GUIDE: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Tips and Tricks

Mastering Kingdom Come Deliverance II

Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the immersive and historically rich world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2! As a direct continuation of the highly-praised original, this sequel plunges you back into 15th-century Bohemia as Henry of Skalitz. Warhorse Studios aimed for KCD2 to be the game the first one was intended to be, benefiting from improved resources and experience. This is a deep, realistic RPG that rewards patience and understanding its unique mechanics. Whether you're a returning player or new to the series (and yes, you can enjoy KCD2 without playing the first, although playing KCD1 is highly recommended as they play essentially the same and it's cheap now!), this guide draws on insights to help you thrive in its challenging yet rewarding world.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has been a massive hit with critics and fans, achieving high review scores. It quickly broke sales records, selling 1 million copies in just one day and over 2 million copies in less than two weeks. In just three months, it has sold 3 million copies.

The Core Philosophy: Realism Meets Enjoyment

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stays true to its core principles: historical authenticity, immersive simulation, and meaningful storytelling. The developers prioritize gameplay over realism, ensuring realism doesn't become a burden. They actively listen to player feedback and have refined mechanics based on observations from the first game. While some areas double down on realism because they felt it added to the experience, such as managing food, health, and stamina for travel, others have been made more accessible.

Getting Started: Navigating the Early Hours

The initial hours of KCD2 can be particularly tough for newcomers. Here are some essential early game tips:

• Avoid Trouble Early On: Henry is just a normal person, not a superhero. Stay on the right path, especially in cities, to avoid issues with guards that could disrupt quests. Refrain from stealing initially while you get used to the mechanics.
• Prioritize the Marigold Decoction Recipe: Head to the Apothecary in the starting town of Troskowitz as soon as possible. Purchase the recipe for the Marigold Decoction (healing potion). While it costs 150 Groschen, the ingredients are very cheap and easy to find, making this recipe essential for survival.
• Understand the Save System: KCD2 has a unique and somewhat restrictive save system. The game auto-saves in specific situations or when you consume a Saviour Schnapps [from KCD1 knowledge, implied by similar mechanics]. Saving at every opportunity isn't possible early on until you can craft the potion via alchemy [from KCD1 knowledge, implied by similar mechanics]. The save system was improved to make it more accessible for KCD2 without removing the tension that comes with limited saving. As the developers advise, "save your schnapps".
• Explore the Starting Area: The first part of the game takes place in the rural Trosky region, which serves as a good introduction.

Mastering Combat: Skill, Timing, and Tactics

Combat in KCD2 is tactical and draws from real-world techniques. It's skill-based and challenging. While the first game was known for its steep learning curve, KCD2 aims to be more newcomer-friendly.

• Train, Train, Train: Proficiency in combat comes from practice [implied by skill-based system].
• Refined System: The combat system has been streamlined, reducing melee attack directions to four to help players better explore the combo system. It also features added animations to make it feel better.
• Variety of Weapons: Beyond melee weapons, you'll use bows, crossbows, and early firearms [implied by KCD2 being a bigger and better version]. You can fight from horseback.
• Adapt Your Approach: Combat effectiveness depends on your weapon choice against different armor types [implied by realistic system]. There is discussion among players about whether combat feels "nerfed" or "vastly improved" compared to KCD1. A Hardcore mode is available if you seek a greater challenge [implied by Hardcore mode discussion threads].
• Quick Riposte: To perform a quick riposte after a perfect block, do not attempt to change your attack direction, as it will already be set to the opposite side of the enemy's guard. Changing direction will slow your attack.

Developing Henry: Skills, Trades, and Reputation

KCD2 uses a "learn by doing" progression system [implied by similar mechanics to KCD1]. Henry improves skills by performing associated actions, and leveling up grants perks and bonuses.

• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you do something, the better you get at it [implied by skill progression]. This applies to everything from combat to crafting [implied by skill system].
• Expanded Dialogue and Interaction: Your interactions with NPCs are influenced by more factors, including your cleanliness. NPCs react to many more of your actions than before, and they even have to talk to each other to learn information. Keeping Henry clean is essential for keeping him appealing to others.
• New Crafting Systems: KCD2 features detailed crafting activities enjoyed in first-person.
  • Blacksmithing: This is a new feature not in the first game and is arguably the most exciting. Henry grew up a blacksmith's son. You must learn it from a teacher, like Radovan in Tachov [implied by quest structure]. Following the blacksmith route after "Wedding Crashers" allows you to start "The Jaunt" quest and get your first horse, Pebble, and the quest "The Blacksmith's Son" serves as a refresher [from KCD1 knowledge, implied]. Becoming a blacksmith's assistant can provide a mini-base with a bed and chest [implied by role]. You can forge weapons (swords, axes), horseshoes, and tools. Blacksmithing, along with laundry, using repair kits, and sharpening swords, levels up Henry's Craftmanship skill, unlocking perks.
  • Alchemy: This process is involved, not just a menu. You level up the skill and gain perks [implied by skill system]. You start with limited recipes but can find or buy more from Apothecaries. Alchemy Benches provide basic ingredients like water, wine, oil, and spirits.
• Stealth Mechanics: Stealth is a significant part of the game and can sometimes be essential [implied by KCD1 mechanics]. Your effectiveness is heavily impacted by your gear, such as heavy armor creating noise [implied by KCD1 mechanics].
• Thievery: While potentially game-breaking due to how quickly it can net you wealth and gear, thievery is a viable path. Be aware of the consequences, as the crime and punishment system is complex [implied by realistic system].

Navigating the World: Exploration and Consequences

The world of KCD2 is twice the size of the original game's map. It's divided into two distinct regions: the rural Trosky region and the large city of Kuttenberg (Kutná Hora).

• Explore Everything: The world is filled with detailed historical locations. Exploring thoroughly can reveal alternative ways to complete quests [implied by open world and quest design].
• Dynamic Encounters: The world feels alive, and you can encounter random events like bandit ambushes while traveling [implied by open world]. NPCs scavenge items left behind.
• Your Choices Matter: Your actions and decisions have consequences that ripple throughout the world and influence how NPCs react to you.
• Multiple Approaches: You can tackle situations using diplomacy, stealth, intimidation, or direct combat. Sometimes, talking your way out of trouble is an option [implied by dialogue skills].
• Respect Property: The ownership system is detailed [implied by realistic system]. Running through private areas or taking items without permission can lead to trouble [implied by realistic system]. Carrying a torch at night in cities is important to avoid problems with guards.

Transportation: Your Trusty Steed

Horses are your main mode of transportation in KCD2 and can also be used in combat.

• Getting Your First Horse: You get your first horse, named Pebble, during "The Jaunt" quest. To get this quest early, follow the blacksmith route after completing the "Wedding Crashers" main quest. Speak to Sir Jan Semine to request Pebble.
• Horse Stats and Gear: Horses have different stats like speed, stamina, carrying capacity, and courage. Horse armor boosts their courage, helping them withstand combat. You can improve your horsemanship skill by riding.
• Carrying Capacity: Horse inventory is crucial as you can transfer items from your inventory to your horse's. Use saddles with 4 saddle bags to maximize carrying capacity, making looting and trading easier [implied by KCD1 mechanics and inventory system].
• Using Your Horse Effectively:
  • Practice fighting from horseback.
  • Attack enemies with melee weapons using your horse's speed.
  • Utilize horse perks for advantages.
• Important Note: Be aware that any items harvested from villagers' horses are considered stolen.

General Tips for Success

• Patience is Key: This game is deliberately challenging but fair. Don't get discouraged; learn from your mistakes [implied by challenging nature].
• Maintain Your Gear: Keeping your equipment in good condition is important [implied by realistic system]. The Craftmanship skill covers repairs and sharpening weapons.
• Be Wary of Encounters: Always be cautious. The tip to "always check your pockets after dealing with random encounters" could imply the risk of being pickpocketed or serves as a reminder to loot enemies.
• Haggling: Don't forget to utilize the haggling mechanic when trading.
• Discover Easter Eggs: The developers have hidden numerous easter eggs throughout the world for players to find. Examples include random chickens ("Compies") as a tribute to the first game, a tribute to "Let Me Solo Her" with a skeleton and a teapot, and a humorous reference to the developers themselves with skeletons working diligently in Kuttenberg. The developers placed these left and right without a list, and often discover them alongside the players.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a critically acclaimed RPG that offers a unique and deeply immersive medieval experience. It has broken sales records and captivated players worldwide. By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well-equipped to face the challenges and uncover the stories that await Henry in 15th-century Bohemia.

Good luck on your journey!