The open-world medieval setting of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 takes authenticity to the next level compared to its historically grounded predecessor. Whether you’re a newcomer or a fan of the first game, there are several subtle details worth noticing. Some will aid your journey, while others are just neat touches of realism. As part of this month’s IGN First coverage, let’s explore eight things you won’t want to miss in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
1. Reconnect with an old friend
In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, protagonist Henry can reunite with many familiar faces from the first game—one of which is his trusty horse, Pebbles. Pebbles has survived the chaos of war and has picked up some new skills. In the first game, Pebbles’ stats were unimpressive, as you received him early on. However, in the sequel, Pebbles’ abilities improve the more you ride him, making sure you don’t have to part with this loyal steed as you upgrade to more powerful horses.
2. Pay attention to food spoilage
Unlike games like Skyrim, where you can pack fresh produce and head off on your adventure without concern, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers a more realistic approach to food spoilage. As food like bread and cabbage sits in your inventory, it will deteriorate over time. However, there are medieval solutions to preserve food. You can smoke and dry meat and herbs, which extends their shelf life and makes them lighter to carry, allowing you to store more food—or maybe an extra dagger.
3. Liquid courage
In medieval Bohemia, alcohol was a safer alternative to water, and it also served as a form of entertainment. In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, drinking alcohol can offer positive effects when consumed in moderation, but excessive drinking can lead to negative consequences. You may even pass out, leaving you vulnerable to thieves who might steal your clothes while you’re unconscious. So, while a drink might boost your courage, don’t get too carried away.
4. Expand your scholarship
One of Henry’s significant character developments in the first game was learning to read, an extraordinary skill for someone in medieval times. In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Henry’s scholarly journey continues, but this time it’s more about developing his understanding of various subjects. Increasing your scholarship unlocks new dialogue options and can even improve your ability to gain experience in other skills. Books scattered throughout Bohemia will help increase your knowledge, and certain environments even enhance the reading experience.
5. Craft your own story
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers deep role-playing opportunities, allowing you to shape Henry’s personality based on your choices. Whether you embrace drinking or pursue academic knowledge, these traits open up different interactions with NPCs. Drinking, for instance, can unlock humorous dialogue options, including drunkenly explaining why you didn’t kill a chicken—an amusing and functional way to navigate the game’s social systems.
6. Sabotage your way to success
The game’s social system also considers your appearance and health, with buffs and debuffs impacting your interactions with others. If you’re up against a high-status NPC in a charisma challenge and can’t afford to buy new clothes, you can sabotage your opponent. Steal their fancy garments the night before, or poison them to lower their social status and make them easier to defeat in a conversation.
7. Dress for the occasion
In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, managing your outfit is no longer a hassle. You can now save and quickly switch between three preset outfits: one for social occasions, one for combat, and one for stealth. This change makes it easier to adapt to different situations without wasting time rummaging through your inventory.
8. Battle cries and taunts
In combat, you can now use battle cries and taunts to affect your enemies’ morale. If you’re winning a fight, a well-timed cry can convince the opposition to reconsider their approach. However, if you’re not doing well in the battle, a loud shout may not be as effective. There are also perks to unlock that enhance the power of your battle cries, making you even more intimidating to foes.
Bonus: Explore and discover more
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is full of little surprises for those willing to explore. From hidden details to unexpected interactions, there’s always something new to uncover. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the world, as our exclusive IGN First coverage continues through December.
