Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Never been to Bohemia, never swung a sword in real life, but I really enjoyed this game, so lovely
Steel clashes, arrows fly, bandits fall. The battlefield is ruthless, but so am I.
For honor, for glory, for my father’s forge.
A blade well kept, a mind sharp... only the strong survive.
No kings, no chosen ones, just grit, steel, and fate.

An RPG that hews closer to something like Gothic than Skyrim, with both good and bad. I will get the worst thing out of the way first because even there's not much to talk about, it absolutely needs to be mentioned in a review: the combat is kinda experimental but in general OK, but the combat with multiple enemies is straight-up bad. So there.

First, what kept me playing despite that and what I appreciated more and more over time, was the environment, which is easily one of the best ever game, period. Second, the plot is not terribly interesting but quests in general are really good, especially the ones where you're supposed to investigate and the instructions are not clear, leaving you to do some actual detecting, which is something I did not expect in this type of game. Lastly, the (late addition of a) Czech dub was something that managed to tie the whole experience together, and I recommend it over the English one even if you can't understand the language.

I tried so hard to like this game. This isn't like Skyrim where you are the main character, you start with nothing and getting good gear requires hard work and dedication. It really makes you feel like some poor peasant boy trying to learn skills that are outside of your grasp at the beginning and i can appreciate the rags-to-riches style of game but the combat of this game is just waaaaay too clunky. It doesn't matter how prepared i am, or how much gear i have grinded out because eventually I have to play the story and fight a single dude without armor or a shield and i'll get my ass handed to me for what feels like hours. Perfect block after perfect block i can perform flawlessly and a 1v1 fight can feel like it just goes on and on as the enemy takes hit after hit. Then if you mess up, the consequences has you starting over from the beginning. And that's just the 1v1 fights, i hope you don't get jumped buy 3 guys because you might as well just load last save at that point. running away isn't an option either. Like i said, its not skyrim, its more of a simulation style of game and every part of that simulation besides the combat makes me want to play and get better but eventually I am forced to fight and lose over and over and over again. Maybe the second game is better but if you don't like how the combat feels at the beginning of the game then don't expect it to get any better. You may think "Ill just do side quests till i'm ready" but the side quests have you leaving the safety of the castle walls and that's how you get jumped. Maybe the best option for the main character is to just stay a blacksmith.

Id give this game a 4/10 with the combat and a 9/10 if they just removed it from the game entirely. Even writing this review I still want to play more but I don't want the peasant with a stick to beat the shit out of me again

I already sunk around 20 hours into KCD on the PlayStation in 2023 but then stopped playing when you have to search for Reeky. Loved the game from the start, but I struggled with it (as you should) and somehow let that defeat me. Fake “I don’t want games to hold my hand” enjoyers when real deadbeats come at them.

Seriously though, I don’t understand what made me drop the game the first time around because on my second attempt everything just clicked. The struggle instead turned into a fun challenge and learning how to survive all the hardships of being an ordinary medieval peasant was definitely a first. In fact, no other game I’ve played managed to capture this feeling of “just being some guy”. You literally can’t do shit in the beginning. Which honestly makes this whole journey even more rewarding. You don’t start out as a hero but in the eyes of some folk you certainly end it as one.

And with the sequel already in my virtual cart I can’t wait to see how Henry’s story will continue.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is one of the most immersive and detailed medieval games I’ve ever played. But let me tell you this: if you think you’re going to grab a sword and instantly become a hero, you’re in for a rude awakening. This game will constantly remind you that you are, in fact, just a simple peasant. Truth hurts.

The combat system is not easy. In the beginning, you’ll wonder if your character has ever thrown a punch in his life. Swinging a sword properly takes practice, timing your attacks is crucial, and blocking feels like an art form. You don’t start as a warrior, you start as someone who barely knows which end of the sword to hold. But once you improve, it’s incredibly satisfying.

The story and world are fantastic. The NPC AI is impressively smart; people react to your actions, remember your mistakes, and treat you accordingly. Try scamming a merchant, and don’t be surprised when they start giving you the cold shoulder later. It truly feels like you’re carving out your own story.

If you’re looking for a realistic RPG set in the Middle Ages, you need to try this game. Just be prepared your first 20 maybe 30 hours will be spent wondering why you’re so weak.

P.S.: 93 hours in and I’m still trying to learn how to fight.

If you want a game that's combat is 75% being locked into weird ass camera angles and having no idea whats going on because the ai just runs behinds to attack and sends your view spinning

This game is amazing, is not a game where you are the savior of the world from the beginning, you are just the son of a blacksmith in a small town, things happens that are out of your control and now you are in a quest for vengeance.. but you are literally no-one, you don't know how to fight, you don't know how to get money, you don't even know how to read!

You will have to figure out things, help people, getting out of your way to do something here and there will led the character to evolve in a way that the little guy that you met at the beginning of the game looks like a complete different character.

It's a very cool RPG with crazy outcomes you can literally fail so many things in a quest and somehow get out with an outcome, there's a quest about a priest that is super cool and you will see it eventually if you do the main story, this game is insane and I hope the sequel to be as good as this one.

Limited saves, the game is a errand runner back and forth from different areas and then your character is tired. Combat is aids you take so much damage and constantly have to sleep to heal which makes you miss quest lines that are time limited. I just played for an hour until I fast traveled to a city and got attacked by three bandits and died losing all of my progress.

An amazing game otherwise, but holy shit the combat is fucking atrotious, I have yet to touch worse

Amazing game I've had this game since release but haven't had time to play it and now that i have im so sad i didn't play this all this time its amazing and so fun that i've put so many hours into it and even with owning the new one i will be playing both (combat is cool af i don't understand how people don't like it, its so cool just a legit skill issue)

In a game where the combat is a main selling point it's easily the worst part of the game

I tried to enjoy it, I really did, but the combat was absolutely terrible.

