Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 — Game Review and Tips for a Successful Playthrough
On February 4, one of the most anticipated games of the year, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, was released. Developed by the Czech studio Warhorse Studios and published by Deep Silver, the game has quickly gained popularity among gamers.
Initially, the release date of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 was set for February 11, 2025, but it was later moved to February 4. At its peak, KCD2 had 256,206 players in Steam.
The title is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. However, it will not be available on PS4, Nintendo Switch, or Xbox One.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – Review
The game has been positively received by both critics and players. On Metacritic, it has a score of 88/100, and on OpenCritic, it holds 97% positive reviews from critics. A review by VG247 highlights that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is an improved version of the first game, maintaining historical realism without compromising for a wider audience. Other reviewers praise the expanded world and enhanced gameplay depth, allowing for a more immersive experience beyond the main storyline.
However, Eurogamer expressed disappointment, particularly noting that the sequel does not consider the player’s achievements from the first game, such as the protagonist’s skills or previous story decisions. Additionally, the combat system remains one of the most challenging aspects.
Overall, critics regard KCD2 as a strong contender for Game of the Year due to its depth, realism, and improvements over the original.
Storyline
The game is set in 1403 in the Kingdom of Bohemia, part of the Holy Roman Empire (modern-day Czech Republic). At that time, a conflict erupted between Bohemian lords and Sigismund, King of Hungary and Croatia, who had imprisoned his half-brother, King Wenceslaus IV, to seize the throne.
The protagonist, Henry, a blacksmith’s son, continues his journey from the first game. Now a knight serving Sir Radzig Kobyla, Henry seeks revenge for his family’s death and fights against Sigismund’s forces.
The story begins with Henry and Sir Hans Capon leaving Rattay to deliver a message to Otto von Berg, a key ally of Sigismund, in Trosky Castle, questioning his loyalty to the usurper king.
Kingdom come: deliverance 2 gameplay gameplay mechanics
KCD2 offers an open-world RPG experience that emphasizes realism. The player’s actions influence NPC reactions, and the game features a complex combat system.
The non-linear storyline allows choices to shape the narrative, relationships, and multiple possible endings. Henry’s skills develop through quests, training, and interactions with NPCs. Key skills include blacksmithing, alchemy, and diplomacy, which can significantly aid progression.
Players must manage Henry’s needs, such as eating, sleeping, and maintaining hygiene, as these factors impact NPC interactions.
The gameplay has become more accessible than in the first installment but retains its challenge. If you’re looking for a hardcore yet realistic medieval RPG experience, KCD2 is one of the best options available.
Game World
The map in KCD2 is twice the size of its predecessor, featuring two expansive areas:
- Trosky (Bohemian Paradise): A rural landscape filled with villages, monasteries, roads, and fields.
- Kutná Hora (Kutenberg): The second-largest city in medieval Bohemia after Prague, emphasizing social, economic, and political elements.
Bohemian Paradise focuses on exploration and combat, while Kutná Hora highlights political and economic gameplay.
Skill Development
Henry’s growth in KCD2 depends on how players approach gameplay. Skill specialization options include:
- Diplomat: Ideal for peaceful players who focus on persuasion and charisma.
- Warrior: Prioritizes combat skills like swordplay, archery, and endurance.
Skills improve through usage and practice, while trainers can accelerate development. Initially, it’s wise to invest in combat abilities since battles are frequent. Later, developing alchemy, diplomacy, and thievery provides additional gameplay flexibility.
Key Skills to Develop:
- Combat:
- Swordsmanship: Enhances sword combat efficiency.
- Archery: Improves accuracy with bows and crossbows.
- Endurance: Increases stamina for prolonged battles.
- Support:
- Trading: Enhances profits from selling goods and potions.
- Charisma: Aids in diplomatic negotiations.
- Blacksmithing: Enables crafting weapons and armor.
- Alchemy & Herbalism:
- Crafting potions for healing, endurance, or poisoning enemies is highly beneficial.
Tips for Successful Duels in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
The idea of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 having one of the most complex combat systems is 100% correct. Yes, the developers have stated that they have improved it compared to the previous installment, but many players still struggle to find their own fighting style.
In addition to health, another resource that needs attention is stamina. This is because prolonged attacks and defense require good stamina to execute successfully. Whenever possible, step back from the enemy for a short time to recover your stamina before starting the next series of attacks.
