Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (KCD2) is a sprawling, immersive RPG set in 15th-century Bohemia. With its realistic mechanics, complex systems, and challenging gameplay, it can be overwhelming for newcomers. This Beginner’s guide will help you navigate the early game, master essential mechanics, and thrive in the medieval world of KCD2.
1. KCD2 Beginner’s Guide: Mastering Combat
Combat in KCD2 is unforgiving, especially at the start. Here’s how to survive:
- Learn Master Strikes: Master Strikes are crucial for winning duels. To unlock this skill, complete the Combat Training II mission by defeating Master Tomcat at the Nomad’s Camp. To perform a Master Strike, attack from the opposite direction of your opponent’s swing when the green shield icon appears.
- Dodge Instead of Blocking: In unarmed combat, dodging (using the Space Bar on PC) is more effective than blocking. Perfect dodges allow you to counterattack efficiently.
- Practice Combos: Visit the Nomad’s Camp early to learn basic combos and improve your sword skills. This will make combat encounters much easier.
2. Saving Your Progress
Saving in KCD2 is limited, so plan ahead:
- Brew Saviour Schnapps: This potion allows manual saves. Gather Nettles and Belladonna to brew it at an alchemy bench. Even a poorly brewed Schnapps works, so stock up early.
- Sleep in Owned Beds: Sleeping in a bed you own (e.g., at the blacksmith’s or miller’s) creates a manual save. This is a reliable way to save without consuming resources.
3. KCD2 Beginner’s Guide: Managing Food and Health
Food and health management are critical for survival:
- Dry Your Food: Dried food lasts longer and prevents spoilage. Use drying racks in settlements or camps to preserve meat and herbs.
- Avoid Rotten Food: Eating spoiled food causes poisoning. Check the Condition stat in your inventory before consuming anything.
- Use Bathhouses: Bathhouses heal you, clean your clothes, and boost Charisma. They also auto-save your game, making them a valuable resource.
4. KCD2 Beginner’s Guide: Exploring the World
Bohemia is vast, and exploration is key to success:
- Get a Horse Early: Visit Semine to find your horse, Pebbles. Horses make travel faster and provide extra inventory space. If your Speech is high, you can even get Pebbles for free.
- Equip Torches at Night: Torches improve visibility and prevent guards from becoming suspicious when you’re out at night.
- Track Down Treasure: Speak to innkeepers to uncover treasure maps and Points of Interest. These often lead to valuable loot and skill books.
5. Building Your Reputation
Your reputation affects how NPCs treat you:
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Fancy clothes boost Charisma, while heavy armor improves Intimidation. Swap outfits based on the situation.
- Pass Dialogue Skill Checks: Use Persuasion, Intimidation, or Speech to resolve conflicts and gain favor with NPCs. Higher stats improve your chances of success.
- Be Pragmatic: Sometimes, acting dishonorably (e.g., intimidating or stealing) yields better rewards. Balance your morality with practicality.
6. Making Money
Groschen (gold) is essential for buying gear and supplies:
- Sell Herbs and Potions: Gather herbs like Nettles and sell them to apothecaries. Brewing Saviour Schnapps can also be profitable.
- Loot Bandit Camps: Raid bandit camps at night to steal valuable gear and sell it to merchants. Use stealth to avoid direct combat.
- Haggle with Merchants: Always negotiate prices when buying or selling. This improves your Speech skill and saves money.
7. Utilizing Companions
Companions like Mutt and Pebbles are invaluable:
- Find Mutt Early: Complete the quest to find your dog, Mutt. He helps in combat, tracks items, and sniffs out quest objectives.
- Equip Your Horse: Upgrade your horse’s gear to increase its carrying capacity. This allows you to transport more loot during your adventures.
8. KCD2 Beginner’s Guide: Leveling Up Skills
Improving your skills is essential for progression:
- Read Skill Books: Reading books boosts your Scholarship skill, which unlocks perks and improves other stats. Always read while sitting for extra EXP.
- Practice Alchemy: Brewing potions at an alchemy bench improves your Alchemy skill and provides useful consumables.
- Engage in Combat: Fighting bandits and completing combat training missions level up your Strength, Agility, and Vitality stats.
9. Handling Quests
Quests in KCD2 are complex and often have multiple outcomes:
- Complete Side Quests Early: Many side quests are missable, so tackle them as soon as they appear. They often provide valuable rewards and experience.
- Explore Dialogue Options: Many quests can be resolved through dialogue. Use your Speech, Charisma, or Intimidation skills to influence outcomes.
10. KCD2 Beginner’s Guide: Advanced Tips
- Save-Scum Strategically: While KCD2 discourages save-scumming, using Saviour Schnapps before tough encounters can save you from frustration.
- Use Loaded Dice: Loaded dice give you an edge in dice games, which are common in taverns. Steal them from NPCs or find them in the world.
- Stay Clean and Well-Rested: Clean clothes and a well-rested Henry improve your interactions with NPCs and boost your stats.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a challenging but rewarding experience. By mastering combat, managing resources, and exploring the world strategically, you’ll thrive in medieval Bohemia. Use this guide to get started, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different playstyles.