Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is poised to continue Henry of Skalitz’s journey in the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia, following the events of the original game. Players will explore a richly detailed open world, facing challenging combat and meaningful choices that influence the narrative. With improved graphics and a more immersive environment, the sequel promises a blend of humor and drama, while also delving into the moral complexities of war. The game is set for release on February 4, 2025.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is making a triumphant return! The acclaimed medieval RPG from 2018, known for its unflinching realism, is set to expand its legacy with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, shaping up to be an exciting continuation of this ambitious saga.
The Journey of Henry of Skalitz Continues
Henry of Skalitz’s tale has reinvigorated the open-world action RPG genre, often criticized for its repetitiveness and lack of innovation. Although the first game had its shortcomings, it proved that a gritty medieval world without fantasy elements could stand tall among the giants of the genre.
Now, with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 on the horizon, the developers face significant challenges and opportunities for refinement. The exacting combat mechanics sometimes led to frustration, character expressions felt somewhat lacking, and the quality of voice acting varied widely.
Fast forward seven years, and it’s time to dive deep into the eagerly awaited sequel to Henry’s noble quest. After over 50 hours of gameplay with the press build, here’s our take on Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Essential Details
- Price: €59.99
- Developer: Warhorse Studios
- Release Date: February 4, 2025
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Tested on: PC
A Fresh Start in Bohemia
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 picks up right where the original left off: in the Kingdom of Bohemia in 1403. Sigismund has seized the throne from his brother Wenceslas, and after decimating Henry’s village and taking his parents from him, Henry embarks on a path of vengeance.
The first installment concluded with Henry and his loyal companion, Sir Hans, en route to rally support from Otto von Bergow against Sigismund. Along the way, they fall into a trap, losing all their gear and finding themselves in dire straits. Although Henry doesn’t regress entirely to his former weak self, the game cleverly justifies a significant drop in his abilities, allowing players to witness his growth once more.
As players navigate this expansive open world, they will find quest markers that help guide them. Unlike the first game, which introduced gameplay gradually, this sequel offers a less linear experience, allowing even newcomers to quickly get their bearings.
By placing Henry back at the starting line, Warhorse Studios effectively revitalizes his character arc, presenting a thrilling introduction that sets the stage for his journey.
Explore the Ultimate Medieval Sandbox
Once players are free to roam the open world, the possibilities are endless. The main quest hints at the weight of choices, as Henry can choose between two distinct paths early in the game. Alternatively, players can spend hours exploring, indulging in tavern games, assisting or intimidating locals, and living out various roles—from noble knight to raucous rogue. The direction is entirely up to you.
This level of freedom deepens the role-playing experience, surpassing the typical RPG mechanics. Each action carries weight, leading to a variety of outcomes that are both humorous and deeply moving.
However, this sandbox environment is fraught with peril. Combat remains challenging, which we will discuss further, and misdeeds are met with harsher consequences than ever before, making theft and assassination far from trivial pursuits.
In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, NPCs are more aware than ever. A peasant discovering their belongings missing moments after encountering suspicious characters will quickly tarnish our reputation in the village. Players must now think carefully about their actions, as every decision creates a ripple effect.
Exploration and questing share this same principle, with both the main storyline and side quests often presenting multiple solutions. Depending on your moral compass, skills, and desires, the choices you make can have significant ramifications.
A Beautifully Crafted Medieval World
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 showcases two expansive regions—Troski and Kottenberg—creating a breathtaking open world. From blooming hills and serene lakes to quaint villages, players will likely favor horseback travel over the available fast travel options.
Alongside a notable graphical upgrade from its predecessor, KCD2 introduces a vibrant urban environment in the bustling city of Kottenberg. The authenticity of the medieval city is astounding, capturing the essence of the era in a way that truly immerses players.
An Epic Narrative Reflecting the Horrors of War
The main storyline is enriched by Henry’s newfound agency. Unlike the first game, where he was often swept along by events beyond his control, he now takes center stage with the freedom to make impactful decisions.
As Henry seeks vengeance, the narrative challenges the initial perceptions of allies and enemies. Characters who appear to be on the “right” side may not always embody goodness, and the game explores the moral complexities of warfare. Choosing the right path can lead to unexpected consequences, and while the battles are grand, the game avoids glorifying medieval combat.
Yet, it steers clear of nihilism, weaving comedy and drama together with precision to create relatable and well-developed characters. The bond between Henry and Hans shines brightly, adding warmth amid the chaos. Players will also be pleased to see more of Godwin, the beloved drunken priest, in this installment.
It’s worth noting that during our testing of KCD2, we found the French voice acting to be underwhelming, prompting us to switch to the superior English voiceovers. Warhorse Studios informed us that the French voiceovers are currently being re-recorded and will be updated in two phases—first at launch, followed by additional enhancements in early March.
Combat: Accessible Yet Challenging
The combat in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 remains demanding and is not designed for solo encounters against hordes. Enemies capitalize on every opportunity, wielding a range of medieval weaponry, making even a group of commoners potentially more dangerous than a fully armored knight.
Building on the foundations laid in the first game, combat is centered around directional strikes, alongside a robust system of dodges, parries, and combos.