Released in 2019, Kingdom Come: Deliverance introduced us to a gripping tale of Henry, who embarks on a journey to avenge the slaughtered residents of his village. Interestingly, unlike many RPGs, the game offers players extraordinary realism and historical accuracy.
What inspired this approach from the developers, and will the upcoming KCD2, set for release on February 4, 2025, follow the same principles as its predecessor?
Realism in Storytelling – How It All Began
At the time of the first game’s release, Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, PR Manager at Warhorse Studios, stated: “It’s kind of a gap in the market because nobody has done it before, at least not as an RPG.” It’s hard to disagree. Most renowned titles in this genre mix medieval settings with fantasy elements to enrich the world.
The combination of medieval realism and a historical focus is typically seen in strategy games. Warhorse Studios decided to redefine RPGs, presenting a captivating, complex, and immersive world that lacks magic, or other fantasy components. Judging by KCD’s popularity and high ratings, they nailed it!
The historical accuracy in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is expected to be just as advanced as in the first game. The sequel will directly continue the story and adventures of Henry himself.
Accurate Historical Setting Created in Collaboration with Historians
As with the original game, the second installment will transport players to the Bohemia — a historical Czech region in the early 15th century. So, how realistic is KCD2? The developers have gone to great lengths to faithfully recreate not only the game world but also the weapons (with more variety in KCD2), clothing, as well as culture and behavior of NPCs.
Interestingly, both the first and second games were developed with the help of real historians and experts collaborating with museums and universities. One such consultant is Joanna Nowak, who holds a Master’s degree in History. With over a decade of experience, she has been ensuring the authenticity of KCD as a historical consultant at Warhorse Studios.
Realistic Combat and Gameplay
Realism isn’t limited to the design and aesthetics of the world; it also extends to gameplay and combat mechanics.
This unique historical RPG features a complex combat system. Unlike many games, taking a figurative “arrow to the knee” severely impacts mobility, and a sword blow to the head results in death rather than a mere HP decrease. Players must therefore rely on blocks and dodges, which… well, also drain stamina and exhaust the character.
Combat leaves its mark — literally. Clothes and armor get stained with blood, mud, and grime. A bloodied, unkempt character isn’t exactly welcome among the upper classes until they clean up. Realism and attention to detail shine through, even in such seemingly minor aspects.
Why Historical Accuracy Elevates the Gaming Experience in KDC2?
While other games offer epic stories where magic and fantasy collide with semi-medieval settings, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is one of this year’s most anticipated releases.
The unparalleled authenticity, precision, and realism of its details, combined with an unintended history lesson about medieval Bohemia, captivated players in the first installment. As it turns out, we don’t need oversized weapons, ghouls, flying dragons, or deadly spells to create an engaging world and an exciting game. The realism worthy of a great simulator, paired with an excellent story, is a recipe for success!