Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Has The Perfect Solution To Its Most Obvious Obstacle

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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 continues to stand out because of its realistic gameplay and the way players grow Henry from inexperienced to skilled. Players' choices are important; improving combat skills takes time and practice. Each success feels earned. If the sequel just made Henry a powerful character right away, continuing directly from the first game, it would lose what makes the original so much fun. The journey of development for both the player and Henry should remain the center of gameplay.

[Warning: This article contains spoilers for the beginning of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.]

Sequels often struggle with keeping the core elements of the game while moving the story forward. However, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has found a smart way to keep the original game's spirit intact while also introducing a new chapter of Henry's story, and the solution is even better than KCD2's combat improvements. The developers apparently recognized that letting Henry keep all his skills would go against the game's core idea, so they've created a storyline that respects the game's world and mechanics but also resets Henry's skill level.

Henry Has To Start Over In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Henry Needs To Take A Step Back

Creating a sequel can be tough for game developers. They need to figure out how to move a character forward while keeping the game challenging and allowing growth. This challenge is particularly important in RPGs like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, where the main character, Henry, already evolved from a blacksmith's son to a strong warrior. Starting with Henry at the peak of his abilities wouldn’t honor what the first game was about, especially considering the player needs to feel like they earn every improvement in Henry's skills.

 Deliverance 2

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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 successfully addresses this by resetting the story in a smart way that still respects the first game. Instead of using a cheap plot twist to explain why Henry isn’t as powerful anymore, the developers found a believable way to lower his skills while keeping his experiences intact. This allows players to rebuild Henry from the ground up according to their own style, giving them a fresh start and the excitement of leveling up again.

To avoid spoiling too much, Henry is hurt during an ambush two days after the end of the first game, which is how KCD2 starts. He's so badly injured that he can't even get up to help Hans Capon in a fight that happens soon after. It's very believable that his injury would ruin his combat skills, and it's almost as if he will die, so it's a smart move by the developers.

Anyone who played the first game knows Henry became a formidable fighter by the end. By intentionally reducing Henry’s abilities, the developers give Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 the same charm the original had. It's not just about its historical setting and immersive world, but also about how players grow alongside the character. There was a real challenge in continuing the story of a character who had become so capable, and the injury takes care of that.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Isn’t A Power Fantasy

Don't Expect Hack And Slash Combat

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stands out because it focuses on realism in its medieval setting. The main character, Henry, faces a tough journey filled with challenges, mistakes, and hard work. Unlike many other fantasy RPGs where players quickly become powerful and can defeat many enemies easily, KCD2 asks players to be patient, think strategically, and stay humble.

Realism is a good thing when it's done right, and KCD2 does a great job of it. That feeling of vulerability and facing overwhelming odds should be scary rather than just an exciting combat scene. Players won't be mowing down dozens of enemies like in some action franchises, such as Dynasty Warriors; instead, each encounter will require careful planning and respect for the enemy's abilities. The game focuses on skillful sword fighting, blocking attacks, and finding weaknesses in opponents, rather than showcasing unrealistic feats of strength.

 Deliverance 2

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Henry might be more experienced now, but that doesn't mean he's invincible. He can still get hurt and tired, and will rely on his intelligence and training to stay alive. This commitment to realism makes each victory feel deserved and keeps players engaged in Henry’s growth as both a character and a fighter. It serves as a reminder that in this world, being smart and skilled is more important than just being strong, and survival should be fought for, not taken for granted.

The developers made sure that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 keeps the series tied down by being a realistic simulation of medieval life. Thanks to it letting Henry grow further, it's still a very fun RPG, but Henry isn't going to keep all the skills and abilities he had at the end of the first game.

Henry Can Still Feel Strong In KCD2

Everyone Can Become Powerful

In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, players can help Henry become a strong warrior, but it requires serious effort and dedication. Due to Henry losing so much of his strength when the game starts, players will need to really invest time into training and improving Henry's combat skills. This isn't a game where players can just dive into fights without preparation. Not putting in the work means that Henry will get killed by tougher opponents and won’t be able to escape punishment from the law.

Players need to take the training seriously to turn Henry into a skilled fighter. This means spending time learning how to wield a sword, practicing blocks and dodges, and understanding different fighting styles. Keeping Henry in good shape is also important, as he needs to get enough rest and food, and have the right gear. If players ignore these details, Henry will feel weak and ineffective in battles. The game's realism means that hard work and practice are essential for success. Just like in real life, players can't become strong without putting in the effort.

The main character peeking around a corner in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

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Luckily, feeling strong in Kindgom Come Deliverance 2 feels great, just like in the original. To help Henry grow into a powerful warrior, players have to commit to getting better. Only then will they see Henry evolve from a simple character to a formidable fighter. The game does a great job of rewarding players who take the time to train and practice. It would have been a huge mistake not to do something like this, but luckily, the developers did a great job of creating a realistic world.

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RPG

Action-Adventure

Open-World

Released February 4, 2025

ESRB Mature 17+ // Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity

Developer(s) Warhorse Studios

Publisher(s) Deep Silver

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