Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - The RPG Sequel You Can't Miss!

After seven long years, Henry is back for another visit with us. Seven years have passed since Warhorse Studios captivated gamers globally with their first historical 2018 RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Now, the awaited sequel is here, and we’ve published our review a day ahead of its eagerly anticipated launch on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5, expected to be one of the most significant launches in 2025.

Initially, Kingdom Come had many positive aspects, but it wasn’t without its fair share of problems. Upon release, its performance was subpar and received much criticism, but these issues were rectified with subsequent updates. However, its combat and story left room for improvement. The combat, while entertaining in one-on-one duels, was disappointingly awkward during group fights. The story, featuring robust characters and an intriguing premise, suffered from disjointed narrative pacing.

While playing Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 for this review, I had concerns about these issues resurfacing due to their presence in the original game. Yet, I was optimistic that a full decade of development would address these shortcomings.

After investing several weeks in this substantial medieval role-playing game, I can confidently say it’s exactly what I expected – larger, improved, and more daring than its predecessor. It effectively addresses Kingdom Come’s significant flaws and enhances its strengths significantly. In essence, it embodies everything a sequel should offer, making it an essential play for RPG enthusiasts. This game is undoubtedly among the top contenders for Game of the Year in 2025.

What is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?

For those who played Kingdom Come in the past, they will grasp the kind of game the sequel presents. However, for newcomers to Warhorse’s RPGs, it might be unclear what to anticipate. To ensure everyone is on the same page before I delve into my review, let me provide a quick summary of the game here.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Description: Experience a historically authentic single-player open-world RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, set during the 15th century in Bohemia (a region now part of the Czech Republic). The narrative unfolds amidst a civil war between supporters of King Wenceslaus IV and his half-brother Sigismund of Luxembourg, who seized Wenceslaus as a prisoner and sought the crown. As Henry, a blacksmith’s son whose family was killed by one of Sigismund’s officers during the sacking of your village in the first game, you seek revenge and to retrieve your father’s stolen sword while serving the allies of King Wenceslaus.

In a tumultuous setting, Henry traverses Bohemia, where the harsh realities of war and the mundane aspects of medieval existence intertwine. Players stepping into Henry’s boots must prioritize essential needs like eating, sleeping, and maintaining health, while also figuring out ways to accumulate resources for purchasing supplies or paying for services. As you progress through quests and enact Henry’s decisions (both his dialogue and actions), he gains a reputation in the various settlements dotting the massive Trosky and Kuttenberg maps of Kingdom Come 2. This reputation is influenced by factors such as Henry’s cleanliness, attire, and speaking skills, which impact how persuasive he is, the deals he can secure at shops, and other aspects. A favorable standing, convincing demeanor, or intimidating presence are useful if you find yourself in trouble with the law; however, failure to meet certain requirements may result in fines, public humiliation, physical punishment, a criminal record, or even execution, depending on the nature of your offense.

It’s worth mentioning that in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, your game can only be manually saved when you sleep in a bed that belongs to you or consume a drink called Savior Schnapps. The game also autosaves during quest progression and completion. This is so that the developers encourage players to face the repercussions of their decisions instead of repeatedly saving to avoid them, a practice known as “save scumming”.

As a researcher delving into this captivating world, I’ve designed the combat system to emulate the martial tactics of the era. It’s predominantly melee-focused, but offers versatility with ranged options such as bows, crossbows, and primitive medieval firearms. In close quarters, you can strike or thrust at enemies from various angles, stringing together combos, and defend yourself with dodges, blocks, parries, and ripostes.

To further enhance the authenticity, we’ve incorporated systems that simulate the interactions between weapons and armor of the period. For instance, swords are most effective against foes clad in textile armor, while encounters with armored opponents necessitate the use of axes, maces, or polearms. Chainmail or full plate armor-clad adversaries demand a shift in strategy.

However, lighter protection does offer certain benefits, such as increased mobility and evasion speed, making it a strategic choice for swift maneuvers.

Worldwide, Henry becomes increasingly proficient in his abilities the more he employs them, similar to The Elder Scrolls system where you can choose from over 200 perks to enhance him as you advance. Some of these skills have been revamped from Kingdom Come, but there are also numerous new ones, along with two new skill categories – craftsmanship (blacksmithing) and commanding Henry’s pet dog, Mutt.

KCD2 review: Gameplay, combat, and open world

What made Kingdom Come: Deliverance stand out was its massive open-world setting and numerous engaging side missions within it. The developers emphasized player autonomy and responsiveness to dialogue and actions instead of focusing on dynamic events or random road encounters. The upcoming sequel further strengthens this solid base, offering more scope for roleplaying and introducing subtleties in how conversations, reputation, crime, and quest advancement are managed.

