KCD 2 vs KCD 1 – What’s New, What’s Better & Should You Buy It?
If you loved Kingdom Come: Deliverance (KCD 1), then you’re probably already deep into Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 (KCD 2). But if you’re new or just want to know if the sequel is worth it, this guide covers everything. Let’s explore the world of KCD 2 and see how it stacks up.
A True Medieval RPG Without the Fantasy
Unlike most RPGs that throw in magic and dragons, KCD 2 sticks to realism. It’s set in 15th-century Bohemia, just like the first game, and you play as Henry, the blacksmith’s son, again. If you played KCD 1, you know the drill—no superpowers, just raw, historical gameplay.
The game’s realistic combat, deep storytelling, and historical accuracy set it apart. There’s no fast travel unless you unlock it, armor weight actually matters, and fights can end in seconds if you mess up. If you struggled with KCD 1’s combat, expect more of the same challenge but with a few tweaks to make it smoother.
System Requirements for Budget Gamers
If you’re on a budget but still want to experience KCD 2, you’ll need to tweak some settings. Here’s what you need to run the game without breaking the bank:
Minimum System Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
- RAM: 8GB
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580 (4GB VRAM)
- Storage: 90GB SSD recommended
Recommended System Requirements
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- RAM: 16GB
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 2060 / AMD RX 5700 XT
- Storage: 90GB SSD
To maximize FPS and smooth gameplay, tweak settings like shadows, anti-aliasing, and texture quality. Lowering post-processing effects and turning off motion blur can also increase performance.
What’s New in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?
1. Bigger and Better Open World
KCD 2’s map is larger and more detailed than the first game. Warhorse Studios has expanded the world with new cities, castles, and landscapes that feel even more alive. Expect more NPCs with deeper AI, better economy systems, and realistic NPC schedules.
2. Improved Combat Mechanics
The first game’s combat system was brutal but rewarding, and KCD 2 builds on that. You still have directional attacks, parries, and stamina management, but animations are smoother, and there are more weapon combos and better enemy AI. If you hated getting destroyed in duels before, you’ll still get wrecked—but at least now it feels fairer.
3. More Freedom in Choices
KCD 1 gave you plenty of ways to solve quests, but KCD 2 expands on this massively. You can now influence the world through reputation, diplomacy, or brute force. Choices actually matter, and NPCs remember your past actions, which can affect how they treat you later.
4. Elevated Graphics and Performance
Running on a more powerful engine, KCD 2 delivers next-level visuals, especially on high-end PCs and next-gen consoles. Facial animations, lighting, and environments look stunning, making the world feel more immersive. The game also has better optimization, meaning fewer bugs and smoother gameplay.
5. More Activities and Side Quests
Side quests in KCD 2 aren’t just fetch quests—they have deep stories, interesting characters, and meaningful rewards. Expect more mini-games, blacksmithing, dice gambling, and expanded alchemy mechanics. If you enjoyed wandering off the main story in KCD 1, you’ll love what KCD 2 has to offer.
How Does It Compare to KCD 1?
If you played the first game, you’ll instantly notice that KCD 2 keeps everything that made KCD 1 great but improves the rough edges.
| Feature | KCD 1 | KCD 2 |
| Combat | Realistic but clunky | More fluid, better AI |
| Storytelling | Deep but slow at times | More engaging and reactive |
| Graphics | Decent but dated | Stunning visuals with better performance |
| Side Quests | Great variety | Even more depth and impact |
| Map Size | Large | Much bigger with more details |
My Thoughts on the Game
As someone who spent hours in KCD 1, I can confidently say that KCD 2 is a dream come true for hardcore RPG fans. The combat is still challenging but more refined, and the world feels more alive than ever.
What I love most is the improved quest system and deeper NPC interactions. Choices now feel even more impactful, and it’s satisfying to see how your reputation influences the game.
However, the game is still not for casual players. If you’re expecting a hack-and-slash experience, you’ll be in for a rough time. This is a true medieval simulator, and it requires patience, skill, and strategy. But if you’re up for the challenge, you won’t find a more rewarding RPG experience.
Should You Buy Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?
If you loved KCD 1, this is a no-brainer. The improved combat, deeper RPG mechanics, and a larger world make KCD 2 a must-play. But if you struggled with the first game’s realism and slow pace, you might still find this one challenging.
Pros
✔️ Highly detailed open world
✔️ Realistic combat with better mechanics
✔️ Deep role-playing and choice-driven gameplay
✔️ Improved visuals and performance
✔️ Rich side quests and immersive storytelling
Cons
❌ Still a steep learning curve
❌ No magic or fantasy elements (which some players may miss)
❌ Some mechanics may feel overwhelming for casual players
Final Thoughts
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a medieval RPG masterpiece. It improves everything from the first game while staying true to its hardcore, realistic roots. If you love deep RPGs, historical accuracy, and immersive storytelling, this is a must-play.
Are you playing KCD 2 already? What do you think of the improvements? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
