How To Make Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Harder

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has taken the gaming world by storm and serves as a prime example of how RPGs should be made. However, while the game’s difficulty is fine for most players, some may find aspects of it too easy, especially in the latter stages after Henry has leveled up and acquired the best gear.

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To that end, the following are some ideas on how to make KCD2 more challenging, either by changing things within the game or by enforcing self-made rules.

6

Hardcore Mode

Negative Perks, Limited HUD & Map, Plus Much More

While KCD2 does not have difficulty modes in the traditional manner where stats are raised or lowered, hardcore mode is on the way and can even be unlocked in an unofficial way for PC players. Similarly to the first game, the first step of hardcore mode is choosing negative Perks, which may make Henry learn at a slower pace or sleepwalk so that he wakes up in different beds.

Upon getting into the game, players will also notice that most of the HUD is gone, meaning they won’t know when they are low on health or when enemies are attacking, forcing them to use their eyes and ears. Henry’s location on the map will also be hidden, making navigation much harder. Other mechanics and stats will also be rebalanced, creating an overall tougher experience.

5

Use Mods That Increase Difficulty

These Can Make The AI Stronger Or Henry Weaker & Tweak Values

PC players have a natural advantage when it comes to making the game harder, as they have access to gameplay mods that increase the difficulty. For example, there are mods to reduce the nutritional value of food, or combat mods that make the AI’s attacks better.

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There are also mods to make Henry weaker by lowering his level at the start of the game or by reducing the rate at which he gains XP. As the modding scene continues to grow after the release of official modding support, players may see more ambitious projects in the future that overhaul larger parts of the difficulty. Thankfully, most of these mods are easy to install on the Steam Workshop.

4

Don’t Use Potions

Especially The Ones Which Boost Henry’s Stats

While Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is known for immersion and historical accuracy, gameplay always has to come first, and that means bending a few realism rules. Potions in KCD2 are mostly unrealistic, certainly with how fast they act, but they complement the gameplay and open up the fun of alchemy.

However, players looking for challenge runs in KCD2 can either entirely or mostly avoid potions. For example, players may continue to take a Chamomile Brew

before bed to heal better over the night, as this seems fair and realistic as a herbal remedy. The ones to avoid for increased difficulty are those that grant stat boosts, such as to Henry’s strength or thievery skill.

3

Avoid OP Perks Or Don’t Take Them At All

Some Perks Are Too Strong, Or Render Some Mechanics Useless

One way to make KCD2 harder is to simply make Henry weaker. This can be achieved by not unlocking certain strong Perks or by avoiding them altogether. While Henry will still continue to level up his stats, increasing his stamina and the like, he won’t get access to overpowered effects and abilities.

For example, the Ascetic Perk decreases Henry’s hunger needs, which are already fairly low, meaning players will almost never struggle for food, nullifying an interesting survival mechanic. Similarly, there are a few Perks that stop Henry from losing as much energy, which means he doesn’t need a realistic amount of sleep. If players find combat too easy, avoid certain Warfare Perks or ones tailored for specific weapon types. If players have already unlocked loads of skills, they can respec their Perks by drinking Lethean Water.

2

Don’t Steal & Don’t Loot Enemies

This Will Prevent Players From Becoming Rich & Getting The Best Gear

One of the main reasons why the late game of KCD2 can feel too easy is that Henry will often have the best gear and so much money that it becomes trivial. To prevent this, players can try to only earn money in honest ways. This not only means refraining from thievery, but also for looting the corpses of bandits and fallen soldiers.

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Players can instead try to earn Groschen via blacksmithing, alchemy, or by helping others through quests. This can lead to more interesting gameplay where players may have to gamble their last few coins in order to afford a bed for the night or food. It will also mean Henry cannot afford the best armor and weapons, making him weaker in combat.

1

Don’t Use Swords

Swords Are A Tad Overpowered Compared With Other Weapons

Another way to make KCD2 feel more challenging is to avoid the use of swords, as they seem to be stronger than other weapon types. Instead, try to beat the game using weaker axes, maces, or polearms. Players could also try to make better use of ranged weapons if they’ve mostly relied on melee weapons previously.

Choosing weaker versions of these weapons can also add to the challenge, and if players are implementing other self imposed rules that impact their income, this may happen naturally.

Game

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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