Summary

• A small, unexpected update for Dishonored 2 has been released on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
• This minor patch appears to focus on bug fixes and language updates.
• Arkane Lyon, the studio behind the update, is currently developing Marvel's Blade.

Dishonored 2, a critically acclaimed Bethesda title from the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 era, has received a surprise update. Released in late 2016, the game introduced Emily Kaldwin as a playable protagonist, captivating players with memorable missions like "The Clockwork Mansion" and "A Crack in the Slab," renowned for their unique mechanics and immersive environments.

While Arkane Lyon, the developer of Dishonored 2 and the acclaimed Deathloop (2021), continues its work on Marvel's Blade, its sister studio, Arkane Austin, was unfortunately impacted by the 2024 Xbox studio closures. This closure also affected studios like Roundhouse Studios, Alpha Dog Games, and Tango Gameworks (though Tango was later revived by Krafton). Arkane Austin's portfolio included the original Dishonored, Prey (2017), and the less well-received Redfall (2023). Thankfully, Arkane Lyon remains active.

Recently, Dishonored 2 players discovered a small update on Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam. This update, weighing in at only 230MB (though requiring a full 40GB re-download on Xbox), appears to address bugs and update language files, according to SteamDB.

Dishonored 2 Receives a Surprise Update (But Not 60 FPS)

The purpose of this unexpected update remains unclear, disappointing many fans who hoped for a performance enhancement. Unlike other Arkane titles, Dishonored 2 remains locked at 30 FPS on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Even the original Dishonored and Dishonored: Death of the Outsider benefit from 60 FPS boosts on these consoles. While a 60 FPS patch for Dishonored 2's tenth anniversary in 2026 is possible, it might not be enough to satisfy players' long-standing requests.

Many fans eagerly anticipate a third mainline Dishonored game, but its development, if at all, is likely years away. The closure of Arkane Austin significantly impacts Arkane's overall output. Currently, Arkane Lyon is focused on its upcoming third-person action game, Marvel's Blade, with no confirmed release date.