Summary
- Pick perks wisely to avoid making the game too challenging for yourself.
- Recover Pebbles early, since the game has no fast travel in Hardcore Mode.
- Talk to NPCs for orientation, learn map navigation if the Bashful perk is chosen.
For many players, the Hardcore Mode of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 presents the definitive way to experience Henry's story in the second chapter of his journey, as this new difficulty introduces new gameplay mechanics. These challenges go beyond simply making enemies tougher; they transform the RPG into a completely new experience for anyone who only played on normal mode.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - 6 Roleplay Ideas For New Playthroughs
The roleplay ideas for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are perfect for new playthroughs.
Therefore, some tips to survive the Hardcore Mode of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are essential, whether for those experiencing it for the first time now or even for those who ventured through it in the first game. Warhorse Studios changed how it works in the sequel, altering some key mechanics, and knowing them is crucial to keep Henry alive.
9 Pick Perks That Won’t Make Things Too Hard
Best Way To Start In Hardcore Mode Of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Just like in the first Kingdom Come: Deliverance game, upon starting a save in Hardcore Mode, players must choose some negative perks that will create problems for Henry to handle on his journey. More experienced players might wish to select all for a truly difficult experience, but for those new to this mode, selecting less detrimental ones is ideal.
This consideration matters particularly during the initial hours when a player is adjusting to the Hardcore Mode mechanics of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2; these perks can hinder exploration and other game elements. However, some options, like Menace for example, are only harmful for those on a criminal run and will not significantly affect the save file of someone pursuing a more honest path.
8 Find Pebbles As Quickly As Possible
Something Every Player Should Do Early On
One priority for all players trying the Hardcore Mode of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is undoubtedly recovering Pebbles, Henry's horse, as quickly as possible from the stables in Semine. This is because, in this difficulty, the game lacks the option to fast travel to different map locations, so having a means of travel is essential.
Furthermore, Pebbles is one of the few horses in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 players can obtain without payment, provided they succeed in a skill check, or it is not as expensive compared to others. It also possesses a secret perk that improves its attributes over time, making it one of the best overall options in the entire game.
7 Talk To NPCs
Fundamental For Those Who Want To Know Their Location
One of the biggest challenges of Hardcore Mode in the game is the lack of information players might have to orient themselves on the map, as there is no icon showing Henry's position. Therefore, unless players selected the Bashful Perk, the best option is to ask NPCs encountered along the way for directions, since they can provide this information.
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This interaction occurs quite directly, as characters mark their location on the map with a small flag, making it easy to locate oneself on the Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 map from that point. Thus, this is something players must learn to do frequently at this difficulty level, as it represents the best way to understand exactly where one is.
6 Learn Other Ways To Navigate The Map
Important For Those Who Chose The Bashful Perk In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
One negative perk players can choose when starting Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is Bashful, which, besides reducing Henry's Speech gain, prevents him from asking for directions when dialoguing with an NPC. In this case, players need to find new ways to orient themselves on the map. Fortunately, several methods exist.
For instance, using the sun and stars as a guide is one way Henry can understand which direction he travels, but players can also watch for other visual cues the environment offers, such as landmarks. For example, Trosky Castle is easily recognizable from a distance, so its position can also provide a sense of the player's current location.
Some explored locations, such as hunting spots, are marked on the map. So once discovered, players can open the map to see where they are.
5 Stick To The Roads Whenever Possible
Fundamental For Those Who Do Not Want To Get Lost Easily
An essential tip for those starting in Hardcore Mode of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 involves staying on the game's roads whenever possible while exploring the map. Although forests and other map regions hold various secrets or even items worth collecting, avoiding these areas is ideal, at least during the initial hours of play.
This advice stems from the lack of directional aids due to no map markers; the chance of getting lost upon entering a forest and failing to find the way back is quite high. This tip also applies to exploring at night, as reduced visibility presents another problem, so it's best to stick to main paths until the map is fully familiar.
4 Pay More Attention To Enemies During Combat
Players Lose Attack Direction Indicators In Hardcore Mode
Another problem players will face in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 relates to combat. Besides improved enemy AI compared to normal difficulty, Henry won’t be able to see the attack direction indicator when facing enemies. Consequently, for those less experienced with this RPG, it feels like needing to relearn these mechanics, which can take time.
Now, the important thing is to observe the positioning of Henry's weapon and always monitor the enemy's stance, as a misstep by them or the player could mean a swift death. Additionally, one new priority for players is reaching Tomcat as soon as possible, both to practice and understand these new battle mechanics, and also to unlock new perks and the Master Strike.
3 Know When To Avoid Combat
Hardcore Mode Lacks Permadeath, But Some Fights Can Be Avoided
Given the elevated difficulty of combat in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, players must understand that Henry should not enter every battle encountered. For example, if bandits approach on the road, most of the time, it’s best to just run away rather than draw weapons for defense.
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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has many great features that other games could utilize to increase immersion and overall fun.
Most times, the loot gained is not as worthwhile as on normal difficulty, so engaging in these combats presents a risk that does not pay off in the Hardcore Mode of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Furthermore, although the game lacks permadeath mechanics in this difficulty, saves here are scarce, meaning the chance of losing several hours of progress due to bandits is high.
2 Invest In Alchemy Whenever Possible
Saviour Schnapps Is Essential For Henry
Investing in Alchemy early in Henry's journey is one of the best ways to ensure control over progress in the Hardcore Mode of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. This is because, even on normal difficulty, the game's save game system is already limited, and here the situation becomes even more challenging. Producing as much Saviour Schnapps as possible from the start becomes essential to avoid frustration and significant progress loss.
Fortunately, Henry retains his Alchemy knowledge from the first game. Therefore, unlocking any specific skill to start using the bench from the beginning is unnecessary. This allows players to prepare their own potions without relying on merchants or specific events, ensuring more freedom. In Hardcore Mode, mastering Alchemy is not just useful; it becomes one of the greatest necessities for players.
1 Have Patience With The Game
This Is The Key To Progressing In Hardcore Mode Of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Even though it introduces significant changes to various mechanics in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 to increase difficulty, Hardcore Mode retains the same philosophy the RPG holds for new players. Ultimately, it all comes down to player patience, as becoming more accustomed to the map or combat makes handling different situations easier over time.
Therefore, tasks that were simple on normal difficulty require a bit more grind in Hardcore Mode, demanding more player time for completion. Additionally, it is important not to force progress on a mission if experiencing difficulty finishing it; performing other content and strengthening Henry first before attempting the objective again is better.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 89 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- February 4, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity
- Developer(s)
- Warhorse Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Deep Silver
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- CryEngine
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action-Adventure, Open-World
