If there’s one thing we can confidently say about Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, it’s that it doesn’t shy away from challenging its players. While this sequel is notably more user-friendly than the original, it still keeps its commitment to realism and embraces the more traditional RPG elements, which might be an adjustment for today’s gamers. However, by keeping a few unwritten rules in mind before diving into Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, players should find the journey a lot smoother.
Before embarking on this adventure, newcomers and veterans alike should be aware of several key aspects, primarily focused on exploration, combat, and dialogue—the core components of the gameplay.
The Unwritten Rules of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s Exploration
Play Through the Main Story to Get a Free Horse
When starting Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, some might feel running across the vast Bohemian landscape is quite tedious. This is where acquiring a horse becomes invaluable. However, early in the game, horses are pricey, and stealing one often proves more trouble than it’s worth since it requires finding a specific character to get the stolen horse to follow commands. Luckily, dedicating some time to the main story will reward players with a complimentary horse at a certain quest stage—and it’s not a bad one!
The Explorer Passive From the Scholarship Skill Tree Is a Must-Have
In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, while there are numerous skills to choose from, the Explorer passive from the Scholarship tree is indispensable for explorers. It necessitates maxing out the Scholarship skill but is worth the effort, revealing the map’s secrets, including settlements, travel spots, and more. To boost the Scholarship skill and unlock Explorer, players need to read extensively, utilize Scholarship checks when possible, and fully engage with NPCs to expand their understanding of the game world.
Stealth Is a Highly Rewarding but Risky Way to Play
Stealth was encouraged in the original game, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 takes it further. The stronger crime and punishment systems push players toward stealthy play, which also offers the quickest economic advancement. Although honest play yields rewarding quests later, nothing beats the thrill of a nighttime heist, quietly slipping through town to pilfer valuable goods.
To enhance stealth gameplay, ensure to wear dark, soft clothes to stay invisible and inaudible.
The Unwritten Rules of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s Combat
One Should Always Let Their Opponent Attack First
Combat in the initial Kingdom Come: Deliverance was tough, requiring attention to a complex five-directional system and punishing aggressive play. The sequel refines this by reducing the system to four directions and better rewarding bold tactics. However, a constant is letting opponents strike first. The forgiving parry mechanic, provided players aren’t wildly mashing buttons, offers a strategic edge. When foes attack, blocking as the green shield icon pops up leads to a counterattack opportunity. Thus, allowing enemies to lead can often be the strategic move.
Fighting Isn’t Always Necessary
Like its predecessor, Henry of Skalitz in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 can be quite the diplomat if players indulge. Enhancing Henry’s Speech skill boosts his charisma and simplifies passive skill checks. So, optimizing dialogue capabilities allows versatile NPC interactions.
The game’s dialogue features six stats:
- Persuasion and Coercion generally rely on Speech, similar to systems in many RPGs.
- Presence and Intimidation are tied to Henry’s attire, weaponry, and fitness.
- Impression and Domination draw partly from Speech but primarily from Charisma.
Maintaining optimal levels in these areas usually resolves tricky situations without resorting to violence.
The Unwritten Rules of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s Dialogue
Skipping Dialogue Is a Big Mistake
Dialogue in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is abundant but essential. Despite the copious amounts, skipping it is ill-advised. Unlike many RPGs that log key details or map objectives, this game often shares vital clues only through conversation, which aren’t documented in the journal. Thus, skipping dialogue might leave players stranded without guidance during quests.
Most Choices Have Consequences
Choice is everything in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Player decisions are pivotal across the board, impacting progression, dialogue, and more, so contemplation is crucial. While many RPGs emphasize major choices, even minor decisions here can lead to significant outcomes, underscoring the need for careful consideration during NPC interactions.
