Review of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is one of the most entertaining games I’ve dived into recently, and that’s no exaggeration. From the get-go, it’s upfront about being crass, cheeky, and unapologetically raw. However, don’t let that fool you — alongside its humor, it packs a punch with political drama, historical depth, and genuine tear-jerking moments. Forget the usual ‘Eurojank’ stereotypes; this game is a true Eurogem through and through.

Your experience with Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 (KCD2) will largely depend on your approach. At its heart, it’s an open-world historical RPG that casts you as Henry, an apprentice blacksmith and endearingly ordinary guy, who sets out with Hans Capon on a mission to deliver an essential letter. Once you’ve settled into the gameplay, the game unfolds into a rich sandbox, which is precisely what top-tier open-world RPGs should do. Whether you’re sneaking around as a poacher, discussing your way out of sticky situations as a scholar, or living life as a mischievous rogue dabbling in theft and inebriation, the game welcomes these paths. It accommodates all these choices with skill progression and narrative consequences, each path as enjoyable as the next.

As I mentioned in my initial preview, KCD2 feels like a playground for those with a penchant for mischief, and I reveled in the chaos it allowed me to create, all while nudging me back with its own consequences. From poisoning wine to swindling townsfolk, the game encourages a certain rowdiness, only to have its second half elevate the rewards and punishments of such lifestyle choices. Without spoiling anything, once you set out for Kuttenberg, the entire experience ramps up significantly.

The reason I harp on about this freedom is simple: it’s rare. Crafting a game as open as KCD2 that also respects player-driven moral dilemmas is no small feat. It lets you shape whatever kind of Henry you wish to be, all while weaving your decisions seamlessly into the broader storyline. Even if not all players notice, it speaks volumes about the meticulous work of the Warhorse development team in creating this RPG.

This devotion to detail is evident throughout the game. While titles like Assassin’s Creed earn accolades for their Discovery Tour mode, which educates players about the game’s world, KCD2 doesn’t need such a feature; all historical tidbits are embedded within the game. For instance, when Henry encounters a water fountain and is curious, he unlocks detailed information about it. Honestly, I could share this game with a history teacher, and it would be both educational and entertaining.

Riding through the game on horseback or walking through its villages, I genuinely felt like I was somewhere in the heart of Europe. I can’t name another game that so accurately captures or replicates an authentic world as Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 does. Unsurprisingly, the Czech Republic is enamored with it.

The humor in the game is also quintessentially Czech, blending seamlessly with British-style slapstick comedy. One moment, Henry’s engaged in a deep discussion about ethics and faith, and the next, he’s brawling or trudging through undignified mess! This juxtaposition of tones is delightful, enhancing every twist and turn from intense sequences to quirky misadventures.

However, it’s worth noting that Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It demands effort and often presents challenges. Tasks that are quick elsewhere may be more involved here. Take blacksmithing, for instance: instead of just tossing some materials at a forge, you actively craft the item in a detailed mini-game. If you don’t nail the process, the final product suffers—just as it would in reality.

Archery isn’t a simple point-and-shoot affair here, either. There’s no crosshair to rely on, reloading takes its sweet time, and adversaries aren’t shy about charging you after being hit. It requires genuine skill. Lockpicking? It’s one of the trickiest mini-games of its kind I’ve ever tackled. The locks genuinely challenge you, and it’s a far cry from more straightforward RPGs like Fallout. This is something Warhorse has embraced in the Kingdom Come series, differentiating it from more streamlined counterparts.

Furthermore, KCD2 isn’t afraid to slow things down with some labor-intensive segments. One early mission has you hauling bags from a wagon to an inn. Surprisingly, you’re expected to carry every single one to enjoy a cinematic sequence at the end. It’s an experience that adds to the immersion, reflecting the gritty reality of a down-and-out guy in Bohemia. Some might find this tedious. You’ll quickly know if this style meshes with you.

That said, even if the initial grind feels daunting, I urge players to press on at least until they complete the first map. If you’re still engaged by then, there’s plenty more to love in the latter part of the game. The best quests, character interactions, and memorable moments await further in—and yes, there’s a particularly charming Polish fellow you’ll surely adore. Stick with it, treasure awaits.

This review was based on a PC version provided by Warhorse Studios. The game becomes available on February 4 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.