Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Review – A Medieval Master Class

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 by Warhorse Studios is an open-world, immersive RPG with survival elements set in a historically accurate 15th-century Bohemia. The game is a direct follow-up to the first game, where our son of a blacksmith turned hero, Henry, grows into his role and fends off an impending invasion by a hostile kingdom. KCD2 builds upon its predecessor in every facet and offers one of the most immersive and deepest RPG systems in any video game to date. 

Developer & Publisher // Warhorse Studios, Deep Silver
Platforms // PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
MSRP & Release Dates // $69.99, February 4th, 2025
Reviewed On // PC

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Review – Story & Characters

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a direct continuation of the saga of Henry of Skalitz.  The game’s commitment to historical accuracy deepens the storytelling, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the period’s societal complexities. Transitioning from a peasant to a rising figure, Henry’s journey is one of the most immersive and role-playing-rich experiences in any video game. 

In Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, Henry becomes a bodyguard to his Bohemian nobleman friend, Sir Hans Capon, as they journey to Trosky Castle to deliver a crucial letter. The stakes are high, as the letter is from a rebellious alliance seeking to overthrow King Sigismund and restore the rightful king, Wenceslaus IV.

The story is rich with political intrigue, betrayal, and personal vendettas. Henry and Hans face numerous challenges, from bandit attacks to navigating the complex web of medieval politics. The game does an excellent job of immersing players in the harsh realities of 15th-century Bohemia, with well-developed characters and emotionally impactful moments.

Character Dynamics and Tech

One of the standout features of the game is its improved motion-capture technology. This tech really brings characters to life with more realistic emotions and expressions. This tech comes through brilliantly through the camaraderie between Henry and Hans. 

The chemistry between Henry and Hans enhances the impact of their interactions and adds a layer of realism to their relationship. Their relationship masterfully blends humor, hierarchy, and brotherhood, creating a dynamic that both entertains and develops character depth. Hans’ entitled nobility perfectly contrasts with Henry’s rugged grit, leading to memorable and often hilarious interactions that steal the show and enrich the overall narrative. Their argument on how to deal with

Branches Adds Depth

In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 branching quests and meaningful moral choices significantly impact the storyline. Players have the freedom to approach situations in various ways—whether it’s intimidating non-playable characters (NPCs), bribing them, or choosing a more diplomatic route. These decisions lead to different outcomes, influencing alliances, character relationships, and even the game’s ending. The moral spectrum is broad, allowing players to embody a righteous hero or embrace the life of a cunning rogue. This depth of choice not only personalizes each playthrough but can incentivize multiple playthroughs to explore all the possible paths and narratives the game has to offer.

Unique Combat Requires Patience and with a Nice Pay off in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

If you played the first Kingdom Come: Deliverance, you’ll know what to expect when it comes to the combat. KCD2 maintains the challenging, stamina-based combat of its predecessor but with refined mechanics. Players must master directional attacks, counters, and combos, demanding skillful timing and patience. The game emphasizes realism, where armor types significantly impact combat effectiveness. Maces, in particular, are effective in shattering plate armor, while swords are better suited for lightly armored opponents.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 doesn’t shy away from throwing players into dire situations, such as facing multiple opponents simultaneously. These encounters force players to think creatively, utilizing stealth, environmental tactics, or simply choosing the wise option of retreat. These options also highlight the strategic depth through immersive sim elements the game provides. Stealth kills, the use of poison arrows, and clever utilization of the environment are just some of the options available to players to take out enemies.

While the early game presents a steep learning curve, combat becomes more manageable as players hone their skills and unlock new perks. Especially skills that can penetrate armor and increase vitality and stamina will do wonders in combat. When you successfully take on multiple enemies after realizing the importance of blocking and stamina to crowd control still sticks out as a key moment in the game.

RPG Mechanics in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2  features an RPG system where skills improve through active use, similar to Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. This encourages players to engage with various gameplay elements to enhance their character’s abilities. KCD2’s perk system offers further customization, with perks tailored to different playstyles, such as stealth or alchemy. These perks can have a significant impact on gameplay, offering benefits like poison resistance or unlocking powerful combat combos.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 – Survival and Immersion in Medieval Bohemia

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 incorporates realistic survival elements, where hunger, fatigue, and hygiene play a role in the player’s interactions with the world. Neglecting these needs can have consequences, impacting the character’s effectiveness. Additionally, players must be mindful of the law, as poaching animals or getting caught with stolen goods can result in fines or other penalties. For those who choose a life of crime, stolen goods can be sold to a fence. 