The world, quests and feeling of progression are incredible, but when you have to actually fight (main quest, sometimes you can't kill your enemies stealthy) the game becomes a chore: it's not fun and it's janky; a peasant with a stick can, somehow, parry every single attack you throw at it with the best weapon in the game and with a lot of strength.

If you can ignore that, there is a great game underneath, but not for me

After nearly 8 years it's still a hidden gem, it's got some issues here and there primarily being the combat but the world overall is big and beautiful, the story is engaging and the quests are fun, sometimes long (a good thing) and always keeps you on your toes no matter what it is. The second game expands everything this game is but still a very solid game

This game is a gem once you get past through the rough and slow beginning. I bought the game 5-6 years ago but only played for 2 hours and was turned off because the combat was especially rough. I kept this game in the shelf since then. Last played April 2020..

Since KCD2 was released recently, I decided to give this game another go, in the hopes of rushing the Main Quest. But guess what? I've been taking my sweet ass time doing side quests and shit. The world is immersive, the storyline is interesting, the voice acting is amazing, gameplay is fun. Once you actually level up your skills(combat mainly for me) in this game, it's actually more fun. I used to get my ass kicked, now I'm the one kicking bandits' ass whether 1v1 or 1v5's, etc.

This game reminded me of my love for RPGs when Oblivion and Skyrim were released many years ago.
Give this game a chance. I would recommend this game before getting into KCD2. This game aged pretty well.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an absolute masterpiece for fans of historical RPGs. The attention to detail, realistic combat, and deep storytelling make it one of the most immersive medieval experiences out there. The world feels alive, with dynamic NPCs, a compelling main quest, and countless side activities. The realism in combat, survival mechanics, and historical accuracy set it apart from other RPGs. While it has a learning curve, mastering its mechanics is incredibly rewarding. If you love deep role-playing, rich storytelling, and a world that reacts to your choices, this game is a must-play. Highly recommended!

A game like this makes me fell full of pride
I never expected such masterpiece to come from my country
Never have i had such joy playing a game of this kind
Historical accuracy is just simply amazing, gameplay is so enjoyable, story is amazing.
Besides few bugs i have no complains
Best of all, this game lets me see a part of history, real places, real castles, it does not even hide the negatives of the time, while not making it only dark. This is just a masterpiece
My respects to the developers, you have truhly outdone yourselves, wonderful job and thank you.

The game is actually really good, the major downside of it is that you can't save whenever you want and have to have a certain item or rest in bed.. in my opinion that's a trash mechanic

When it came out in 2018 it had optimization problems, but now it runs like a charm. Game is fun, challenging, but rewarding. As soon I finish it, I will buy KCD2.

I tried to go back and finish this in preperation for the sequel, however, it just once again bores me after the intro and some quests after that.

It does one of those annoying open world video game things where you can get bombarded with side-quests that you can grab from every city and none of them have any sort of level restrictions or warnings. They're just boring " hey blud grab this pot for me from across the world " quests.

The most fun for me is proper one on one combat, and that I can say this game did great. However, there's so much jank surrounding that. I can't bring myself to finish this game due to these problems.

Hopefully they fix these issues in the second game!

I can never seem to finish this game, but I really enjoy it. It stands out as unique in the oversaturated open-world RPG genre. It feels intimate in the ways older RPGs like Oblivion felt, and the world feels very immersive and continuous.

One of the best game I've ever played and a truly immersive Open World Medieval RPG by definition.
Its an amazing story about a weak cowardly village boy, an illiterate peasant who's bad at everything and doesn't even know how to hold a sword properly but due to bad circumstances he gets pushed into the world and through hardwork, dedication and persistence becomes a Knight.
Good Looking Graphics, Great Music, Great Dialogue, Great Voice Acting and Hard yet extremely fun gameplay, Can't recommend this one enough, It's totally worth it specially if you get it on sale. Its an old game so you might wanna install a few quality of life mods, other than that an absolute masterpiece 11/10 Can't wait for KCD 2

Kingdom Come: Deliverance (KCD) is one of those games that takes time to fully appreciate, but once you invest in it, you become so immersed that it becomes difficult to tear yourself away. The game, especially its combat and traversal mechanics, can be frustrating at first. The terrain, although often flat (with a certainly decent geometry), is prone to causing unexpected collisions—whether with bushes or other obstacles—leaving you to find yourself lying in the mud. Combat, too, can be unforgiving; being sort of forced to locking onto an enemy, you might find yourself overwhelmed by multiple opponents, resulting in an inevitable death meanwhile getting your head bashed in, sometimes frustratingly quick. Realistic? Perhaps. Gamified enough to keep the player engaged? I would argue not entirely. However, KCD offers something more significant: a deeply compelling narrative of personal growth. You begin as the son of a blacksmith, and over the course of the game, you rise from humble beginnings to become a skilled warrior—and ultimately a nobleman (but that's another matter). You are, ultimately, a made man and this transformation reflects on the fights. One hell of a tale.

The combat, while complex and difficult to master, becomes more manageable as you familiarize yourself with the mechanics and level up your character. Parts of it winks to STALKER, complex enough but mostly driven by stats. The game also kinda looks down on your if you don't train but it keeps being managable. When I couldn't manage to beat the first boss in a fair sword fight I had to take him down with a bow as he didn't wear a helmet (and for some reason it took me long to realize that). He was down in 2 shots. Realistic? Perhaps. Gamified enough to keep the player engaged? Alright, I swear I am not trying to be hard but I was bummed to take him down in 2 shots and the other way around was too painful as at that time I didn't learn master strike. I really do respect the fact that I was not softlocked and didn't have to load up a previous save but could have it been more balanced even if it means more scripted? Probably so.

