dishonored 2 does killing dogs count against clean hands

"Dishonored 2: Does Canine Carnage Ruin Clean Hands?"

By Amanda WhiteMarch 7, 2026

Embarking on the thrilling stealth-action journey that is Dishonored 2, players often grapple with moral dilemmas, one of the most intriguing being the question: "Does killing dogs count against clean hands?" This question is not only a matter of in-game morality but also a point of contention among players. Let's delve into this topic, exploring the game's mechanics, lore, and the impact of your actions on the 'Clean Hands' achievement.

Understanding 'Clean Hands' in Dishonored 2

The 'Clean Hands' achievement in Dishonored 2 is awarded to players who complete the game without directly killing any non-supernatural enemies. This includes humans, fish men, and even the game's most adorable yet formidable foes - the weepers. But what about dogs? Are they considered enemies, and if so, does killing them count against 'Clean Hands'?

Dogs in Dishonored Lore

In the world of Dishonored, dogs are not just mindless creatures. They are often companions to characters, serving as extensions of their masters' wills. Some dogs, like those accompanying the Outsider, are even supernatural entities. This unique role in the game's lore suggests that they might not be considered 'enemies' in the traditional sense.

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Game Mechanics and Dog Interactions

Dishonored 2's game mechanics offer insight into whether dogs are considered enemies. When you interact with dogs, the game does not display the 'Enemy' tag that appears when you target human foes. Moreover, the 'Clean Hands' achievement tracker does not register dogs as enemies, even when they attack you.

Exceptions to the Rule

While most dogs in Dishonored 2 are neutral or friendly, there are a few exceptions. Some dogs, like those accompanying the Outsider or the bloodthirsty weeper-hounds, are supernatural entities that can attack you. However, these are not typical dogs and are more akin to the game's supernatural enemies. Killing these dogs does not count against 'Clean Hands'.

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Player Interpretation and Debate

Despite the game's mechanics suggesting that dogs are not considered enemies, the question of whether killing them counts against 'Clean Hands' remains a topic of debate among players. Some argue that the achievement should be about not killing any living being, while others maintain that it should only apply to human-like enemies.

Moral Implications

Regardless of whether killing dogs counts against 'Clean Hands', the act carries moral implications. Dishonored 2 encourages players to consider the consequences of their actions, and killing dogs, even if it doesn't affect the achievement, can make the game's world feel less compassionate and more brutal.

Alternatives to Killing Dogs

If you're playing for 'Clean Hands' and want to avoid killing dogs, there are several non-lethal options. You can use sleep darts, chokeholds, or even the 'Dark Vision' ability to sneak past them. Alternatively, you can use the 'Domino' ability to link a dog to a human enemy, causing them to share status effects.

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Tools for Non-Lethal Play

Sleep Darts: These non-lethal projectiles put enemies to sleep, allowing you to sneak past or take them out silently.
Chokeholds: Using the 'Possession' ability, you can take control of an enemy and use them to choke out other foes, or even put them to sleep.
Dark Vision: This ability allows you to see through walls, helping you avoid enemies entirely.
Domino: This ability links enemies together, causing them to share status effects. You can use this to put a group of enemies to sleep with a single sleep dart.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Dogs and 'Clean Hands'

Based on Dishonored 2's game mechanics and lore, killing dogs does not count against the 'Clean Hands' achievement. However, the question remains open to interpretation, and the act carries moral implications. Whether you choose to play for 'Clean Hands' or not, Dishonored 2 offers a wealth of non-lethal options for dealing with dogs and other enemies. Ultimately, the game encourages players to make their own choices and live with the consequences, making each playthrough a unique and memorable experience.