Ready to truly test your survival skills in 15th Century Bohemia? Warhorse Studios has just rolled out a significant update for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.
How significant? Well, it comes to town introducing the highly anticipated, free Hardcore Mode, but alongside this challenging new way to play are two new paid cosmetic DLC packs – the Gallant Huntsman’s Kit and Shields of Seasons Passing.
Embrace the Challenge: FREE Hardcore Mode
By popular demand, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II now offers a significantly more immersive and demanding experience with the addition of Hardcore Mode, available as a free update for all players. Forget the conveniences of modern gaming; this mode features:
- No Hand-Holding: Your position is no longer permanently shown on the map, the compass is removed, and fast travel is disabled. Navigation relies on landmarks and your own sense of direction.
- Mandatory Negative Perks: At the start of a Hardcore playthrough, you must select at least three permanent negative traits that impact gameplay. Examples include “Bad Back” (reduced carrying capacity), “Somnambulant” (sleepwalking and waking up in random locations), or “Hangry Henry” (requiring even more frequent meals).
- Enhanced Immersion: Building upon the Hardcore Mode from the original game, this version introduces new immersive features. As senior game designer Karel Kolmann explained, “We’ve added the option to ask different NPCs about your location in the world… You can run into travellers on the road and ask for directions.“
Kolmann noted that while they kept a couple of perks from the first game, many are new, aiming not just for difficulty but for a deeper sense of immersion. You can find the full list of Hardcore Mode perks over at the official Kingdom Come site.
New Gear for Henry: Paid DLC Packs
Alongside the free update, two cosmetic DLC packs are now available for purchase:
- Gallant Huntsman’s Kit (£2.49): Previously part of the Gold Edition, this kit is now available separately. Perfect for stalking game or tracking down foes, it includes a full hunting outfit (St. Hubert hat, Master huntsman´s hood, Nimrod coat, hose, gloves, boots) plus the powerful “Artemis’ crossbow” and 30 hunting bolts.
- Shields of Seasons Passing (£2.49): Add some flair to your defense with four unique, themed designs to customise your shields.
Return to 15th Century Bohemia
For those yet to experience Henry’s journey, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a sprawling RPG sequel set in the heart-pounding world of 15th Century Bohemia. Players step back into the shoes of Henry, the son of a blacksmith, caught in a tumultuous tale of vengeance, betrayal, and self-discovery amidst the backdrop of civil war.
The game is renowned for its historical accuracy, deep RPG mechanics, and challenging, realistic combat.
Enhancing an Epic Journey
This new content adds further layers to an already impressive and well-received title. As we highlighted in our 4.5/5 review: “I enjoyed Kingdom Come: Deliverance II even more than its predecessor. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II builds upon the foundations already in place, offering a more polished experience with improved visuals, a larger world, and a deeper narrative… If you enjoyed the original, you’ll appreciate Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, especially with the promise of additional story content on the horizon.“
Whether you’re craving the ultimate immersive challenge with Hardcore Mode or looking to enhance Henry’s appearance with the new cosmetic packs, there’s fresh reason to dive back into the rich world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.
You’ll find it all available now on PC, PlayStation 5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X|S.
