Kingdom Come Deliverance in 2025 | Revisiting a Medieval RPG Classic
When Kingdom Come Deliverance launched back in 2018, it felt like a game ahead of its time. Now, in 2025, with all the modern RPGs out there, I decided to see if it still holds up. Spoiler alert – it absolutely does. If you’re into deep, immersive historical RPGs with a hardcore twist, this game is still a must-play.
Why Kingdom Come: Deliverance Still Slaps in 2025
If you’ve never played Kingdom Come Deliverance, it’s a medieval RPG set in 1403 Bohemia. You play as Henry of Skalitz, a blacksmith’s son thrown into chaos after his village is burned to the ground. Revenge, politics, and brutal realism define this journey. But what makes it so good even in 2025?
The Realism is Unmatched
Most RPGs let you become a hero overnight. Not here. You start as a weak, clueless nobody, and every skill must be learned through practice – sword fighting, reading, even basic survival. Unlike modern games that hold your hand, Kingdom Come throws you into medieval life with all its brutal challenges.
- Hunger, Sleep, and Hygiene Matter – You can’t just run around endlessly. You need to eat, sleep, and even clean yourself, or people will react differently to you.
- Realistic Combat – No mindless button-mashing. The directional-based combat system forces you to think, block, and counter at the right moment.
- No Magic, Just Pure Grit – If you’re used to flashy spells and superpowers, prepare for something different. Here, skill and strategy win battles, not fantasy elements.
Open-World Freedom with Depth
Most open-world games today feel bloated, but Kingdom Come keeps it meaningful. Every quest and side activity adds to the world’s realism. Want to become a knight? Train hard. Want to be a thief? Sneak, pickpocket, and avoid getting caught. You shape Henry’s journey through choices that actually matter.
A Story That Feels Personal
What keeps me coming back is the gripping narrative. Henry’s story isn’t about saving the world—it’s about revenge, survival, and finding his place in a world that doesn’t care about him. Every decision changes how people see you, making role-playing feel genuine.
PC Setup for the Best KCD 1 Experience in 2025
If you’re planning to revisit Kingdom Come: Deliverance in 2025, having the right PC setup can make a huge difference. Since I use an AMD setup, I’ll share my recommendations for smooth gameplay.
Recommended PC Specs for Kingdom Come Deliverance
While the game isn’t as demanding as it was at launch, running it on higher settings still requires decent hardware. Here’s what I suggest:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or better
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT or higher
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (faster speeds like 3200MHz+ help)
- Storage: SSD (preferably NVMe) for faster load times
- Monitor: 1440p with a high refresh rate if you want the best visuals
- Cooling: A good air or liquid cooler since KCD 1 can push your CPU a bit
Graphics Settings KCD Tweaks
KCD 1 is well-optimized after patches, but tweaking a few settings helps balance performance and visuals.
- Shadows & Lighting: Set to High for immersion without a performance hit
- Draw Distance: Medium to High (Ultra can be taxing)
- Anti-Aliasing: Use TAA for a good balance
- Textures: Ultra if you have enough VRAM (8GB+)
- V-Sync: Off if you’re using FreeSync/G-Sync
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1 vs Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 | Gameplay Comparison
| Feature | Kingdom Come Deliverance 1 (2018) | Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 (2024) |
| Story & Setting | Set in 1403 Bohemia, follows Henry’s journey for revenge and survival. | Continues Henry’s story with new challenges, allies, and conflicts in a bigger world. |
| Combat System | Realistic, skill-based swordplay with directional inputs. | Improved combat mechanics with smoother animations and better hit detection. |
| Character Progression | Skills improve through practice—no instant upgrades. | Similar system but with refinements to training, learning, and stat development. |
| Open World | Large, historically accurate medieval world. | Bigger, more detailed map with new regions, settlements, and landscapes. |
| Survival Mechanics | Hunger, sleep, and hygiene affect gameplay. | Returns with enhanced realism and more survival-based interactions. |
| Stealth & AI | Sneaking, lockpicking, and disguises affect NPC reactions. | More responsive AI makes stealth gameplay more dynamic and challenging. |
| Save System | Limited saves through Saviour Schnapps or sleeping. | More balanced save system while maintaining immersion. |
| Graphics & Performance | Stunning for its time but limited by older hardware. | Vastly improved visuals with next-gen lighting, textures, and smoother performance. |
| Mod Support | Strong modding community enhances gameplay. | More official modding tools, making customization easier. |
| New Features | First-person RPG without fantasy elements. | Expands on realism with deeper mechanics, more choices, and improved world interactivity. |
Why Play Kingdom Come Deliverance in 2025?
With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 on the horizon, now is the best time to revisit the first game. It gives you the full backstory, introduces you to the game’s brutal mechanics, and prepares you for what’s next. Plus, with mods and modern hardware, the experience is smoother than ever.
Challenges You’ll Face
This game isn’t for everyone. If you’re used to fast travel and quick saves, Kingdom Come might frustrate you. Here’s what to expect:
- Harsh Save System – You can’t just save anytime. You need special potions or to sleep in a bed.
- Challenging Combat – It takes time to master. You won’t be a sword expert from the start.
- Slow Progression – If you love instant power-ups, this game demands patience.
But honestly? That’s what makes it so rewarding.
Who Should Play Kingdom Come Deliverance Again in 2025?
If you’ve played Kingdom Come Deliverance before, you might be wondering if it’s worth another run in 2025. As someone who’s spent hours in medieval Bohemia, I think it’s a great time to go back. Here’s why:
If You Plan to Play Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
With KCD 2 out, replaying the first game helps you reconnect with Henry’s journey. You’ll remember the key events, character relationships, and the rich medieval setting. It makes jumping into the sequel even better.
You Love Realistic RPGs
If modern RPGs feel too easy, KCD 1 is still a solid challenge. It has survival mechanics, skill-based combat, and a world that reacts to your choices. If you like deep role-playing, it’s worth revisiting.
If You Never Finished It
Let’s be honest, many players started KCD 1 but didn’t see the ending. If you left the story unfinished, now’s a great time to complete it before moving on to KCD 2.
You Want a Tougher Challenge
Want to test your skills? Try playing on Hardcore Mode. No HUD, tougher enemies, and a more immersive experience. It’s the best way to experience medieval life at its hardest.
You Missed It at Launch
If you skipped Kingdom Come: Deliverance when it first came out, now is the time to try it. It runs better on modern PCs, has a strong modding community, and still offers one of the best medieval RPG experiences.
In 2025, KCD 1 is still worth playing. Whether you’re preparing for the sequel, looking for a challenge, or just want to experience a great RPG again, it’s a game that holds up.
Final Verdict: Still Worth It?
Absolutely. If you love RPGs that make you work for every victory, Kingdom Come: Deliverance remains one of the most immersive experiences out there. Whether you’re revisiting it like me or trying it for the first time, it’s a journey worth taking, even in 2025.
So, are you ready to step into Henry’s shoes? Let me know your thoughts.
