Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is more than just a medieval RPG – it’s a time machine that transports you to 1403 Bohemia. And through its deep systems, genuine player agency, gripping narrative and stunning visuals, Warhorse Studios has created one of the very best open-world games I’ve ever played.
The story picks up just days after the first game, and once again we step back into the boots of Henry of Skalitz – who, unsurprisingly, is still carrying enough emotional baggage to fill an entire horse cart. If you’re new or need a refresher, the game catches you up on most everything you should know from the first game, but if you have the time, I recommend watching an in-depth recap video as well.
This medieval world isn’t full of magic and dragons – instead, you’re walking through real places, meeting real historical figures, and getting caught up in events that actually happened. It all serves as a fascinating backdrop for the game’s fictional story, which as you can imagine, is full of twists, turns, betrayal, angst, greed – good ol’ politics, amirite? But what REALLY pleased my pizzle is the gorgeous open world.
Can I give you some advice? Just raw dog this world. Just get out there and explore. Honestly, simply being IN this world is, like, a spiritual experience alone. The landscapes are jaw dropping with vast fields of wildflowers, bubbling streams, glistening lakes – makes exploration feel like a therapeutic nature hike.
And because this game is rooted in realism, you’re not gonna find glowing treasure chests or, like, Koroks around every corner. But venture off the beaten path and you’ll discover villages, dangerous bandit camps, forgotten stashes, animals to hunt, vegetation, and lots of weird people. Always talk to the weird people.
Very early on, the story throws you a hilarious curveball that leaves you bloody, beaten, and nearly naked with not a single groschen to your name. And it is at this point the game removes the training wheels and gestures to the world like, “OKAY HAVE FUN, GOOD LUCK OUT THERE!” But I had been WAITING for that moment, and I immediately became someone who could not be held back by laws of man nor god. I spent the next twenty hours exploring, assisting – and terrorizing – the entire region. By day, I was a noble hero – solving local mysteries and saving villagers from cutthroat bandits. But by night? I was the region’s most successful thief, grave robber and pickpocket.
And when I finally returned to the main story, I was no longer the battered and broken Henry I had been. I was now Henry the GOD. Decked out in the finest armor, master of both blade and silver tongue, and rich enough to buy half of Bohemia. I’d transformed from a peasant into a powerhouse. A saint and a sinner. And the game’s systems support it all.
But your actions have consequences, and people’s heads are always on a swivel.
New to KCD2 is a stealth and alert system, which is VERY helpful when you’re trying to avoid getting caught. But should you get caught, you’re looking at anything from a fine to execution. I learned about this the hard way after I stole roughly 600 pounds of gear from the local tailor. His wife, that wench, must’ve told the guards when she saw me hanging around moments before I jacked their entire storefront. Thankfully, I was too far away to be arrested by the time they noticed their store ransacked. I waited several in-game days until they forgave me, returned to town, and stole from them again. (HEHEHEHHEH)
Thinking outside of the box during quests often pays off. During a treasure hunt, I found a suspicious stranger wandering nearby in the woods. Rather than kill him, I just knocked him out and stole his armor – you know, as a precaution. Later, when I found the treasure, both an alchemist AND my new, still half-naked friend showed up to claim it. I smoothly convinced everyone to split it three ways… the, after our touching moment of cooperation, I pickpocketed them both and got a better reward.
But sometimes my more…creative solutions confused the game. Like when I preemptively murdered a camp full of sketchy soldiers – minus their leader, who actually ended up becoming my friend, but those definitely-dead soldiers kept popping up in cutscenes like I hadn’t given them a proper dirt nap. Might be fixed in a patch, might not, but it’s something to look out for.
Friends, we now have ARMOR PRESETS! JESUS CHRIST BE PRAISED! I’ve got my bulky armor preset for battle, my fancy noble outfit for persuasion, and my, uh “no gear” preset for when I need to remain hidden. But be warned, you cannot swap outfits during combat. Found that out the hard way when when a mercenary spotted me sneaking around in my cotton shorts. tried to take on a mercenary in nothing but my cotton shorts.
Speaking of being gutted and sliced open, let’s talk KCD’s combat. I never quite mastered it in the first game, but this time everything feels much more natural: streamlined attacks, smoother dodging and parrying, better blocking and there’s easier combo execution. Crossbows and firearms are the newest additions to your arsenal, though I tend to pass on ‘em because they’re kinda tedious. Those primitive-ass guns are hilarious though – fantastic for making a statement, terrible for actually hitting anything.
I do have a few minor criticisms. Occasionally I found the game didn’t support my “thinking outside the box” moments – like, if I wanted to stray off and warn someone about an incoming attack. Even if it wouldn’t change the narrative outcome, it would’ve been awesome to have that agency. I also wish there was an “at a glance” allegiance chart so I could easier keep track of the in-game politics.
And then there’s Mutt, our loyal companion. Don’t get me wrong – he’s an all-around good boy and fun to have around. But – look at me Warhorse – I will throw Sir Radzig’s sword into the pits of hell if it means we can get a “mute barking” toggle. I already have a real dog at home with two brain cells that barks at, like, oxygen, and that’s enough.
On a positive note, I experienced very few technical issues in the 115+ hours I played on my PS5 Pro. I MAYBE had four or five crashes, some occasional draw distance weirdness, and a bit of frame stuttering here and there. Say it with me: JESUS CHRIST BE PRAISED.
I am so happy that Warhorse didn’t try a humongous overhaul with KCD2. Instead of reinventing their own wheel, they focused on polishing what already worked. And when they did add new features – like the alert system or armor presets – it was stuff that just made sense.
For anyone looking for an immersive RPG that respects player choice and offers a stunning open world to explore, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is an absolute must-play.