Crafting and Economy 

KCD2 boasts intricate crafting systems, particularly in alchemy and blacksmithing. Players can brew a variety of potions with diverse effects, while blacksmithing allows for the creation and customization of weapons and armor. These crafting skills can also be lucrative, as players can sell their crafted items to earn money and potentially dominate the in-game economy through mass production. In fact, it is highly advisable to go all in early on in potion-making.

Truly A Living World in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

One of the game’s most compelling aspects is its immersive simulation elements, which breathe life into every corner of the world. The world feels truly alive as NPCs follow daily routines—working in the fields, drinking at taverns, and retiring to sleep at night. This realism enhances immersion, making each interaction meaningful. Time-sensitive quests add to the authenticity, where procrastination isn’t without consequence; delays can lead to missed opportunities or altered storylines, punishing tardiness and rewarding prompt action.

Reputation is Everything and Consequences Are Real

Every action has weight due to the intricate reputation system. Crimes like theft and murder are meticulously tracked, with penalties that extend regionally, affecting how different communities perceive and interact with the player. Dialogue choices aren’t just filler—they rely on speech and charisma stats, influencing outcomes and allowing for nuanced interactions that can open or close paths within the story. In addition, your hygiene will also factor in dialogue skill checks. For example, if you are bloodied and are trying to persuade an NPC into a certain action, you will likely daily because of your bloodied attire and/or lack of hygiene.

The reputation penalty system found in the game is quite impressive. For example, if you steal goods within one town and escape to the next town over, the town folk won’t know of your crimes. However, a day or two later, news travels to the new town and your reputation will be tarnished. It’s these impactful systems that truly deliver a unique and immersive experience in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.

Random Encounters

Unpredictability is woven into the fabric of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 through random encounters. Fast traveling isn’t always safe, players might face unexpected ambushes by bandits, be challenged to roadside duels, or stumble upon rare vendors offering unique items. These elements add a layer of excitement and uncertainty, ensuring that exploration is always engaging and unique.

Rewarding Progression

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 truly delivers a rewarding progression system, though don’t expect a rosy journey from the get-go. Early in the game, players face significant struggles including mastering complex combat mechanics and coping with in-game poverty. These challenges create a realistic and immersive experience where victories are hard-earned. However, as players upgrade their gear and gain proficiency in the game’s systems, they transition from vulnerable novices to empowered heroes. This evolution is profoundly satisfying, offering a tangible sense of accomplishment that reinforces the time and effort invested. The gradual empowerment not only enhances gameplay but also deepens the connection to the character’s journey.

A Steep Learning Curve

While Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 excels in creating an immersive and richly detailed medieval world, it is not without its flaws that may impact the overall experience The intricate combat and realistic survival mechanics can be overwhelming and may frustrate newcomers. Mastery requires patience and practice, as players must adapt to stamina-driven combat, precise directional attacks, and resource management. This complexity might deter those who prefer more accessible gameplay. For example, one of the Iron Lords did not equip a pouch and this led him to live off the land eating raw meat and berries, which is far from ideal when you need to be at your best during combat.

Savior Schnapps Make a Frustrating Come Back

Another point of contention is the limited save system. Players are restricted to specific save points that require the use of Saviour Schnapps, an in-game item. This mechanic can feel punitive, especially during challenging segments where progress can be lost due to difficulty spikes. Although quitting the game allows for a workaround by saving progress, this solution is less than ideal, especially for those accustomed to relying on manual save systems.

Pacing Issues

The vast open world can also contribute to pacing problems. The sheer size and abundance of content may overwhelm players seeking a more focused, linear narrative. With numerous side quests, activities, and exploration opportunities, some may find it challenging to maintain momentum in the main storyline.

Graphics & Art Style of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 sets a new benchmark in visual storytelling. Fidelity coupled with the immersive experience truly feels like you’re in 15th-century Bohemia. Powered by the CryEngine, the game dazzles with photorealistic landscapes that are nothing short of breathtaking. The forests are lush and teeming with life, each tree and shrub rendered with meticulous detail. 

Dynamic weather systems add another layer of realism. This includes sudden downpours, misty mornings, and clear, star-studded nights enhancing the game’s atmosphere. Night skies are particularly spectacular, with constellations of stars shimmering above. Torchlit castles illuminate the darkness with a warm glow, creating striking contrasts that highlight the game’s exceptional lighting effects.