Progression is rewarding, and the mechanics eventually click. Likewise, while traversal may occasionally be marred by awkward collisions, your horse's stamina proves more than adequate, and your character's load capacity is thoughtfully designed (looking at STALKER, coughing), offering a fair balance. Engaging with the world is intuitive. Despite my initial frustrations, I came to appreciate the systems that the game has to offer.

KCD is a clear testament to the passion of its creators. As a Kickstarter-funded project, it has a scope that is impressive given its origins, and for the most part, it executes its vision well. The conclusion of the main story, while somewhat restrained, is clearly intended to set the stage for future installments, where more ambitious storytelling can be achieved with a larger budget. The game's protagonist, Henry, undergoes substantial character development, and the supporting cast—Hans Capon, Sir Radzig, Sir Hanush, Theresa, Godwin, and others are well-crafted and likable. One area where the game could have expanded is in offering more intricate romance options.

The alchemy, while interesting, does have a downside: it allows for a form of metagaming. Players can craft items without recipes, simply following a guide, which detracts from the immersion that RPGs typically rely on. While this feature is a useful timesaver for basic crafting, quest items necessitate adherence to specific recipes, which restores some balance. Stealth mechanics, on the other hand, are underdeveloped. The monk mission, despite its potential, falls short due to the lack of a functional stealth system.

KCD is not a fully-fledged sandbox RPG, but it offers a variety of engaging options. Many of these options are not only creative but also humorous. The open world feels alive, though it can be somewhat limited. Beyond the towns and villages, the world feels sparse, and random encounters are few and far between (at least were to me). There was one certain game breaking bug which occurred during the raid of Pribyslavitz. I was unable to pass the quest as I helped bandits earlier on and the game counted them as allies hence whenever I killed the bandits I would lose the objective. You can overcome it via mods but I was bummed to see it was a known issue and was not sorted out after 7 YEARS. Apart from that, I would also loved to see more in-depth quest chains exclusive to factions as we grow our relationship with them deeper.

I do feel the downloadable content also falls short. Hans Capon’s Adventures is a delightful and humorous diversion but is far too short and limited in scope. Band of Bastards feels undercooked, and its final battle fails to deliver the cinematic spectacle that could have made it more memorable. Despite my efforts, my band often met their end off-screen as I was overwhelmed by multiple enemies constantly. A Woman's Lot presents a different take, but the Theresa sections are frustrating, and while the companion dog is somewhat more helpful than in the base game, it can hinder progress by alerting enemies. The Johanna storyline, however, provides a welcome change, and I would have liked to see more of this kind of narrative in the main story.

Having seen the positive reviews for KCD2, and with Warhorse confidently sending out review codes a month early, it seems that the sequel has the potential to be an RPG behemoth. I am excited to experience it, as it appears that Warhorse is finally achieving the self-realization it has long worked toward. There’s probably much more to discuss, but I’ll conclude my review by saying that this game feels more like a Bethesda RPG than the actual recent Bethesda RPGs. LOL at that.

★★★★☆
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One of the best if not the best ARPG of all times, can't believe how immersive and engaging the game feels, the music, the combat system and Morrowind-like vibes of exploration, a huge map of medieval Bohemia, you're not being held by anyone or anything, except for some story moments, which is totally forgiving. Combat system can be a hit or miss, I still love it though, while it can be hard or even frustrating to fight against 3 opponents or more, I always look back at the setting of this game, a lot of things can be called semi-realistic, it's a toned-down RPG about medieval times, where you don't fight monsters or cast spells, you fight your own kind, normal people. You don't win sword fights alone in a battle against multiple people IRL, even if you do, there's definitely some luck and skill difference involved. This game is to be enjoyed if you can accept some of its rules, like fighting and saving system. So much time spent in this masterpiece, thanks to all crowdfunders and people at Warhorse Studios for making this game.

First time I played it I hated it. Then I came back, played it, hated it again. I came back, played it, and still hated it.

But then I came back and somehow, everything clicked for me. This game is bad until it's good. It's frustrating until it's rewarding and it's hard and clunky until it's simple, fun and enjoyable.

It's a mystery to me just how many trial and errors I had to go through and how many complaints I shouted out in pure frustration until I actually got a proper playthrough going that genuinely got me into it and all the way through to the end credits. But jesus christ was it worth it. What an incredible game.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is one of the most immersive and unique RPGs I have ever played. Unlike traditional fantasy RPGs, it is grounded in historical realism, set in 15th-century Bohemia. The game does not hold your hand; instead, it throws you into a harsh medieval world where survival depends on skill, knowledge, and patience. Playing as Henry, a blacksmith’s son seeking revenge after his village is destroyed, you must rise from nothing, learning to fight, read, and navigate a world full of political intrigue and brutal combat.

One of the game’s best aspects is its realism. Combat is difficult and requires practice, making every duel feel tense and rewarding. The need for food, sleep, and hygiene adds another layer of depth, forcing you to think beyond just fighting. The world is beautifully detailed, with stunning landscapes, lively towns, and historically accurate armor, weapons, and culture. NPCs follow realistic schedules, making the world feel alive.

However, the game is not without flaws. Its complexity can be overwhelming, especially at the start, and the combat system, while realistic, can feel clunky at times. Bugs and performance issues were a problem at launch, though many have been fixed. Despite this, the depth and realism make it one of the most engaging RPGs I have played. It is not for everyone, but if you love deep storytelling, challenging gameplay, and historical settings, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an unforgettable experience.

Not fun to fight, but has a good world to explore (i couldn't explore much because when it crashes no saves end up getting bored of doing same things over and over)

This game is very good until there is more than one enemy then it just falls apart cause of the dog water combat locking which doesn't allow you to switch enemies unless they are directly in front of you. Everything in this game is slow so don't play it if you value your time.

