Warning: This article contains spoilers for the prologue of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost seven years since Warhorse Studios rolled out its first medieval romp, Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Fast forward from its 2018 release, and the sequel is ready to pick up right where it left off, with our protagonist Henry and his companion Sir Hans Capon embarking on a nerve-wracking mission. They’re off to deliver an important letter to Otto von Bergow in Trosky, all set against the backdrop of an intensifying civil war. I had the chance to explore this sequel’s prologue early, thanks to a review code from Deep Silver, ahead of its big release on February 4.
As the adventure kicks off, Henry, Sir Hans, and their squires soak in the idyllic scenery of Trosky’s woods until they find themselves at a tense standoff with Bergow’s men. Captain Thomas, their leader, spills the beans: Bergow has allied with Sigismund of Luxembourg, who, with the backing of some Bohemian nobles, has nabbed King Wenceslas IV. Our heroes, representing loyalists to Wenceslas, brace for conflict, but Captain Thomas steers them clear, explaining they’re on a mission to hunt down some dangerous bandits.
Opting to set up camp by a pond to regroup, players here get their first taste of speech and combat mechanics. Between trying to charm a sausage from a squire for his dog and sparring with Sir Hans, Henry also gets to refine his skills and learn some backstory around the campfire.
As night falls, a quick dip in the pond turns perilous. The bandits strike, taking out Sir Hans’ squires in a brutal ambush. Henry’s quick-thinking shouts give some bystanders a chance to escape, but it’s not without sacrifice; he’s hit by an arrow as he and Sir Hans make a desperate swim for the bank. Forced into hiding, they stealthily evade the bandits until a scuffle sends Henry tumbling down a cliff, leaving him painfully injured and forced back to basics.
In the cover of night, Sir Hans drags Henry through the forest to safety, their journey triggering memories for Henry of his hometown’s tragic fate at Sigismund’s hands. Eventually, they stumble upon a kind-hearted peasant woman who tends to Henry’s wounds. Yet trouble soon follows, with a bandit hot on their trail. Though Sir Hans takes him out, he ends up battered and bruised.
In this reprieve, the pace slows as Henry embraces survival and alchemy basics, helping around the house, brewing medicine, and handling a few pesky suspicious men. Once rested, they share a humble breakfast with their hostess and her daughter before setting out again for Trosky Castle.
Their arrival at the castle proves less than triumphant. With their armor gone and message lost, they’re summarily turned away, prompting our beleaguered heroes to plan in the nearest village. Here, word of an upcoming noble wedding sparks a sliver of hope for Henry; a chance to sneak in and reach von Bergow. But tempers flare, and a barroom brawl lands both Henry and Sir Hans in the town’s pillories. Thus ends the prologue.
While I’ve been sworn to secrecy on much of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s content beyond its beginning, the sequel shows plenty of promise. Returning fans will find Henry’s internal conflict just as engaging, set against the stunning, harsh backdrop of medieval Europe. With refined emotive acting and visual finesse, it looks like Warhorse has once again worked their magic.
Some gameplay updates caught my eye, too. The game’s new "heat" system adds tension to towns prone to crime, and NPCs are now smart enough to connect the dots if you’ve been up to no good. Speech choices appear to hold more weight, affecting how NPCs react to you based on your attire, behavior, and reputation.
The combat remains to be fully assessed, but early impressions suggest a simpler yet still intriguing system with fewer angles for attack and a wider parry window. Time will tell if these changes maintain the challenge.
Overall, the captivating story, rich characters, and improved design have me convinced this could be a standout among this year’s releases. Performance-wise, it’s also smooth sailing on a mid-range setup, promising a more stable experience than its predecessor on PC.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 hits Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5 on February 4, 2025. Pre-orders are open for $59.99 on PC and $69.99 on console, but savvy buyers might snag a Steam copy from CDKeys for $44.59! Get ready for a saga that seems poised to captivate and challenge in equal measure.