Art Direction

The art direction is a masterclass in historical authenticity. Every element, from the grimy villages with their mud-soaked streets to the sprawling, imposing castles, is crafted to faithfully recreate 15th-century Bohemia. The architecture reflects genuine medieval designs, showcasing the sturdy stonework and intricate wooden structures of the era. Clothing is equally meticulous garments that display the textures and wear suitable for commoners and nobility alike, featuring period-accurate fabrics and styles. This dedication to detail immerses players deeply into the setting, making the world feel lived-in and believable. In fact, Sir Tobi corroborated that the game relied on historians to guide the game’s historical authenticity. 

Animations

Truly, animations in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 have been enhanced in every facet. Crafting isn’t just a menu of options; it’s an interactive experience. When grinding herbs for alchemy or forging a sword at the blacksmith’s, the detailed movements make these tasks satisfying and authentic. Combat animations are fluid and responsive. For instance, drawing a bow has weight to it, and each sword swing or parry is executed with lifelike motion. These nuanced animations not only improve gameplay mechanics but also reinforce the game’s immersion, making every action feel purposeful and connected to the world.

Audio Design of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

The audio design in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is meticulously crafted to envelop players in its authentic medieval setting, enhancing immersion through every sound.

Sound Effects

The game’s sound effects are a triumph of realism, creating a believable and dynamic soundscape that pulls players deeper into the world. The clashing of swords during combat rings with visceral authenticity. Each metallic clash resonates as if you’re on the battlefield. In the heat of combat, the grunts of exertion and the sharp clangs of weapons heighten tension, making every encounter intense and impactful. While environmental sounds like rolling thunderstorms and the subtle rustle of wildlife further enrich the atmosphere, making forests feel alive and towns bustling with activity.

Voice Acting

Voice acting in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a standout element, delivering nuanced performances that breathe life into the diverse cast of characters. Hans Capon’s aristocratic snark contrasts brilliantly with elderly Bazena’s weathered warmth, showcasing the depth and variety of personalities within the game. 

The actors’ ability to capture these nuances adds layers to the storytelling, making interactions memorable and engaging. Accents and dialects are thoughtfully implemented, reflecting the setting’s rich cultural diversity and enhancing the authenticity of dialogue.

Music

The orchestral scores brilliantly underscore the game’s dramatic moments without overshadowing the gameplay. The music subtly elevates emotional beats whether it’s the tension before a duel or the tranquility of a serene countryside without breaking immersion. This careful balancing ensures that the score complements the experience, adding emotional weight where needed while allowing the natural sounds of the world to remain at the forefront.

Technical Performance of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is truly a graphical showcase that pushes the boundaries of realism in gaming. Running on an AMD Ryzen 7 5700x CPU coupled with a Radeon 69050XT GPU and 32GB of DDR4 3600 Mhz RAM the game averages above 80 FPS running 1440p resolution with FSR set on Quality Mode with High graphical settings. Despite a decent overall technical experience, there are notable hiccups that need to be mentioned. 

In its pre-release build, the game faced several technical issues that slightly hindered the immersive experience. During the review period, NPCs do sometimes clip through environments. Occasional texture pop-ins and minor animation glitches were common sights. Moreover, frame drops were noticeable during graphically intensive moments. 

There were some rare crashes that occurred, albeit infrequently but were frustrating when they did happen. Especially during crucial missions or battles. However, Warhorse Studios has been proactive in addressing these concerns. Day-one patches reportedly fix many of these problems.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Review – The Final Verdict

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stands out as an immersive medieval RPG, offering unparalleled depth and realism. The game’s authenticity and engaging storyline create a rewarding experience. Although its complexity may deter newcomers, its attention to detail and rich narrative make it a must-play for hardcore RPG and history enthusiasts alike. Despite minor flaws, it remains a strong early contender for the best game of 2025.

Final Score: 9.2 / 10

Note – A key was provided for the purpose of this review.

Pros:

• A Graphical Showcase
• Immersive Role-Playing Mechanics
• Engaging Story
• Phenomenal Voice Acting
• Improve Motion Capture and Animations
• Tons of Content
• Branching Quest Design
• Warrants Replayability
• Rewarding Progression System

Cons:

• Overwhelming at First
• Overwhelming Open World Design
• Some Technical Hiccups
• Steep Learning Curve
• Anxiety-Inducing Save System
• Combat That Could Frustrate at First