I like the game, but it is too punishing for casual players. I couldnt play for a while and now I loaded up a savegame and i get beaten down because the combat system is painful realistic. Sucks to have to load a savegame way earlier to learn how to fight / block again. It feels like to much of an investment for me. Overall i really like the gameplay and atmosphere. Makes me very sad.

One of the best and most immersive RPG's to come out in a very long time. Game is very frustrating and hard at the beginning but slowly becomes easier. Great story and fun twists, plus the game is expanded with DLCs.

There needs to be more games like this. Historical Adventure RPG. Beautiful graphics. Great music. Great storytelling based on actual history. Great, memorable characters. And yes, while it's true the gameplay can be a bit wonky and buggy, it's certainly not the worst and you get used to it as you play a bit longer. It would be great if those buggy mechanics were fixed, but it didn't really intervene with my personal enjoyment of the game or stop me from playing it. The game was too rich and immersive an experience to quit.

This game can definitely be a bit challenging, as a warning for players not looking for much difficulty in a game. Otherwise, it's very exciting and so much to keep you busy with. There so much love and level of detail in this game. The world design in the historic setting was stunning and really compelling. Landscapes are intricately crafted. Villages were detailed and vibrant. Overall, I really enjoyed the richness of this game. You can get lost in it.

This game is by far the most amazing single player experience I've played since Skyrim and Fallout4. Draws you in the realism of the historical world. Engaging experience. Well worth playing. My best advice is to practice and get familiar with combat with the trainer in game. Captain Robard will let you practice as long as it takes.

SCORE: 8.5

I feel quite hungry for Kingdom Come Deliverance II !

Remember Oblivion? Not the gameplay, not the plot, but the feeling you had when you first got out of the sewer. This is the first real rpg in a long time who reminds me of this.

When it comes to open-world RPGs, few games have ever captured my attention the way Kingdom Come: Deliverance has. From the moment I stepped into the medieval world of 15th-century Bohemia, I knew this game was something special. It’s more than just a game; it’s an experience, a journey into the past that feels authentic, challenging, and deeply rewarding.

A World That Feels Alive
The level of detail in Kingdom Come: Deliverance is astonishing. From the rolling countryside dotted with villages to the bustling towns filled with tradesmen and peasants, every location feels alive and carefully crafted. The game’s environments are stunning, and the meticulous recreation of medieval Bohemia makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a living history book. Whether it’s the chirping of birds in the forest or the distant bells of a church in the morning, the atmosphere is immersive to the point where you forget you’re playing a game.

A Story That Resonates
The narrative of Kingdom Come: Deliverance is deeply personal and refreshingly human. You play as Henry, the son of a blacksmith, who is thrust into a world of conflict after his village is brutally attacked. What sets the story apart is how grounded it feels. Henry isn’t some chosen hero destined to save the world; he’s just a young man trying to survive, seek justice, and find his place in a world torn apart by war. The characters you meet along the way are nuanced, with their own motivations and flaws, making every interaction feel meaningful.

Challenging and Rewarding Gameplay
One of the most impressive aspects of the game is its commitment to realism. Combat, for example, isn’t about spamming attacks or flashy combos. It’s strategic, skill-based, and incredibly satisfying once you master it. The learning curve might feel steep at first, but that’s part of the charm. Whether it’s sword fighting, archery, or learning alchemy, every skill requires practice and patience, which makes progression feel earned.

The game’s focus on survival mechanics adds another layer of realism. You’ll need to eat, sleep, and maintain your gear to survive, which might sound tedious but actually enhances the immersion. These systems aren’t there to frustrate but to ground you in the world and make every decision matter.

Stunning Attention to Detail
The level of historical accuracy in this game is unparalleled. From the architecture of castles and villages to the clothing and weapons, everything feels authentic. Even the language and dialogue reflect the era, with a mix of wit, crudeness, and formality that fits the time period. This attention to detail extends to quests as well, many of which are inspired by real historical events.

A Few Hiccups, But Nothing Major
It’s worth mentioning that Kingdom Come: Deliverance isn’t without its flaws. The game launched with some technical issues, but most of them have been ironed out over time. Occasionally, you might encounter minor bugs or performance hiccups, but they’re far from game-breaking and don’t detract from the overall experience.

Why It’s Worth Your Time
What makes Kingdom Come: Deliverance stand out is its commitment to authenticity and its ability to transport you to a time and place few games dare to explore. It’s not a power fantasy or a casual adventure—it’s a rich, demanding, and ultimately rewarding experience that respects your time and intelligence.

If you’re a fan of history, RPGs, or just love a good story, this game is an absolute must-play. It’s rare to find a game with such heart, ambition, and attention to detail. Kingdom Come: Deliverance isn’t just a game; it’s a journey you’ll remember long after the credits roll.

There is a lot of missed QoL potential in this game that mods can mostly fix. Saving only if you have a specific item for instance or a random minigame for a pickpocketing system. Combat on the other hand ends up being a boring, tedious nightmare of clunky controls, odd mechanic choices and enemy AI just overwhelming you with back to back 5 hit combos before you've even learned to properly use the combat system. Most things I've read about the combat being fine mainly just cheese all the fights with a bow or turtle up and use master strikes while running backwards, so no real playstyle variety there. There is no real big overhaul combat mod either. I get that they want the MC to feel bad at everything before feeling good and you also get to experience that as a player.

Fantastic game, well worth your time and money. Jesus Christ be praised!

The combat is just terrible. An arrow to neck should kill someone. 7 arrows later and the guy surrenders and sprints off into the woods. I understand this game wants to be challenging but they've made the combat almost impossible. I'm on some mission where I am to assassinate some bandit camp leader. The guards send an untrained boy alone to kill 7 men? I don't think so. I was having a blast until now.

