
Kingdom Come: Deliverance has become somewhat of a personal challenge for me—a gaming experience wherein I’ve invested nearly a hundred hours yet have never fully completed it. Despite various frustrations with its combat mechanics, RPG systems, and occasionally perplexing design choices, my affection for this game remains steadfast. This unique amalgam of irritation and passion continually draws me back into its world.
What keeps me captivated is the unparalleled immersion that Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers. This game is intricately crafted, overflowing with life and detail that genuinely enables players to engage in meaningful roleplaying. Until the recent announcement of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, I believed I would not encounter anything like it again. With the sequel now available, I am filled with anticipation, especially considering that it addresses many flaws of its predecessor while integrating a host of exciting immersive features—including an enhanced crime system.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Elevates Crime with Real Stakes
Permanent Consequences Await



The crime system in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stands out as one of the most ambitious implementations in the RPG genre, with lasting impacts on the character Henry. Given that KC:D2 is a more expansive title, it’s designed to redefine expectations within the RPG landscape. The depth of the crime system exceeded my anticipations—its complexities make returning to simpler systems like those in Skyrim or GTA feel inadequate in comparison.
Players can engage in criminal activities such as theft, combat, and murder. The twist? Getting caught consequences are severe.Penalties escalate from temporary confinement in the stockade to, potentially, execution. Initially, the threat of death troubled me; however, it enhances the game’s commitment to realism and immersion within its meticulously crafted historical context.
Watch the gameplay here
Watch the gameplay here
What truly impressed me was the manner in which Henry’s actions shape his relationships with Non-Playable Characters (NPCs).If Henry steals, shopkeepers are less inclined to barter, and random pedestrians will label him a thief. Furthermore, if he commits murder, he bears a tangible mark, visibly branding him in the eyes of society and affecting his interactions. Certain vendors may refuse service, while more unscrupulous characters might embrace him.
This commitment to realism exemplifies why Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 may lead the RPG genre in embracing the true essence of roleplaying. The game encourages players to genuinely inhabit Henry’s character, experiencing the highs of success and the lows of failure. Warhorse Studios has not only refined earlier flaws but has also enhanced the immersive mechanics that define the gameplay, even when those mechanics can feel demanding.
RPGs Often Treat Law as a Mere Suggestion
Gamification of Crime Systems

In other open-world RPGs, crime systems often lack weight. Until the advent of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, I accepted this shortcoming. Many RPGs render crime systems inconsequential to enhance player convenience, which unfortunately undermines roleplaying authenticity. For instance, in Cyberpunk 2077, the absence of a well-implemented criminal system hampers meaningful evil roleplays, something it only began integrating significantly post-launch.
There are exceptions, such as Skyrim, where players face imprisonment for crimes. While better than the simplistic “busted” system in GTA, the consequences are somewhat superficial—serving time merely teleports players outside with minimal repercussions. This lacks the robust, lasting impact expected from a compelling RPG.
To my knowledge, few games challenge players with increasing penalties for repeated offenses or exhibit NPCs refusing to engage based on criminal history—features that are more common in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. These intricate details are what distinguish excellent RPGs from the mediocre, showcasing an understanding of the genre’s core purpose, which more developers should aim to achieve.
Permanent Consequences Perfectly Suit KC:D2
Enhancing Realism Through Consequences

While I advocate for more immersive mechanics across the RPG spectrum, I recognize that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is specifically tailored for such systems in a way that might not align with the audience of every RPG. As much as I would love to see similar reactions to crime in the Elder Scrolls series—like NPCs branding players for their misdeeds—such immersive elements may not appeal to all players. The Elder Scrolls franchise traditionally promotes engaging, lively worlds, but it may not benefit from the hardcore realism reflected in KC:D2.
This game is adeptly constructed to deliver a rich roleplaying environment, where even mundane tasks hold significant weight alongside grand adventures. Players must navigate various survival metrics just to keep Henry alive, showcasing a dedication to realism often overlooked in other RPGs. Thus, the strict and immersive nature of its crime system feels entirely appropriate for KC:D2.
Moving forward, I hope that future RPGs incorporate innovative immersive features akin to those in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, despite potential constraints imposed by larger developers like Bethesda catering to diverse audiences. For now, I remain grateful for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, where I can fully engage in Henry’s adventures and face the genuine consequences of his actions.
Source: Warhorse Studios/YouTube
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