Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 | |||
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Gameplay & Story | Release Date | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 builds upon its predecessor with an expanded world, improved combat, and a gripping personal story. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Review Overview
What is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a historical action RPG that builds upon the foundations of its predecessor, delivering an even more immersive and expansive medieval experience. Developed by Warhorse Studios, the game continues the story of Henry, a blacksmith’s son turned warrior, as he navigates the brutal realities of 15th-century Bohemia. This time around, Henry finds himself in the service of Lord Hans Capon, embarking on a diplomatic mission that quickly spirals into a fight for survival.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 features:
⚫︎ Medieval Open-World Setting
⚫︎ Political and Meaningful Narrative
⚫︎ Action Based Progression
⚫︎ Large Discoverable Map
⚫︎ Fast Travel
⚫︎ Survival Layer Managing Health, Hunger and Exhaustion
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's gameplay and story.
Digital Storefronts | |||||||
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Edition | Price | ||||||
Standard Edition | $69.99 | ||||||
Gold Edition | $89.99 |
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Overall Score - 92/100
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a rare sequel that not only builds upon the foundation of its predecessor but elevates it in almost every way. With an engaging narrative, a breathtakingly immersive medieval world, and an improved combat system, it stands as one of the most authentic RPG experiences available. The game isn’t without its flaws though, the game’s combat remains punishing, demanding patience and skill, which may deter some players. Additionally, with so many activities, side quests, and systems at play, it can sometimes be difficult to focus on just one thing. Yet, these are minor blemishes in an otherwise stellar experience.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Story - 9/10
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 crafts a gripping medieval narrative, blending personal stakes with large-scale political turmoil. Henry’s journey is filled with meaningful choices, natural dialogue, and dynamic relationships—especially his evolving bond with Hans Capon, which brings both humor and tension. The game masterfully integrates flashbacks and hallucinations to deepen Henry’s character, making his struggles feel personal. Plot twists unfold logically, staying true to the game’s world rather than relying on forced surprises. The pacing is well-handled, balancing intense battles with quieter moments of intrigue. While some quest structures feel rigid, the overall story is rich, immersive, and deeply rewarding.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Gameplay - 9/10
The gameplay refines and expands upon the original’s deep role-playing mechanics, offering a rewarding but challenging experience. Combat remains tactical and brutal, requiring precision, stamina management, and skillful weapon handling. The directional melee system returns, now with improved fluidity, and better animations. Progression feels natural, with skills improving through use rather than arbitrary stat increases. The game encourages multiple playstyles, whether through diplomacy, stealth, or brute force and offers meaningful choices that impact the world. While the complexity adds to immersion, the steep learning curve may frustrate some, especially newcomers.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Visuals - 10/10
The game’s visuals are breathtaking, bringing medieval Bohemia to life with an unparalleled level of detail. Cities like Kuttenberg feel alive, with bustling marketplaces, dynamic NPC interactions, and richly detailed architecture. Environments are meticulously crafted, from dense forests to war-torn villages, each packed with atmospheric storytelling. Lighting and weather effects further enhance immersion, making the world feel organic and ever-changing. Character models and animations have seen noticeable improvements. Technically, the game runs well on the Xbox Series X|S, solidifying its place as one of the most visually impressive RPGs.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Audio - 9/10
The game’s audio design is as immersive as its visuals, with a beautifully composed soundtrack that enhances every moment. Orchestral pieces swell during battles, while subdued melodies complement quiet moments of exploration. Sound effects, from the clash of steel to the ambient chatter of city streets, ground the player in the medieval setting. Voice acting is largely strong, with standout performances from key characters, though some minor NPCs lack the same emotional depth. Overall, the soundscape greatly enhances the game’s atmosphere, making every interaction and battle feel impactful.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Value for Money - 9/10
At $69.99, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers a massive, content-rich experience that justifies its price. The main story alone takes nearly 70 hours to complete, while completionists who explore every nook and cranny can easily spend over 100 hours in its world. The organic progression system and multiple character build options provide replayability, ensuring each playthrough feels fresh. While there are no multiplayer features, the sheer depth of the single-player experience more than makes up for it. Post-launch support and potential expansions could further add to its longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for RPG fans.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Review: Bold and Brilliant
There are games that come and go, and then there are games that remind you why you love an entire genre in the first place. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is that kind of experience. From the moment I stepped into its world, I was completely absorbed by the immersive storytelling, the tense and tactical combat, and the sheer depth of role-playing it offers. As someone who played the first game, albeit with a hazy recollection of the finer details, I can confidently say that this sequel stands strong on its own while offering plenty of narrative weight for returning players.