Good: graphics, sandbox world, dialogue, ambience.
Bad: awkward melee combat and occasional bugs.

The melee lock-on gives you a kind of movement-based tunnel vision, forcing you to focus on a specific enemy and ignore other enemies next to them. Switching between targets is awkward. If you lock onto an enemy on your left it is near impossible to block enemies attacking from your right. The enemies could be next to each other but fighting both is very awkward. The lock-on system becomes an obstacle to fluid combat between many enemies.

The melee movements are more complex than Skyrim but not as free and fluid as Chivalry: Medieval Warfare or Mordhau. In the latter games you can swing and stab wherever you want, In Kingdom Come Deliverance the lock-on drags your focus toward specific enemies. It's very awkward.

After many tries in a story mission I gave up. Friendly soldiers marched to their deaths regardless of what I did, causing the mission to end over and over. The awkward melee system didn't help

I'm going to try the sequel because it's probably much better than this.

Role playing at it's best. I'm not sure how I missed KCD when it first came out, perhaps it was a crowded year.

The lead writer for both Mafia 1 & 2 also lead the writing here; and it's fantastic. Every side quest as full dialogue with unique writing, I found myself completing every side quest I found simply to see how the stories would resolve. (And there's often multiple ways to accomplish tasks via stealth and thievery, speech checks or violence.

I found the 1 vs 1 combat quite enjoyable, but the camera gets pretty crazy to control when you're fighting more than one opponent. This and the sometimes janky movement are the two biggest critiques I have of the game.

Progression is well done, you can level all your combat and non-combat skills up by using them. You'll gain passive competency and every few levels you'll also be able to select perks which are pretty impactful. You'll also start with no weapons or armor, but eventually start scavenging, stealing or purchasing upgrades that make a substantial impact on your ability to survive combat, so you'll be progressing your gear as well as your skills through about 75% of the campaign.

I had one or two crashes in my playthrough, but otherwise no game-breaking bugs, and performance was great on a 3080 TI running at max settings on super ultrawide resolution.

Fans of The Witcher series should not sleep on this one, and I'm enthusiastically looking forward to the sequel. Well done Warhorse!

Polish language at the end.

I've had enough. I've tried this game 4 times and on the last one I'm out at the end of the main storyline. And I'm saying this from the perspective of someone who loves RPGs, loves this atmosphere and doesn't give up at the first obstacle.

I understand how unique this title is, how good the idea was for itself and I appreciate that.

But...

There's a difference between acceptable mistakes and constantly cutting yourself on incorrect markers, journal entries, not working scripts, and that's in a game that premiered 7 years ago!

There's a difference between realism and lack of respect for the player's time.
Brilliant alchemy that you get tired of after few potions but have to keep doing it manually because the perk that automates it is hidden behind a high level of skill that you don't need.
Completing side quests is devoid of any sense because there's no reward.
Running around after simple tasks (without reward) all over the map. You start in X, go talk to Y, then Z and return to X to go to Y again. And all this with the idea (good) of slow travel, hunger and sleep.

Great assumptions, but design is ill-considered.

A lot of useless skills.
A very good and pleasant idea for combat that was shallowed and botched with useless skills. Did you learn a new combo? Forget that you'll use it. After one of the updates, the only thing that works in combat is perfect defense with a counterattack. No combo lands even on a wounded enemy.

DLC-s. Boring DLC ​​with Teresa. Repetitive, boring and very simple tournament. Your own estate thrown at the edge of the map, where, as I remind you, travel is not in one click. Who came up with that anyway?

I really understand the phenomenon of this game and I like it too, but the gameplay effectively discouraged me until the moment when I told myself that I would just do the main storyline. But I didn't even get through that because of the bugs.

Probably my biggest disappointment in gaming history. I have no idea what I'm going to do with KCD2.

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Mam dosyć. Podchodziłem do tej gry 4 razy i przy ostatnim odpadam pod koniec głównej linii. I mówię to z perspektywy osoby która uwielbia RPG, uwielbia ten klimat i nie poddaje się przy pierwszej lepszej przeszkodzie.

Rozumiem jak unikalny jest to tytuł, jak dobry miał pomysł na siebie i to doceniam.

Ale...

Jest różnica pomiędzy akceptowalnymi błędami, a nagminnym nacinaniem się na błędnych znacznikach, wpisach w dzienniku, niezałączaniu skryptów i to w grze która miała premierę 7 lat temu!

Jest różnica pomiędzy realizmem a brakiem szacunku do czasu gracza.
Bezsensowne bieganie za postaciami które chodzą.
Genialna alchemia której masz dosyć po którejś miksturze ale musisz dalej ręcznie je robić bo perk ją automatyzujący jest ukryty za wysokim poziomem umiejętności której nie potrzebujesz.
Wykonywanie zadań pobocznych pozbawione jakiegokolwiek sensu bo nie ma żadnej nagrody.
Latanie za prostymi zadaniami (bez nagrody) po całej mapie. Zaczynasz w X, idziesz pogadać z Y, potem Z i wracasz do X żeby znów iść do Y. I to wszystko przy pomyśle (dobrym) wolnej podróży, głodu i snu.
Założenia świetne, projekt już nieprzemyślany.
Masa bezużytecznych umiejętności.
Bardzo dobry i przyjemny pomysł na walkę który został spłycony i sknocony bezużytecznymi umiejętnościami. Nauczyłeś się nowego kombosa? Zapomnij, że go użyjesz. Po jednej z aktualizacji jedyne co w walce działa to perfekcyjna obrona z kontratakiem. Żaden kombos nie ląduje nawet na zranionym wrogu.

