficulty curve within Dishonored 2‘s new game plus environment.
4. Alternative Playthroughs
New game plus within Dishonored 2 fundamentally facilitates alternative playthroughs by allowing players to retain abilities, bone charms, and blueprints from a prior campaign. This carryover mechanic directly enables players to pursue different gameplay styles and moral choices, effectively altering the trajectory of the story. A prior playthrough emphasizing stealth might encourage a subsequent playthrough focused on aggressive combat, given the player already possesses a range of combat-oriented abilities from the outset. This is a direct consequence of the retained progression.
The significance of alternative playthroughs within this mode lies in expanding replayability. By starting with an augmented character, players are empowered to experiment with different approaches to missions, explore branching storylines, and pursue varying endings. For instance, a player who previously achieved a low-chaos ending might now seek to achieve a high-chaos ending, embracing lethal tactics and exploring the darker aspects of the narrative. This also extends to choosing the character the player did not previously choose.
In summary, new game plus is a key enabler for alternative playthroughs in Dishonored 2. The combination provides greater customization and the opportunity to experience the game from radically different perspectives. The ability to revisit the game with pre-existing advantages significantly contributes to the game’s longevity and player engagement.
5. Character Freedom
The new game plus mode in Dishonored 2 significantly expands character freedom, which empowers players to express themselves through gameplay choices. This mode carries over previously acquired abilities, bone charms, and blueprints. This carryover directly facilitates diverse character builds. A player who initially prioritized stealth can choose to transition to a combat-oriented character in the new game plus. This is due to having access to abilities and upgrades not obtained in the first playthrough. The mode allows for a second campaign with previously restricted possibilities.
This character freedom extends to moral choices and narrative pathways. Players are no longer constrained by limited resources or undeveloped skills, leading to greater experimentation with “high chaos” or “low chaos” playthroughs. A player can now more easily pursue a non-lethal, stealthy approach, or opt for aggressive, lethal encounters. This freedom to deviate from the initial path enhances replayability, inviting players to explore different facets of the game’s world and story. The degree to which the character is modified varies depending on the new game plus character selection.
Ultimately, the enhancement of character freedom through new game plus is a cornerstone of Dishonored 2‘s replay value. This increased freedom allows players to not only revisit the game with new strategies, but also to more fully inhabit the roles of Corvo or Emily. The synergy between character freedom and new game plus fosters an environment where players can make impactful choices. This makes each playthrough unique and tailored to personal preferences.
6. Enhanced Exploration
The “new game plus” feature in Dishonored 2 directly influences the player’s capacity for exploration. It allows for a more thorough investigation of the game world. The game rewards players with experience and knowledge gained from a previous playthrough. The advantages afforded by this mode create unique opportunities for discovery.
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Access to Previously Inaccessible Areas
Retaining previously acquired abilities such as Blink, Far Reach, or upgraded mobility skills permits access to areas that were initially unreachable. This enables the discovery of hidden items, lore, and alternate pathways that were inaccessible during the first playthrough. The enhanced mobility allows players to overcome environmental obstacles with greater ease, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of Dunwall and Karnaca’s intricate level design. Previously locked areas can be explored from the beginning of a new playthrough.
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Deeper Understanding of Level Design
A prior playthrough provides familiarity with level layouts and enemy placements. Players can focus on uncovering secrets and hidden details rather than navigating for the first time. This allows a greater focus on the nuanced elements of level design. The accumulated knowledge enhances the exploration, enabling a deeper appreciation of the world’s architectural and environmental storytelling. They understand where to look for items and details.
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Experimentation with Powers and Abilities
The persistence of acquired powers and bone charms encourages experimentation with different combinations. This experimentation can lead to the discovery of new traversal techniques and interactions with the environment. Players can combine powers in unexpected ways to access hidden locations or bypass challenges, uncovering new facets of the game world. Bone charms are a large part of the play-through.
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Uncovering Narrative Details
The enhanced exploration enabled by the mode allows players to uncover deeper narrative details. Accessing previously missed areas may reveal additional lore, character backstories, or hidden plot points. These narrative elements enrich the overall understanding of the game’s world and deepen the player’s immersion in the narrative. Finding a character’s story enriches the overall gameplay.
In summary, enhanced exploration is a direct consequence of retaining skills and items in the “new game plus” mode. This feature extends beyond simple navigation and influences the player’s engagement with the narrative and level design. This creates a richer and more rewarding gaming experience for those who seek to delve deeper into the world of Dishonored 2.
7. Strategic Diversity
Strategic diversity, as a central element within Dishonored 2‘s new game plus mode, defines the breadth of tactical approaches available to the player. This diversity stems directly from the retention of abilities, bone charms, and blueprints acquired during previous playthroughs. The initial limitations imposed in a standard playthrough are removed, fostering a wider range of viable strategies from the onset of a new campaign.
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Adaptive Character Builds
The availability of previously acquired abilities and bone charms allows for the creation of highly specialized character builds early in the game. A player might emphasize stealth, combat, or a combination of both, tailoring their character to a specific playstyle from the beginning. For example, a player retaining the “Agility” bone charm combined with upgraded Blink can create a highly mobile, stealth-focused character capable of swiftly traversing levels unnoticed. This early specialization is a deviation from the standard progression curve.
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Variable Mission Approaches
The retention of blueprints provides access to a wider array of gadgets and weapon upgrades from the start. This access directly influences mission approaches. A player with blueprints for silenced pistols and upgraded crossbows can adopt a stealthy approach. The player who prioritizes explosive upgrades can engage in direct combat. This initial flexibility contrasts with the limited options in a fresh playthrough. Previously challenging scenarios become opportunities for creative problem-solving.
