Sword fights, horseback chases, and beautiful maidens – Kingdom Come: Deliverance II returns in all glory. Only a fool goblin wouldn’t want to get its grubby claws on it! And there's plenty to grab, as it’s definitely one of the best games of 2025!
Henry continues his adventure, dealing with political intrigue and war, while the combat system, character development, and interaction with the world have been expanded. Once again, we get a fantastic plot, vivid characters, and shocking moments – it’s far more intense than the first game. I won’t spoil any details, though, to make sure you can enjoy it yourself!
Players will face an even more challenging world where every decision has consequences, and the game world reacts to our actions in a realistic way. Beyond the expanded storyline, the game features a more advanced crafting system, wealth management, and new locations to explore. The world is one of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II’s biggest strengths. Villages, towns, forests – everything is meticulously designed and full of details. You can feel the spirit of the medieval era in every corner, from the clothing to the architecture, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of the 15th century.
This time, we'll visit huge cities, small towns, and charming forests. However, the structure of the world itself might pose a challenge. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II doesn’t treat the player like a tourist – you can’t just breeze through the game, ignoring the details. At times, you might find yourself lost in the maze of side quests and daily tasks. Every trip to the other side of the map is a true expedition, requiring careful planning. There are no quick travel options like in many open-world games – you have to move on foot or on horseback, which may extend your playtime but also makes you feel like you’re truly part of the world.
Fight or Die Under the Fence!
One of Kingdom Come’s most distinctive elements is the combat system. Instead of simple, typical button-mashing, the game requires mastering a complex system based on precise movements, blocks, and counters. Fights are dynamic and require great dexterity, but they aren’t easy to master. At first, it can be frustrating, especially when facing enemies who are already better at the system than you. However, the satisfaction of a well-executed fight is immense, especially when you outsmart your opponent and win through cunning, not just strength.
For many players, especially those used to simpler combat systems, this might be a barrier. Training with weapon masters, mastering new techniques, learning to use different types of weapons – all of this turns the combat into something more than just a battle; it becomes a challenge that can keep you hooked for hours. For newcomers, there’s hope as Kingdom Come: Deliverance II simplifies the system a bit, making it smoother.
The firearm section has also been expanded – Henry can now use powerful but slow crossbows and primitive firearms. These make a lot of noise and are as accurate as a goblin after a few barrels of dwarven beer, but they deal immense damage and can terrify enemies. There’s also nothing stopping you from playing like a goblin – sneaking around the world allows for throat-slashing and robbing unsuspecting victims.
Unfortunately, things get worse if you get caught. You either end up in the dungeon or on the gallows – unlike the first game, there’s no mercy for regular murderers in the second. So if you pursue a criminal career, you’ll have to be very careful. But if you go down that path, like a true goblin, you’ll be picking locks and raiding the most secure stores. The reward is high, but so is the risk…
Almost Everything Worked… Almost
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II isn’t free from technical issues. While it’s much better than the original, it’s still a vast world that can’t avoid occasional glitches. One of the biggest issues is the weather – a storm visible inside rooms with no windows or deep inside caves, or rain falling inside roofed huts. The "soaking" mechanic is also missing, so characters don’t look wet during rain breaks or in-game cutscenes. Fortunately, all the scripts and cutscenes worked correctly, and there were no issues with them during the story.
Lockpicking is still a pain – although I get the intention behind it, I just don’t understand why it has to be so unnecessarily difficult. Perfectly picking locks is challenging on PC, let alone on consoles! The game also forces us into situations where we have to develop Henry’s character in every way – Henry has to be a sharpshooter, an alchemist, a craftsman, and a thief. These are key parts of the main plot, which can make things tough if you’ve neglected a certain skill.
On the bright side, the optimization is great – the game runs even on older setups (with a GTX 1060!), and the performance boost from DLSS ensures smooth gameplay at 60fps. What’s more, the new Henry adventures are tailored to the Steam Deck, where it runs (albeit on the lowest settings) smoothly at 60fps!
The Perfect Sequel
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a game with a very specific target audience. It’s a title for those who appreciate realism, deep storytelling, and challenging gameplay. The game doesn’t make life easy for the player, but it offers an unforgettable experience that makes you feel like part of the medieval world.
For some players, especially those looking for quick fun or easy solutions, it might feel too difficult and time-consuming. However, for those seeking something more than a standard cRPG, this is a title that has stuck with you for a long time. It’s not just a game – it’s a true adventure and challenge that keeps you hooked for hours without letting go!
Pros:
- A vast world full of various challenges
- Combat system that captures the essence of fencing
- Multi-threaded storyline
- Gorgeous audiovisual and musical design
Cons:
- Technical issues persist
- Lockpicking mechanic
- Requires character development in multiple areas
