Most fantasy RPGs let you become a legendary hero within a few hours. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II does the opposite. You play as Henry, a blacksmith’s son with some training but plenty of weaknesses, in early 15th-century Bohemia, a region in today’s Czech Republic. There are no dragons, no fireballs and no magic potions that heal you instantly. Instead, there is mud, politics, war and a remarkably detailed medieval world.
After more than 60 hours with the game, we think it is one of the most immersive RPGs available today.
The story
The game continues directly after the first Kingdom Come. Henry and his companion, the young nobleman Hans Capon, are on a diplomatic mission that quickly goes wrong. What follows is a story about loyalty, revenge, friendship and the chaos of a kingdom on the edge of civil war.
The writing is excellent. Characters feel human, with flaws and humour. Henry and Hans have a brilliant dynamic, mixing banter with genuine moments of trust. Major story missions are cinematic and often surprising, and side quests are just as well written, with many leading to unexpected outcomes.
You do not need to have played the first game to understand the story, as the opening explains the important background, but returning players will appreciate the familiar faces.
A world that reacts to you
Bohemia feels alive. Villagers have daily routines, shops open and close, guards patrol at night and people remember what you have done. If you are caught stealing, word spreads and prices go up. If you walk around in bloody clothes, people treat you with suspicion. Even your hygiene and clothing affect how people react to you in conversation.
The game is split into two large regions: a rural area full of villages, forests and castles, and the region around the busy city of Kuttenberg. Exploring the city is a highlight, with crowded streets, guilds and many stories hiding behind its walls.
Learning by doing
Henry improves skills by using them. Ride your horse and your riding improves. Talk your way out of trouble and your speech skill grows. Fight with a sword and your sword skill rises. This system makes progress feel natural, and it encourages you to play in your own way.
You can be a smooth talker who avoids combat, a stealthy thief, a skilled warrior or an alchemist who brews potions by following real recipes step by step. Many quests can be solved in several ways depending on your skills.
Combat
Combat is the most divisive part of the game. Melee fights use a directional system where you attack and block from different angles. Timing a perfect block opens up counterattacks, and fighting several enemies at once is genuinely dangerous.
Early on, Henry is not a great fighter, and even common bandits can defeat you. This can be frustrating, but it also makes improvement satisfying. The sequel is more approachable than the first game, and once you understand the system, duels become tense and rewarding. Crossbows and early gunpowder weapons add new options, although they are slow and unreliable, as they should be.
Saving the game
The game autosaves at key points, and you can save manually by drinking a special drink called Saviour Schnapps or when you exit the game. This system is designed to make your choices feel meaningful, but it can be frustrating if you lose progress after a failed fight. Our advice is to keep a few bottles of Saviour Schnapps and use them before risky situations.
Visuals and performance
The game looks fantastic, especially its forests, villages and lighting at sunrise and sunset. Faces and animations are much improved over the first game. On PC, performance is solid on mid-range hardware, and console versions are stable. Compared to the buggy launch of the first game, the sequel is much more polished.
Weaknesses
The early hours are slow, and new players may feel overwhelmed by the number of systems: hunger, sleep, armour layers, reputation, crime and more. The difficulty of combat can push away players who prefer more forgiving action. Some players will also find that the realism makes simple tasks, like travelling or buying food, feel slow.
Tips for new players
- Practise combat with trainers early in the game
- Keep Saviour Schnapps for important moments
- Wash and change clothes before important conversations
- Use a horse for long journeys and fast travel
- Do not ignore side quests; many lead to great stories
Who is it for?
This is a game for players who love immersive RPGs and are willing to learn complex systems. Fans of historical settings, slow-burning stories and realistic worlds will love it. Players looking for fast action or fantasy powers may prefer something else.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to play the first game? No, but it helps to understand some characters and references.
Is it very hard? Combat is challenging at first, but you improve quickly with practice.
How long is it? The main story takes around 40 to 60 hours, with much more if you do side content.
Is it historically accurate?
Warhorse Studios is known for its focus on historical detail. Castles, towns, clothing, weapons and daily life are based on research, and the game’s codex explains many historical topics, from medieval medicine to politics. Some liberties are taken for storytelling, but overall it is one of the most authentic depictions of medieval Europe in any game.
Mods and replay value
On PC, the modding community adds quality-of-life changes and new options, which can extend the game’s life even further. Without mods, the many quest outcomes and character builds still make a second playthrough feel different.
Verdict
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a remarkable achievement. Its world feels real, its story is gripping and its characters are memorable. It asks for patience, especially in its combat and early hours, but rewards it with one of the most immersive RPG experiences available. If you are willing to commit, this is a journey you will not forget.