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Non-Linear Progression Paths
Traditional progression paths are subverted in new game plus. Players are no longer constrained by the need to acquire basic abilities or gather essential resources. This shift allows them to focus on refining their chosen playstyle and experimenting with different power combinations. A player who initially prioritized non-lethal tactics may opt for a more aggressive approach. This is due to having the powers and resources required for effective combat. This non-linear progression fosters a sense of player agency and promotes experimentation.
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Exploitation of Environmental Synergies
The combined effects of retained abilities and blueprints allow for greater exploitation of environmental synergies. Players can combine powers, gadgets, and environmental elements to create unique and effective strategies. A player might use Blink to quickly traverse a level, combining it with a well-placed springrazor trap to eliminate enemies. These synergistic interactions extend the range of strategic options available to the player.
In conclusion, the new game plus mode in Dishonored 2 directly enhances strategic diversity. It extends beyond simply providing a second playthrough. This mode empowers players to explore a wider range of tactical approaches. The strategic diversity increases player agency and contributes to a more dynamic and engaging experience. It enhances replayability and deepens the player’s engagement with the game’s core mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following addresses common inquiries concerning new game plus in Dishonored 2. These questions and answers are intended to clarify the mechanics and implications of this game mode.
Question 1: What elements are retained upon initiating a new game plus playthrough in Dishonored 2?
The new game plus mode retains all collected runes, bone charms, blueprints, and associated upgrade progress from the previous playthrough. Consumables, such as ammunition and potions, are not retained.
Question 2: Does the character selected in the initial playthrough affect the starting abilities in new game plus?
The character selected in the initial playthrough does not restrict the character choice in new game plus. Players can choose either Corvo Attano or Emily Kaldwin regardless of the previous selection. All retained abilities will be available, regardless of the chosen character.
Question 3: Are there any restrictions on which difficulty level can be selected in new game plus?
No difficulty restrictions exist. Players are free to select any difficulty level, including those not initially available, upon starting a new game plus campaign.
Question 4: How does the new game plus mode influence the story and mission structure?
The story and mission structure remain unchanged. The primary difference lies in the player’s augmented capabilities. This facilitates diverse approaches to mission objectives.
Question 5: Can new game plus be initiated multiple times, stacking retained abilities and items?
The mode cannot be stacked. Upon completing a new game plus playthrough, initiating another will carry over the progress from the most recent playthrough, rather than cumulatively adding from previous campaigns.
Question 6: Does unlocking all achievements in the initial playthrough affect the new game plus experience?
Unlocking achievements in the initial playthrough does not directly affect the gameplay of new game plus. Retained abilities and items are independent of achievement progress.
In summary, new game plus provides a significantly altered experience. It does so due to retained upgrades and player choices. Understanding these mechanics enhances strategic decision-making and player enjoyment.
The next section will explore advanced strategies and tactics within new game plus.
Strategic Guidance for New Game Plus Dishonored 2
The subsequent information is critical for maximizing the advantages conferred by the “new game plus” mode. Utilizing these tactics optimizes resource allocation and enhances mission efficiency.
Tip 1: Prioritize Bone Charm Synergies
Focus on identifying bone charm combinations that augment preferred playstyles. For instance, combining “Swift Stalker” (increased movement speed while crouching) with “Shadow Creep” (reduced enemy awareness) maximizes stealth effectiveness. Experimentation is critical to discovering synergistic effects.
Tip 2: Optimize Rune Investment Early
Assess retained runes at the outset and prioritize unlocking abilities aligned with the intended approach. A stealth-focused player may invest in “Blink” upgrades, while a combat-oriented player may prioritize “Sword Fighting” enhancements. Resource allocation early dictates the character’s trajectory.
Tip 3: Exploit Blueprint Knowledge for Efficient Crafting
Leverage retained blueprint knowledge to strategically craft upgrades. Focus on enhancing equipment that aligns with the chosen playstyle. A non-lethal player may prioritize sleep dart upgrades, while a lethal player may focus on firearm enhancements. Avoid frivolous crafting expenditures.
Tip 4: Utilize Advanced Mobility for Exploration
Employ advanced mobility skills (e.g., Blink, Far Reach) to access previously inaccessible areas. These skills unlock hidden pathways, resource caches, and strategic vantage points. Thorough exploration is crucial for uncovering valuable items and lore.
Tip 5: Master Combat Alternatives for Challenging Encounters
When encountering difficult enemy formations, utilize a diverse range of combat alternatives. Combine environmental hazards (e.g., electrical conduits, oil spills) with acquired abilities (e.g., Domino, Possession) to create tactical advantages. Adaptability is paramount in overcoming challenging encounters.
Tip 6: Exploit Knowledge of Enemy Patrol Routes
Due to familiarity with level layouts, anticipate enemy patrol routes and strategically position oneself for ambushes or stealthy bypasses. Knowledge of enemy movement patterns significantly reduces the risk of detection or engagement.
Employing these strategies will significantly amplify the advantages of new game plus mode, enabling players to experience Dishonored 2 with heightened efficiency and tactical proficiency.
The following will discuss advanced tactics for specific mission types within the game.
Conclusion
This article has provided a comprehensive analysis of “new game plus Dishonored 2,” outlining its core mechanics, strategic implications, and impact on player experience. The retention of abilities, bone charms, and blueprints fundamentally alters the gameplay dynamics. These elements contribute to enhanced replayability, strategic diversity, and opportunities for exploration and experimentation. The guide has offered practical advice for optimizing character builds and leveraging retained assets.
Mastery of “new game plus Dishonored 2” requires a thorough understanding of its mechanics and the strategic exploitation of acquired advantages. This mode presents a significant opportunity for players to refine their skills and explore the game’s world. This creates a rewarding and engaging experience beyond the initial playthrough. With this, the players are encouraged to engage new game plus mode to explore the nuances within the world of Dishonored 2.