In combat in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, it’s important to only engage under equal conditions, as fighting multiple enemies can be difficult. Enemies will always try to surround Henry and attack him from blind spots. In situations where fighting against a smaller number of opponents is inevitable, proper movement is a crucial factor. Stepping back a few paces and keeping all enemies in Henry’s line of sight is key strategy in this game. Attacks should only be executed when the conditions are favorable.
It’s also important to acquire the Master Strike skill as quickly as possible, as it is essential for successful duels in Kingdom Come 2. This skill allows you to automatically counterattack after an ideal block, greatly simplifying battles. To acquire this skill, visit the swordmaster Tomcat, but he requires a payment for each technique, as well as a challenge where you must defeat him in a tough duel.
Additionally, you need to keep your weapons and armor in good condition. Worn-out equipment offers less protection, and weapons deal less damage to the enemy.
During combat, it’s crucial to pay attention to the enemy’s movements. For example, it’s better to aim your strikes toward the opposite side of the enemy’s sword or shield, which increases the chance of success, as the enemy will have less time to react. Therefore, it’s better to focus your attacks on the enemy’s unprotected areas.
It’s also important not to forget about Henry’s defense. Head protection is one of the key aspects that can determine the outcome of the fight, so it’s worth focusing on acquiring the Head Defense perk, which will increase helmet damage absorption by 20%.
Don’t keep the block active all the time; only block when the shield icon appears on the screen. However, be aware that there won’t be much time for reaction. To improve your defense, you should learn Perfect Blocking as early as possible. A perfect block allows you to deliver an attack with a high chance of success right after it.
Weapon Overview
KCD2 offers various medieval weapons, each with advantages and drawbacks:
- Sword: Versatile but lacks armor penetration.
- Longsword: Stronger reach and attack power but slower.
- Bow: Excellent for ranged combat but ineffective in close quarters.
- Crossbow: High armor penetration but slow to reload.
- Mace: Effective against armored foes but slow and short-ranged.
- Spears: Great against cavalry and armored opponents but difficult to use.
Additionally, the game introduces firearms, reflecting 15th-century weaponry advancements. Pistols offer high armor penetration but suffer from poor accuracy and slow reload times.
Alchemy in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Alchemy remains a crucial mechanic, allowing players to create potions for combat, healing, and survival. The process includes:
- Finding or experimenting with recipes.
- Gathering ingredients (herbs, mushrooms, roots) via collection, purchase, or theft.
- Precisely following brewing steps like boiling, mixing, grinding, and steeping.
Beginner’s Guide for a Strong Start
At the start, Henry lacks money, food, and shelter. Focusing on survival before advancing the main quest is essential.
Step-by-Step Early Game Plan:
1.Visit Baria:
- Ask for money – receive 5 coins.
- Request armor – obtain a lockpick to retrieve gear from Troskovice’s town hall.
- If you pre-ordered, talk to scribe Gaibel to start The Lion’s Crest quest for Brunswick armor.
2.Go to Tachov and find blacksmith Radovan:
- Start the side quest Blacksmith’s Son to forge a sword.
- Radovan provides free lodging and a storage chest.
3.Try dice gambling:
- Save your game first, then attempt to win extra money.
- Spend wisely, prioritizing food and gear.
4.Ask Radovan for work:
- He will give you the quest “The Jaunt,” which will eventually lead you to Semin.
5.Complete Combat Training
- Head to the Combat Training 1 quest marker via Jelejov and the coachmen’s inn.
- Train with Tomcat to master the basics of combat and unlock the Master Strike technique.
6.Get a Horse in Semin
- While completing “The Jaunt” quest, you’ll have the opportunity to get your own horse.
7.Find a Hidden Money Stash
- Travel to the quarry near Trosky Castle.
- There, you can find over 500 coins, which will be extremely helpful in the early game.
8.Buy a Healing Potion Recipe
- Return to Troskovice and buy the marigold decoction recipe from the apothecary.
- This will allow you to brew healing potions, essential for survival.
Following this plan will help you prepare for the game’s main events, gather starting resources, and improve your skills. You can adjust the order of tasks, but sticking to this route will make your early-game experience much smoother.
Unlimited Saves Mod for KCD2
Modders quickly started working on KCD2 and tweaking its key mechanics. A modder named EddieShoe has released Unlimited Saving 2, which allows you to save your progress at any time by simply pressing F5.
Just like in the first game, KCD2 has limited saving mechanics—players can only save by resting in a bed or drinking Saviour Schnapps, a potion that requires ingredients and time to brew.
We hope this guide helps you better understand the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