A Thrilling Opening That Sets the Stage
The game doesn’t waste time easing you in. It throws you straight into the heart of battle, an adrenaline-fueled moment of chaos and desperation. There’s that instant "oh, here we go" feeling as swords clash and arrows fly, and for a moment, I found myself scrambling just to keep up. Yet, even if you fumble around, the game doesn’t punish you too harshly at this stage, it’s about setting the tone. And then, just as you start to get your bearings, the screen cuts to black and flashes a few weeks earlier. Suddenly, we’re sent back in time, forced to retrace the steps that led to this explosive confrontation.
This framing device works beautifully, adding layers to the narrative right from the start. Our protagonist, Henry, now a bodyguard to the ever-impulsive Hans Capon, embarks on an envoy mission to broker a crucial alliance. But before they can even reach their destination, disaster strikes. Ambushed, stripped of everything—armor, weapons, supplies, even their dignity—they’re left at the mercy of the brutal world around them. This is where the true adventure begins.
Storytelling That’s Both Personal and Expansive
One of the most impressive aspects of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is its storytelling. Even if you missed the first game, the way Henry’s past is woven into the present is masterfully done. Flashbacks are triggered at key moments, the first one comes as a hallucination when he’s teetering on the edge of death, most of the time they are nightmares that jolt him awake. These glimpses into his past don’t just serve as exposition; they’re an active part of his journey, making his struggles feel all the more personal.
The dialogue is another high point. The banter between Henry and Hans is both believable (in a way that it makes total sense) and, at times, incredibly funny. One interaction between them that stood out to me happens as they are trying to flee a bandit group, Henry in his fevered state, mumbles "The gates are closed," as he hallucinates a barrier between them and their destination. Hans, while dragging Henry to safety and begging him to stay awake, replies "My name will open any gates" without missing a beat. Their complicated relationship, filled with camaraderie and tension, feels real. And this level of nuance extends to the rest of the cast as well. The characters feel authentic to the period—not just in how they speak, but in how they act. They’re complex, with motives and reactions that make sense within the harsh realities of medieval life.
Even the villains are given depth. They aren’t simply one-dimensional forces of evil but rather individuals shaped by the brutal world they inhabit. One moment, a mercenary could be ruthlessly cutting down enemies, only to turn around and enforce an unexpected moral code. This happens with the antagonist who after ordering his men to murder our comrades, goes and kills one of his own for trying to assault a lass. These layers make every interaction feel weighty and unpredictable.
A Living, Breathing Medieval World
What truly makes Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 special is its world. While the story moves in a linear fashion, the game itself doesn’t feel restrictive. The open world is packed with activities, quests, and side stories that are just as engaging as the main narrative. Side quests are treated with the same level of care as the main story, each one offering its own cutscenes, twists, and moral dilemmas. There’s no sense of filler here—each task you take on, whether it’s resolving a dispute between rival sword schools or hunting down a murderer, feels like an integral part of the world.
For those feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of quests, the game offers plenty of side content to break up the tension. You can engage in gambling with NPCs scattered throughout the world, forge your own swords at the blacksmith, or experiment with alchemy to brew useful potions. Alchemy, in particular, stands out to me as a deeply engaging system, requiring careful preparation and a methodical approach. These side contents and activities don’t just serve as distractions—they feel like meaningful parts of the world, reinforcing the medieval setting and giving players new ways to engage with it.
The main city and villages feel like living, breathing places. Kuttenberg, in particular, is a highlight—a meticulously crafted medieval city that truly feels like the heart of the game. Every street, every alleyway, every marketplace is teeming with life. Traders haggle, townsfolk gossip and guards patrol, giving the city an unparalleled sense of authenticity. Beyond the urban centers, the countryside offers rolling hills, dense forests, and small settlements that each have their own unique identity.
The Depth of Role-Playing Mechanics
One of the standout features of the game is its progression system. Rather than assigning points to a skill tree, your abilities grow organically through gameplay. Want to get better at persuasion? Engage in conversations that challenge your wit. Prefer a more hands-on approach? Train with weapons and practice combat techniques. Every action you take shapes Henry’s development, making the journey feel truly personal.
On top of that, you’re given the choice of three character archetypes—Soldier, Adviser, or Scout—each affecting how the game unfolds. This isn’t just about stats; it influences how you approach situations and how NPCs react to you. The game rewards those who think strategically, making every decision feel meaningful.