Dodatki. Nudne DLC z Teresą. Powtarzalny, nudny i bardzo prosty turniej. Własna posiadłość wrzucona przy krawędzi mapy, gdzie przypominam podróż nie jest jednym kliknięciemi. Kto w ogólne na to wpadł?

Naprawdę rozumiem fenomen tej gry i również mi się podoba, ale rozgrywka mnie skutecznie zniechęcała do momentu w którym powiedziałem sobie, że zrobię po prostu główny wątek. Ale i nawet przez to nie przebrnąłem ze względu na błędy.

Chyba mój największy zawód w historii gier. Nie mam pojęcia co zrobię z KCD2.

I'm not giving you that much!
Great game honestly, the story is pretty cool and the combat although challenging is rewarding.
Definitely recommend trying out before KCD2 comes out.

this game is a banger but I sadly never got to finishing it because of how main story quests affect the in-game world. There is so much side content and quests in this game but as you progress the main story you automatically fail or are locked out of most if not all of it pressuring you into the dreary task of finishing all the side content which makes it easy to lose interest in the game. 8/10. Great at the start to halfway through but slowly becomes a drag.

I nearly gave up on it halfway through.
That combat really is donkey balls. Nearly everything else about the game is great.
It's amusing watching your character go from being beaten up by the local bully and go crying to your mother to a fully fledged knight.
Albeit a knight in patchwork and mix and match armour
Also some of the quests are timed or fail if you do a story mission and the game won't tell you which they are until its too late besides that it's really good.

My Experience with Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Let me just start by saying this: Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a fucking masterpiece. This game had me hooked from start to finish, and even now, it’s hard for me to move on to something else because of the impact it left on me. Here’s my take on the game, DLCs included, and the overall experience.

The Gameplay – Realism Done Right
The gameplay in Kingdom Come is insane. It’s not your typical medieval hack-and-slash; it’s hardcore, and I love it for that. The combat system is skill-based, challenging, and makes you feel like you’re actually in the middle of a fight. Learning to time your swings, blocks, and parries felt so rewarding. Sure, it’s brutal at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s so satisfying.

Exploration – The Heart of the Game
The world is fucking amazing. Whether it’s the peaceful countryside during the day or the eerie silence at night, the atmosphere is on another level. I’d find myself wandering aimlessly, just enjoying the sights, stumbling upon random events or hidden treasures. And the attention to detail? Next-level. From bustling towns to quiet forests, every corner of the map feels alive.

Immersion – Living the Life of Henry
This is hands down one of the most immersive games I’ve ever played. The way NPCs go about their daily routines, how weather affects your surroundings, and even how you need to maintain your weapons and armor—it all pulls you in. Speaking of armor, the gear system is just brilliant. You can mix and match pieces to create your own look, balancing style and protection. Fashion and function—it’s all there.

Activities – So Much to Do
The game offers so much more than just combat and quests. You can go hunting, play dice, pickpocket unsuspecting NPCs, brew potions like a medieval alchemist, or just chill and explore. There’s always something to do, and none of it feels forced. It’s all about how you want to play.

The DLCs – Expanding the Adventure
A Woman’s Lot – Theresa’s Perspective
This DLC made me fall in love with Theresa. Seeing Skalitz from her POV during the attack was insane—it gave me a new appreciation for her character. Playing as her felt fresh and emotional, and it added so much depth to her story.

A Woman’s Lot – Johanka’s Story
The second part of this DLC was a wild ride. It was absurd yet so deep, and the emotional weight of it really hit me. By the end, I found myself reflecting on how even the smallest decisions can have massive impacts. It’s a heavy DLC, but I loved every moment of it.

The Amorous Adventures of Hans Capon
This one was pure fun. Hans Capon is such a hilarious character, and helping him with his romantic misadventures had me cracking up. It’s a lighthearted break from the more serious main game, and it was a blast to play.

Band of Bastards – Great Start, Weak Finish
I was so hyped for this DLC, and for the most part, it delivered. Riding with a band of mercenaries, getting into fights, and building camaraderie—it was awesome. But then it just… ended. No closure, no final conversations with the band, nothing. The abrupt ending felt like a slap in the face. It had so much potential, but the lack of a proper conclusion ruined it for me.

The Downsides
While I loved the game, it’s not perfect. There were some texture loading issues, and I ran into a few bugs where I couldn’t find certain items for quests and had to reload. It’s nothing game-breaking, but it’s still worth mentioning.

Final Thoughts
Kingdom Come: Deliverance isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. From the challenging gameplay to the incredible exploration and the immersive world, it’s a journey I won’t forget. Sure, there are a few issues here and there, but they’re small compared to how much this game gets right. If you haven’t played it yet, you’re missing out. For me, it’s easily a 9/10. It’s a masterpiece, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this series.

Worst combat system I've ever seen in this genre of games, It feels so slow and sluggish.

I have invested more than a 100 hours on my first play through on console before I eventually moved to PC and started my second play though that just consisted of main quests just to refresh my memory in preparation for the sequel.

This game for me, is my second favourite game of all time tightly behind Fallout:New Vegas.

I rank KC:D so highly due to its ability to build on many facets of a traditional RPG.
The story that has fantastic pacing as well as good character building that rewards many characters with their own respective arcs whether they are redeeming or tragic.
The Environment that is never ending with how beautiful it looks and the many activities it offers
The combat with the steep learning curve that leaves you satisfied when you beat a cuman.

The game leaves you wondering where the hours of the day went with the amount of content that it offers making it the Perfect RPG for me.

10/10, Would replay every time I have more than 100 hours to waste doing everything from side missions to activities.

Henry has come to see us!

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a truly memorable experience for history enthusiasts, fans of realistic RPGs, or anyone looking for something unique. This title is a must-play, offering not only entertainment but also knowledge and inspiration, transporting you to one of the most fascinating periods in human history.

