Upcoming RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is only a few weeks away and, by all accounts, looks to be one of the biggest games of the year in sheer scale. With Henry’s journey spanning two large maps and leap-frogging its predecessor in fidelity, a fresh round of previews has outlined even more information. Without further ado, here are 15 things you should know before picking the game up. It’s out on February 4th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.
Working Your Way Back up
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 directly follows the first game’s events, with Henry and Hans on the road together. However, as is usually the case with some sequels, Henry will undergo a reset of sorts in skills, levels, and whatnot and must work his way back up from the bottom. It also means reacquiring armor and weapons to prepare for upcoming battles.
Flashbacks to the First Game
It was previously stated that you don’t need to play the last game to enjoy Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, though older fans need not worry in acclimatizing with it. How does it bring newcomers into the fold? During the opening hours, Henry experiences flashbacks to the first game’s story alongside tutorials to explain all the mechanics. How extensive these will be remains to be, but it should be enough for what’s to come.
Thinking About Your Responses
Dialogue systems in a role-playing game, especially one as intricate as this, open up all kinds of potential branching paths. However, you’ll need to actually have a read on situations and choose the appropriate responses. Other factors like reputation, clothing (which we’ll get into), and more also play a part, but even if you choose the incorrect response, other options may open up. You still have skill checks and whatnot, which means it’s possible to try (and even fail) to persuade people, but once again, it’s all about Henry’s standing in the world and how closely you read between the lines.
Wayfarers While Fast-Traveling
Remember the random encounters that could result from fast-travelling in the first game? They return, per True Achievements’ preview and carry risks, though whether any new Wayfarers have been added remains to be seen. Either way, it’s a reminder to try and go everywhere on your own rather than relying on fast travel (though there may be benefits to some Wayfarers, whether it’s reputation gains, unique fights or money).
The Importance of Clothing
Clothes maketh the man, as they say, and it’s especially applicable in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Despite their heroics in the first game, no one pays any heed to Henry or Hans after they’re stripped of their knightly armor in the beginning. Likewise, if you’re dirty or covered in blood, people may be more averse towards you. Dressing fancy is ideal when speaking to higher-class individuals but remember that those fancy threads will mean nothing in combat. And while indulging in bloodbaths isn’t always the solution, it can serve to intimidate individuals.
How Blacksmithing Works
Blacksmithing is finally introduced after being cut from the original, and it’s extensive. YouTuber ESO outlined the process, which initially involves crafting recipes and gathering materials. The process requires heating the metal base by moving it back and forth on the coals, hammering it in spots on the anvil several times, reheating, and quenching it in water. The grindstone can sharpen a blade with the tilting angle determining the maximum sharpness, which leads to more damage. Blacksmithing is seemingly the route to obtaining the best weapons, so it’s worth dabbling into (and making Martin proud).
More Weapon Slots
With weapons receiving more unique properties and moves, the option to quickly swap between during combat is essential. Thankfully, as per AltChar’s preview, there are more weapon slots in the sequel to facilitate this. After all, who knows if you need to suddenly switch to a two-handed weapon for some added power or even a sword and shield for more defense?
Lethal Consequences
As noted several times since its reveal, your decisions have short and long-term consequences. Some things could be set in stone, but it’s also interesting to hear that you can return to previous locations where problems occurred and try to smooth things over (perhaps while better dressed). Of course, as PC Gamer’s preview noted, you may also run into situations where it’s ideal to side with Cuman warriors, who Henry opposed in the first game, over the citizenry in a small fight. However, you might choose the latter if your armor and weaponry are up to the task.
Crimes and Punishment
If you’re caught for any crime, Henry may be locked in the stocks or even executed. You could be branded, which ensures less trust from people, though different buffs can be obtained in this fashion. There’s an element of risk vs. reward if you pursue less noble pursuits.
Reactive World Examples
Even more notable is just how reactive the world can be. Ask someone the same question, and they might get annoyed. Commit a crime, and people will search for you. Fights may break out between NPCs. There are several examples to glean, and depending on how you approach the world, different things can occur.
Outside Interference in Fights
That also applies to random occurrences, with PC Gamer noting how fights can start small and grow into large skirmishes as different people join either side. Caravans may also pass by and interfere in whatever’s going on (which can be used to your advantage if there’s a particular bandit camp you want to wipe out). Coupled with everything else, it really lends a greater sense of emergent gameplay.
VRR Support
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is confirmed to feature Fidelity and Performance modes on consoles at launch alongside a Pro mode for PS5 Pro. While FSR is used for upscaling resolutions on Xbox Series X and PS5 (with PS5 Pro relying on PSSR), El Analista De Bits confirms that all three consoles support Variable Refresh Rate.
Multiple Playstyles
One common sentiment across multiple previews is that you’re free to role-play as your version of Henry, and the various systems facilitate that. Being a thief means engaging with lockpicking and searching through pockets when stealing while also dealing with possible witnesses (including dogs who may be alerted by your presence). You can rely on smooth-talking through situations or retreat to the woods, living off its animals and plants while using the herbs to craft items (which can then be sold). It’s all up to you, main quest be damned.
Multiple Endings
All those decisions you made don’t exist in a vacuum – they’ll ultimately lead to one of multiple endings, as confirmed by design lead Prokop Jirsa in an IGN livestream from November 2024. One such ending could also be an evil outcome, with Jirsa teasing possible villainous avenues for Henry based on your choices. Either way, it’s your decision, so be careful not to sway too far towards the Dark Side.
Day 0 Patch
Though Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 was delayed by a few months for more polish, recent previews have reported some bugs. According to VGC, there will be a day 0 patch to address various issues, though it wouldn’t be surprising for another patch to drop close to launch with even more fixes.