Interacting with Non-Player Characters (NPCs) in this game is much more immersive and influential, as players often have the opportunity to earn or lose favor based on their attention, understanding of the NPC’s standing and character, and thoughtfully chosen responses. I truly appreciate this aspect, though sometimes Henry’s dialogue and tone may not align perfectly with the selected option. The Charisma system has become more intriguing as well, as instead of offering just a few basic speech and intimidation options, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 now offers six dialogue stats to develop: Persuasion, Coercion, Impression, Domination, Presence, and Intimidation. These stats are influenced differently by your attributes, appearance, and reputation, providing numerous opportunities to utilize speech effectively, regardless of how you choose to portray Henry.

Generally speaking, you have numerous diverse and flexible ways to accomplish quests, and these can lead to various conclusions based on your decisions. For example, in an early mission, a villager might ask me to steal a maypole from an adversary’s settlement, but I could choose to inform the settlement leader instead, initiating a new objective to help him retaliate against the original quest giver. What stood out to me the most, though, is that, similar to other interconnected aspects of the game, side quests and their results often influence and relate to each other in intriguing ways. In one instance, I managed to bypass a speech check while trying to persuade a tavern owner to play dice for a unique reward because I had previously assisted her in resolving a potential brawl between her regular patrons and foreign Cumans seeking service.

Instead of choosing the path of crime such as pickpocketing and lock-breaking, it’s another route you could tread, but beware, it’s not without consequences. If you’re not caught red-handed stealing, a missing item from someone’s house might make them suspect you of theft. And even if you manage to slip away unnoticed, engaging in too much criminal activity in one area can raise suspicions among the residents, leading to increased security patrols and constant vigilance by citizens.

If, unfortunately, you get caught, try to negotiate or pay your way out of public punishments like branding or whipping, as these acts can significantly tarnish your reputation wherever they occur.

In summary, the responsiveness demonstrated by the creators of Kingdom Come 2 is truly remarkable, resulting in an open world that feels exceptionally lively, making it one of the most immersive settings I’ve encountered in video games. Not only is this world expansive, boasting twice the area covered by KCD’s map, but it also offers over 100 hours worth of side missions to experience. The main story quests, which are more centered around key events, offer a diverse range of experiences for Henry, from discreetly investigating a missing person case to boldly participating in the defense against a grand siege.

Regarding the fighting aspect, the sequel to Kingdom Come introduced significant enhancements to its direction-based melee system. For instance, enemies have reduced chances of flawlessly countering and retaliating against you, encouraging aggressive gameplay and the enjoyment of intricate attack sequences. Moreover, groups of adversaries no longer persistently chase you relentlessly, but instead often coordinate their attacks together more frequently. This results in being outnumbered becoming a genuine challenge rather than an irritating nuisance, as you’re not compelled to constantly retreat just to maintain sight of your opponents. Instead, it becomes an engaging aspect of the gameplay experience.

In KCD2, the Master Strike technique undergoes significant modifications. Originally, it was a move where you retaliated when your opponent attempted to strike you. Enemies in KCD could use this move often, and it was straightforward since all you needed was to time your block (when a green shield icon appeared) correctly. At higher levels, this tactic discouraged attacks and promoted defensive play, which I didn’t find enjoyable. However, in KCD2, the Master Strike is only applicable with swords, and it involves striking an enemy from the opposite side of their own attack, making it much harder to execute – and thus, more thrilling. Additionally, the inability to perform this move without a sword introduces an engaging challenge when battling enemies armed with them. Normally, you’d aim to attack an opponent from the side opposite their current defense, but against a swordsman, doing so could lead to a Master Strike counterattack.

My main concern is that armor seems somewhat less significant and crucial in this game compared to the original, where chainmail doesn’t seem to offer as much protection as I’d anticipate, especially when contrasted with plate armor which works as expected. Nonetheless, this isn’t a major problem, and overall, combat remains enjoyable to participate in.

If you enjoy combat at a distance, Kingdom Come 2 offers a variety of weapons such as crossbows, handgonnes, and bows, all with unique strengths. The bow excels in continuous fire, while the crossbow provides simplicity but a slower firing speed. On the other hand, the handgonne boasts immense power, but it’s challenging to aim, reloads slowly, and requires rare gunpowder and ammunition.

In the sequel, some significant enhancements also feature blacksmithing, which comes equipped with an engaging minigame, and Henry’s loyal companion, Mutt. Blacksmithing lets you purchase materials, craft weapons from them, then either employ them or sell them for a profit. Mutt can be commanded to assist in battle, divert attention during stealth, trace scents, and other useful functions. Plus, you can give him a good rub (which keeps him obedient when you need him, as feeding him does too).

KCD2 review: Story (no spoilers)

In the sequel of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Henry (Tom McKay) continues right where he left off, teaming up with his noble companion Sir Hans Capon (Luke Dale). Their task is to convey an important message from their lords to Otto von Bergow, ruler of Trosky region – a key ally of Sigismund. The letter holds crucial details about a possible peace agreement among the warring Bohemian lords. However, their journey is disrupted by a sudden ambush from a formidable gang of bandits, preventing them from reaching Trosky Castle. Tragically, most members of the group are killed, leaving only Henry and Hans, who are severely injured. They must then turn to a local herbwoman for help to stay alive.