The commitment to realism in this game is simply fantastic. From the detailed systems of combat, stealth, and survival, every element is designed to present challenges that truly make you feel part of that medieval world.

The combat system is undoubtedly one of the most impressive highlights. Inspired by real medieval fencing techniques, it is technical, strategic, and incredibly rewarding to master. Few games manage to create such an immersive and innovative experience, making every battle feel unique and engaging.

If you value realism, depth, and a captivating narrative, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an experience you shouldn't miss!

Hooooo boy, where to start? After The Witcher 3 in 2015, I thought it would be at least a decade for another game to come close, but this one... It may seem redundant to compare the two games as It's wholy different, but it's also the same in many ways. The Witcher immerses you totally into its world and Kingdom Come does exactly the same. The Witcher tells various stories as you traverse the world that hold your interest at all times, the same thing here.

There are many differences, of course. It's not fantasy, for a start. You play as the wimpy Henry and build him up both physically and intellectually. You grow attached to him in a way that I was never with Geralt. The combat system is far more interesting and competent than the witcher with many more options for your own play style.

In short, highly recommended. Can't wait to see what they come up with to continue this incredible adventure.

Love this game even now in 2025

Easy archery/drinking guide

There are 2 animations for the bow sway. Both will line up on the same spot so it works with both animations

Do not get the “contemplative” perk yet
Get the “wine bibber” perk when you can

1. Complete the story enough to unlock the combat arena/archery range in Rattay
2. Enroll in an advanced archery contest
3. When the contest starts put your bow away and the aiming reticle will appear
4. Aim the reticle at the 2 ring centered on the target, closer to the 1 ring than the bullseye
5. Equip your bow without moving yourself or the mouse
(If aimed at the right spot you should only have to draw and release without aiming)
6. Draw bow to max pull, the sway animation will move the bow to the left or right, but either way Henry do a small loop and at the end of that loop in the animation the arrow should be aiming at bullseye

If you time your release correctly you shouldn’t have to aim at all for the rest of the contest, draw, wait for the animation to line you up, release, repeat

This works at level 1 and WAAAAAY faster than hunting rabbits

As for the drinking, as long as you don’t have the contemplative perk you will get hungry during the archery contests, if you’re doing it correctly you should be pulling +60 per contest, use the winnings to buy wine to drink between contests, and even if slightly drunk follow the same steps and he should still hit the bullseye

I was able to finally get it working so I can play through this game in the hope of the coming of the second one. But I had such frustration and so many things to try and get it working that nobody should have to jump through that many hoops.

I was getting 5fps in cutscenes but then 120+ in the rest of the game, I made so many changes and game restarts to finally get it working now, There is something fundamentally wrong with a game that has bad optimization and the developers don't care enough to fix it.

Overall this game is really hackey but it is endearing. As you can see by my playtime I played it a long time ago, and am now coming back to it and its like a whole new game again. It is charming but also not the most polished. I hope the second game will be better at all of the above.

For the moment, I am enjoying the quirkiness and haven't run into any major gameplay issues yet.

Firstly, as of 1/11/25 - I'm not finished with the game, but on the next to next to last missions.

Secondly, this is like my 3rd or 4th attempt to play and finish this game. The first 2-3 attempts ended in frustration and disgust. Last attempt was around mid 2024 lasting 5 mins loading a previous save game and hating it and before that was when I left that same save game in 2018.

So it took me about 6 - 6 1/2 years to get back to (maybe/hopefully) finishing this game. I only did it because I had no idea KCD 2 was coming out and learned that like a week ago. Feeling like I should try yet again, I decided to fire it up and start anew. Here's my thoughts.

1) MODS. They are a must have. Thank goodness I decided to play this game 7 years after it was released. All the mods saved me from quitting again. Especially save-anytime mod. I don't care what you say - I'd hate worrying about save schnapps when I need to leave my PC but can't save because of that sillyness. Also mods for a bunch of other QoL things just make this game better. Additionally, so do all the graphical looking and performance mods.

2) WIKIS. In 2018, when this released, there was no helping a lost soul on a poorly designed quest. That's what eventually broke me in 2018 when I first quit. I was 66% through the game and couldn't understand what to do. Especially when the quest has to do with day/night timings or scripted things. There was the possibility it bugged out and you just didn't know if you were the error or the game was. The quests can be rough and at least now I could see if it was me or the game and see if i could correct it to continue on.

3) COMBAT. I decided to master the combat this time - not run away from embracing it like the bi**h I was in 2018. I took my time, learned how to master parry/smack your face and the game is rofl easy now. I'm no gaming master, but to prove my point, in this run I fought and beat the master trainer near Rattay with just a longsword and no clothes at all on in a 'real' weapon fight. I got hit once and master blocked him until he cried.

4) NOT SKIPPING CUTSCENES. Yes, I was impatient in 2018. This time I decided not to get irrated with the endless "find this guy who has a task for you to do before you can get an answer from him , but of course the task he gives you is to find a guy....who will have a task for you to do before he gives you an answer....' and so on. The story and amount of side / minor characters gets silly but I stuck with it (mostly) by embracing the videos.

5). SKIPPING SIDE QUESTS. Unless I was just super excited to do one, I just want to finish the game. The side quests do nothing for you really. Unlike other RPGs where you need those to build up XP, in this game you really don't need any XP and money flows like water. If you need XP, you just fight the weapon master guy at Rattay and get every important skill leveled.