The Brutality of Combat and Survival
Combat in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is brutal and unforgiving. Every encounter feels like a desperate struggle for survival. The directional-based melee system returns, requiring precise timing, positioning, and stamina management. The weight of armor, the condition of your weapon, and even your character’s exhaustion level all play crucial roles in a fight.
Archery remains a skill that demands practice, as there’s no magical aiming reticle to assist you. Meanwhile, maintaining your equipment is a necessity—neglecting your armor and weapons can leave you vulnerable in battle.
Survival mechanics extend beyond combat. Henry must eat, sleep, and manage injuries carefully. Starvation leads to weakness, exhaustion dulls reactions, and untreated wounds can fester. These elements ground the game in realism, forcing players to think before they act.
A World Filled with Choices and Consequences
Quests in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 rarely feels like simple tasks. Dialogue choices shape outcomes, and even seemingly minor interactions can ripple into larger consequences. A poorly handled conversation might close off future opportunities, while a well-placed bribe might forge an unexpected alliance.
Beyond quests, the world reacts to Henry’s actions. Reputation plays a major role—steal too much, and townsfolk will grow suspicious; gain a noble’s favor, and doors will open. These systems add layers of complexity, ensuring that no two players experience the same journey.
Some Rough Edges If You Squint Your Eyes
Despite its strengths, the game isn’t flawless. The sheer scope of the world can also be overwhelming for some, as it throws players into a vast, detail-rich environment with little hand-holding, requiring time to fully grasp its depth. Every nook and cranny is filled with details, ensuring that there’s always something to discover. While this adds to the immersion, it can also lead to moments where players might feel lost or unsure of where to focus their attention, especially with so many opportunities and distractions available. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s worth mentioning that the game’s vastness might not be for everyone.
Additionally, while the voice acting is largely strong, there are moments where certain NPCs lack emotional depth. Given the overall quality of the storytelling, these occasional dips in performance stand out more than they would in a lesser game.
These few minor design inconsistencies and occasional immersion-breaking moments keep it just shy of perfection. Yet, these are small complaints in an otherwise phenomenal experience. This is a game that earns its place among the greats, and I can’t wait to lose myself in its world again and again.
In the end, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a statement. It is a testament of how RPGs can be deeply immersive, mechanically rich, and narratively compelling. The world is alive, the characters are nuanced, and every choice carries weight. The combat remains as intense and rewarding as ever, while the deep role-playing mechanics ensure that no two playthroughs feel the same.
Is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Worth It?
A Fortune for the Bold
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 isn’t a game for the faint-hearted. It demands time, patience, and a willingness to be fully immersed in its brutal medieval world. For those who are up for the challenge, it offers one of the most rewarding experiences in the RPG genre. With its complex combat system, deeply woven narrative, and expansive world, it’s a game that feels earned with every step you take.
At a price of $69.99, it may seem like a hefty investment, especially for those who may be hesitant about the overwhelming scope or the steep learning curve. But this is a game that doesn’t just pass by—every choice carries weight, every encounter feels significant, and every corner of its vast world is meticulously crafted. For players who appreciate depth, historical immersion, and meaningful progression, the value here is undeniable.
Ultimately, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a game that rewards those bold enough to dive in, making it a worthy experience for anyone looking for something more than a typical RPG. If you’re ready for a journey that’s as brutal as it is beautiful, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers an experience that will leave its mark on your soul.
Digital Storefronts | |||||||
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Edition | Price | ||||||
Standard Edition | $69.99 | ||||||
Gold Edition | $89.99 |
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 FAQ
How Can You Get Your First Horse?
The quickest way to get your first horse in the game is by traveling to Semine and buying your horse, Pebbles, back from the Horse Handler. You can reach Semine by unlocking the town southwest of Troskowitz or by progressing through the story quest that requires you to assist the blacksmith, which will eventually lead you to Semine.
How Big Is The World In Kingdom Come Deliverance 2?
The world is massive—in fact, the game features two maps. The first is the Trosky region, where players begin their journey, while the second, even larger, is the Kuttenberg region, which becomes accessible later in the game.
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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Product Information
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Title | Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 |
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Release Date | February 4, 2025 |
Developer | Warhorse Studios |
Publisher | Deep Silver |
Supported Platforms | PC (Steam, Epic), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S |
Genre | Action, RPG, Open World |
Number of Players | 1 |
ESRB Rating | M |
Official Website | Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Website |