Put Dishonored’s Blink in Every Game — It Would Make Them Instantly Better
Dishonored’s teleport-like power Blink first appeared in Arkane Studios’ 2012 game Dishonored, and it remains notable for its simple design and in-game versatility. The ability lets the player instantly move Corvo — the game’s protagonist — to a targeted location, and players and speedrunners have used it in many creative ways since the game’s release on PlayStation 3, Windows PC, and Xbox 360.
- What is Blink?
- How Blink works (mechanics)
- Common uses in Dishonored
- Community examples and speedruns
- Legacy and applicability in other games
What is Blink?
Blink is a short-range teleport ability in Dishonored that teleports the player to a targeted location. It was part of the game’s core toolkit of supernatural powers. Corvo, the player character, can use Blink to traverse the environment quickly and reposition during stealth or combat.
How Blink works (mechanics)
In gameplay terms, Blink uses a targeting reticle. First, the player holds the cast button to generate the reticle. Then, upon releasing the cast button, Corvo is transported to the reticle’s position. In short, the mechanic is a point-and-teleport interaction: point, release, arrive.
Common uses in Dishonored
Players use Blink for vertical movement, rapid traversal, and tactical repositioning. For example, Blink lets players reach balconies and rooftops that would otherwise require longer routes. Likewise, it enables quick exits from guarded courtyards or interiors, and it can be combined with the game’s physics for unexpected outcomes.
Moreover, Dishonored’s level design often includes multiple vertical paths, and Blink serves as a tool to access them. As a result, players can approach encounters from above or bypass patrols rather than engaging them directly. In that sense, Blink modifies both movement and approach options in the game.
For a documented example of Blink used as a fast egress from a mansion, see this Kotaku write-up:
…quick exit from a mansion
Community examples and speedruns
The Dishonored community has explored Blink in many ways. Some players use it minimally to increase challenge, while others use it frequently to shorten routes. In 2023, a speedrun by the Twitch streamer Lurven completed the game in 42 minutes and reportedly used Blink only four times.
Meanwhile, players have also combined Blink with the game’s physics to create high-impact kills. One community thread documents an example commonly referred to as a “Spartan Kick,” where Blink is used to move an enemy into a lethal hazard:
Legacy and applicability in other games
Blink’s design—short-range, targeted teleportation—has influenced how players and developers think about movement abilities. Because it changes traversal and approach, it can be adapted to other first-person or action games that emphasize verticality or stealth.
That said, whether Blink is appropriate depends on a game’s design goals. In games focused on methodical puzzle-solving or careful pacing, adding a teleport mechanic would change player behavior. Conversely, in games that already use short dashes or mobility powers, a Blink-like move can extend existing options without replacing core mechanics.
In summary, Blink is a concise mechanic: point, release, arrive. It appears in Dishonored as a tactical traversal tool, it has been used by players and speedrunners in documented ways, and it can be considered for other titles where short-range teleportation fits the design.