In this discussion, I won’t disclose any more plot details than what’s been shown in the trailers, but let me tell you that if our heroes manage to regain their footing, the story that unfolds is fantastic, filled with unexpected twists, delightful characters, and Henry’s personal journey to overcome his thirst for vengeance following the fate of his family and hometown. Additionally, Hans, known for his wit and humor, experiences a substantial character development in the narrative, while eccentric characters like the drunken priest Father Godwin enrich your experience. This story offers the perfect blend of heart-wrenching tragedy, exhilarating triumphs, and everything in between, with impressive performances from actors such as Tom McKay, Luke Dale, and others that bring it all together.

As an analyst, I must admit, the narrative flow and pacing in the sequel to Kingdom Come surpasses that of the original game significantly. It’s easier to understand and keeps a consistent pace, which was something that could have used improvement in the first game. However, the sequel doesn’t skimp on the unexpected twists and turns, which I appreciate, as these unpredictable surprises are part of what made the original so enjoyable despite its occasional shortcomings in storytelling.

KCD2 review: Visuals and audio

Initially, Kingdom Come didn’t boast the most lifelike graphics when launched in 2018; however, its stunning art style made it stand out as one of the most visually appealing games from the last console generation. The game’s breathtaking medieval backdrops, intricately crafted structures like houses, castles, and equipment from that era, were a visual treat. With high expectations for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 to further enhance its presentation, I was eager to see how it would improve upon the original seven years later. As the images in this review demonstrate, my anticipation was justified.

Without a doubt, the game created by Warhorse, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, showcases some of the most visually stunning landscapes ever seen in gaming, boasting meticulous details, breathtakingly realistic lighting, and what appears to be unbelievable draw distances. Although certain visual aspects could use improvement – the fire effect during blacksmithing, for instance, has a somewhat dated 2D appearance – overall, this game is a graphical marvel.

The game’s score and audio design are both deserving of great accolades. Composers Jan Valta and Adam Sporka have crafted a magnificent orchestral soundtrack, painstakingly developed over a span of four years. This is complemented by delightful melodies played on instruments authentic to the period such as lutes and shawms. Furthermore, the sound design is rich and immersive, featuring a detailed and skillfully implemented soundscape that vividly portrays Bohemia’s verdant forests, busy villages, and harsh battlefields.

KCD2 review: Performance and stability

Concerning the performance in Kingdom Come: Deliverance being a concern, I initially feared that its sequel might face similar issues. However, to my surprise, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has been performing exceptionally well on my Intel i5-12600K, NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti SUPER, and 32GB RAM setup. I’ve set everything to Ultra on my 3440×1440 ultrawide monitor, and I’ve consistently enjoyed a smooth 80-100 FPS, with the frame rate only dipping into the 70s during intense battles involving many characters. Moreover, throughout my playthrough, I haven’t encountered any crashes, stutters, or freezes, which is rare for new releases these days.

The game has been exceptionally smooth, with only a few insignificant issues such as NPC voices shifting during dice games or a conversation failing to advance to the next stage unless the ‘skip’ button is used, but overall, it’s run remarkably well and stable without significant bugs or glitches.

Note that the review I provided is based on the PC version of the game. I’m unable to comment on its performance on Xbox Series X|S consoles. However, my colleague Rebecca Spear has been playing it on portable PC gaming devices and has found that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 performs well on them. If you’re using a device like the ASUS ROG Ally, keep this in mind as the game may run smoothly on such systems.

KCD2 review: Conclusion

Initially, being an ardent admirer of the first game, I anticipated that I would find Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 quite enjoyable as well. However, I was astonished to discover just how superbly the sequel measures up, with Warhorse Studios taking all the elements fans cherished from KCD and enhancing them, while simultaneously addressing significant story, combat, and performance flaws. The game’s expansive world offers an immersive reactivity that keeps players engrossed, and its wealth of diverse quests ensures there’s always something new to explore in your journal. Moreover, the engaging combat system is well-balanced, the narrative is captivating, and the overall presentation is flawless. Essentially, it has everything a Kingdom Come enthusiast could desire and beyond.

Without a doubt, this game stands out as one of the top Xbox and PC games released in 2025, making a strong case for Game of the Year. As previously mentioned, Warhorse Studios’ latest creation is an absolute must-play for RPG enthusiasts, and it promises to captivate those who appreciate historical settings as well.

In a follow-up to Kingdom Come: Deliverance, the sequel is slated to launch on February 4, 2025. The price for Windows PC (available on Steam, Epic Games, GOG) will be $59.99, while Xbox Series X|S and PS5 console users can expect to pay $69.99.

2025-02-03 19:14

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – The RPG Sequel You Can’t Miss!