While Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a lot of classic RPG elements and an immersive story set in medieval times, it also provides quite a significant challenge, regardless of the game mode you play it in. From combat to survival, and everything in between, there is a lot that players need to be aware of in order to beat the game successfully.
The game’s standard mode is already a decent challenge for players of all levels, but the developers have also included a more difficult Hardcore Mode. Prior to starting a playthrough, players will have the option between these two game modes, so it is wise to know the differences between Normal and Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, so you can decide which is best for you.
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What’s The Difference Between Normal and Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance?
There are a few key differences between the Normal and Hardcore Modes in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, all of which have a significant impact on the overall gameplay experience.
There Is No Auto-Save in Hardcore Mode
Unlike Normal Mode, where your progress automatically saves from time-to-time, there is no auto-save feature in Hardcore Mode. Instead, you will need to go out of your way to ensure you save your progress before exiting the game, or you risk having to replay parts of the story.
Thankfully, there are some relatively straight-forward ways to save the game, such as:
- Consuming Saviour Schnapps.
- Sleeping in your bed.
- Paying for and receiving full service at a bathhouse.
- Going to the pause menu and manually exiting the game.
Navigation Is More Challenging
Players will need to familiarize themselves with Kingdom Come: Deliverance‘s map and where Henry is situated, as his position in the world is not shown on the map. To make it more challenging, points of interest or locations to progress through the story are not visible to you until you are in relatively close proximity to them, and only then they will show on the compass at the top of the screen.
Hardcore Mode also encourages far more exploration and a greater investment of time in the game. This is attributed to the lack of fast-travelling in this game mode, meaning Henry will need to manually traverse the world and manage his stamina while moving from point A to point B.
Survival Options Are More Limited
In Kingdom Come: Deliverance‘s Normal Mode, players are easily able to keep tabs on Henry’s health, stamina, and hunger, among other facets of survival. You will also have a greater variety of remedies at your disposal to counter any ailments he acquires throughout the game. Mechanics such as hunger are far easier to manage, as you can get your fill from cooking pots scattered throughout the game, such as at Theresa’s house.
In Hardcore Mode, however, these options are far more limited. You will only be able to see Henry’s health and stamina, cooking pots are no longer available, and potions and food take longer to provide Henry with the desired boons they come with. Essentially, you’re responsible for monitoring your own hunger and sleep, as well as relying only on yourself to keep Henry’s sufficiently fed.
Money Is More Difficult To Come By
Not only will you receive less for goods you sell to traders in Harcore Mode, but you’ll also receive smaller rewards for completing quests and completing objectives. This limitation will mean it will take longer to make enough money for upgrades and essential items, so overall progress may be slower.
In extension, this will increase the difficulty of the game, as you’ll likely be stuck with lower-level weapons and armor for longer, unless you’re willing to invest the time into growing your stats and stealing for funds.
Combat Is Even More Challenging
Combat is already one of the more difficult facets of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, as it leans on realism more than games like it. However, the difficulty is turned up even more when you play the game in Hardcore Mode.
Battles in the game are more realistic, which means getting hit will have greater consequences, and you’ll be impacted by the quality of your equipment. Not only that, but the directional icons on the cursor are gone in Hardcore Mode, as are the timing indicators for parrying or dodging attacks. As such, you’ll have to time your defense based on the less-obvious visual cues of your opponent.
You Start The Game With Two Negative “Perks”
Before the story begins, players will be tasked with selecting two “Perks”, which are negative conditions that are applied to Henry prior to beginning the adventure. These range from reduced stamina regeneration and greater hunger requirements, to weaker attacks with a helmet on and earning experience at a slower rate.
Before the opening cutscene, players will need to select two debuffs that they will carry with them throughout the course of the game. These aim to challenge the already more-difficult facets of gameplay that come with Hardcore Mode.
All Hardcore Mode Perks in Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Prior to starting your playthrough, you’ll need to select two out of the nine “perk” options provided. Here’s a brief on what each of them entail:
|
Perk |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Nightmares |
Your stats are lower at the start of each day. |
|
Claustrophobia |
Your attacks are weaker when you wear a helmet with the visor down. |
|
Haemophilia |
You are more susceptible to bleeding and you will bleed faster. |
|
Numbskull |
You acquire experience points at a slower rate. |
|
Consumption |
Your breathing issues cause your stamina to regenerate more slowly. |
|
Shakes |
Your hands occasionally shake, making archery, pickpocketing, and lockpicking more difficult. |
|
Tapeworm |
A tapeworm in your gut means you get hungry faster and need to eat more regularly. |
|
Somnambulant |
You sleepwalk, so sometimes you wake up in a different place from where you fell asleep. |
|
Brittle Bones |
You’re more vulnerable to fall damage and injuries. |
Which Perks Should You Choose?
The perks you select will generally dictate your build and which stats you prioritize going into the game. In saying that, some will have a greater impact on Henry and the difficulty of the game in general.
If you’re looking for perks that won’t put you at an extreme disadvantage, compared to some of the others, then it is best to consider options like Claustrophobia, Somnambulant, or Nightmares, as these limitations are a little easier to navigate than their counterparts.
.
Should I Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance On Normal or Hardcore Mode?
As recommended in the main menu prior to selecting your game mode, Hardcore Mode is generally designed for players who are familiar with the mechanics and fundamentals of survival in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. As such, the developers recommend that you give Normal Mode a try first, so you can get a feel for the unique gamplay experience it offers.
It is, of course, a matter of preference, but generally it is best to treat Hardcore Mode like New Game+, and beat the game on Normal Mode before venturing to the more difficult version. In saying that, if you’re a glutton for punishment and love a real challenge, then few games will test you (outside of Souls and Soulslikes, perhaps) the way Kingdom Come: Deliverance will for inexperienced players trying their hand at Hardcore Mode.
- Released
-
February 13, 2018
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
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Warhorse Studios