I ' ve been playing on the default difficulty without any prior stealth game experience , it ' s sometimes difficult but manageable . I wouldn ' t recommend immediately going for a nonlethal run , it ' ll just be frustrating . Killing every once in a while when you ' re cornered will not negatively influence the story , although you ' ll start to notice the consequences when you murder everyone you see . A few tips Get higher up if you can . Guards don ' t really look up when they ' re unaware . Use dark vision constantly while inside , it doesn ' t cost anything permanently and will make sure no one can sneak up on you . Don ' t be afraid to spam magic teleporting especially in a pinch , magic potions are plentiful . If you ' re trying to avoid killing , put your unconscious bodies on higher ground like beds or sofas , so that the rat swarms won ' t get to them and eat them , counting as a kill . Animals don ' t count as kills . Don ' t be afraid to murder the dogs and rats . Don ' t forget to get all the collectibles , shown on your special ' radar '. There are two types , currency for magic upgrades and passive bonuses of which you can equip multiple . Both are gamechangers .