The game is ambitious. It's very pretty (mostly) and the timeframe and immersion into the world is truly outstanding. However, it's full of flaws. Many bugged quests, I had crashes on a siege twice (had to lower graphcis and re-verify my files). The game play is both brilliant and wonky at the same time. Day / night cycles are cool - until they aren't. Shop keepers opening/closing is realistic , standing in one spot burning 12 hours until they re-open and restock money so you can sell more stuff or buy more potions is dumb. Money is hard until you get about 100 gold, then suddenly you go from 100g to 10k easy. Once you can beat a guy with armor , you suddenly are rich. Money becomes no object and I ignore haggling because why bother? I'm rich. Food/hunger/energy is a drag. It's just annoying. Get a mod. Fast travel is ...well, slow. With interruptions. Why? Quests are constantly updating on my screen even if I don't care about them (how many times when I get food in my inventory do I need to see I have x/y amount for so-and-so's quest?). Some quests are hard scripted (all the battles) where you are useless and forced to complete many in a row in some cases.

Bottom line is the game just makes things awkward. It's got an amazing outer coat of beauty, interesting setting and (ok-ish) story, with fine attention to details and the allure of a fleshed out immersive world. Until you dig just a little deeper and you realize - it's a 2018 game. It's not magic. In fact, it's broke in a lot of spots. I think in 2018 it was broke-unfun/quit for me and in 2025 my mindset going in was fresh and better and now it's broke-quirky fun this time instead.

In conclusion, I have looked forward to this playthough however, in spite of those negatives and I've been enjoying it as the ability to mod/fight/follow the story as made for a more well rounded experience. Couple that with this time I knew what I was getting into first - a game that requires patience and an investment. This time I put something into this game and in return it's given me an enjoyable experience.

However, one thing this experience taught me is that - I will in no way be purchasing KCD 2 on release! LOL. (unless I cave hard but hope not to). This , (similar to games by another developer - owlcat) feel like it needs a lot of simmering and baking (and mods and wikis and patches!) before it's even remotely worth. I know the hype will be real but I'm not falling for another Cyberpunk 2077.

I like this game, mostly.....now....7 years later with a lot of help/updates/mods and a refocused mind set.

I look forward to giving KCD 2 a try and maybe even a review - - - in about 7 years.

See you then (maybe).

EDIT: Finished the game! The end was ....a slog. Lot's of awkward time killing quests, more running around the map, and awkward little skirmishes where you don't need to fight at all. Meh. Ending was mixed bag - like the whole game. Over ambitious, excelling in some areas, failing in others. Hopefully KCD 2 is an all around step up. We'll find out - - - in 7 years.

The movement feels clunky, controls suck, battle system sucks. At start of game it is on rails which, errr, sucks. The game doesn't teach you the battle mechanics properly. I found it a very difficult game to play because of all this. The menu is weird. i found myself bored after 6 hours and gave up. I'm used to Bethesda RPG games, can play those games on highest difficulty, this game is not that.

The game itself has a lot of atmosphere, fun dialog, and a decent open world. The biggest flaw is the experience as far as the mechanics go. The "hands on" interactions the game offers with alchemy, lockpicking, and stuff is pretty well done and gives you a feel of progression and challenge (compared to say lockpicking in Bethesda games.) There is a nice element of time spent = rewarding skill and the task becomes easier with skill. Learning to read was really neat too as the books became more and more "legible" with skills.

Where did the game lose me? The combat.
They decided to be ambitious and make the game realistic and added an interface where you can swing the mouse to select which direction you want to swing from. Really cool stuff. Except: the enemy blocks like 99% of what you throw at him, he loses like 1% of his stamina. If he does the same to you, even if you perfect block he somehow manages to get his sword up and block your next attack anyway. Then when he attacks at you and you defend your stamina gets depleted like crazy. Now all of a sudden Henry is wheezing for air. Stamina influences how much damage you soak. Basically henry gets exhausted and the enemy has a field day pummeling him with little damage mit if any. This doesn't apply in reverse, if I pummel an enemy and he constantly blocks - he doesn't get winded. Instead - I get winded and he just has like zero stamina loss so he can swing 4-5 times no problem while I don't have enough energy to protect myself. Stepping aside is an option - they teach you this in the sword training, except one problem: it never ******** works. Maybe 1 out of 10 times I try it my character just jumps in the air and sideways and gets swiped at instead of a rapid side-step animation, I tried locking the combat with caps lock so I don't accidentally move off the enemy - still doesn't work 90% of the time. The controls are complete jank.

So ok fighting one person is hard enough. But the game itself decides "hey time for your first story quest - why don't you investigate this crime (no spoilers.)" Great, good stuff. Except I end up solo fighting 2-3 bandits on average. Unfortunately these bandits are apparently reknowned sword masters as they require a ton of effort, or glitching the game like having a few get stuck on a tree to survive. Otherwise what happens is they approach me, my camera swings wildly between the nearest enemy and the one next to him goes to town on my character while I'm distracted. If I could like "stun" an enemy and fight the other one, that would work great. But again - they have endless stamina so it never happens enough. They don't back off either until they're one stroke away from death, so taking one out isn't a huge victory since it took almost your full effort to do so and you're weak for the next one. Git gud? Sure, did that in my first play through - but why did the dev decide I should go from a peasant in a fighting ring against a knight trainer to fighting two on one, or three on one, or whatever? The progression wasn't there, they needed to pace it better. You literally get sent against impossiblish odds right from the start with a ton of trial and error learning and no room for mistakes. Ok, so save scum- but wait:

Quicksaving requires consumables, stupid design for a game that has so many easily made failures. I'm not kidding either, get into a sword fight, watch how fast you die and how even a shitty bandit is some kind of swordsman expert. Pick a lock? worlds slowest process - of course someone walks in because you spent 2 minutes stuck in an animation of him unlocking the chest, then standing up again for some reason - like why do I have to reclick the chest to loot it, shouldn't it just automatically let me access it - I didn't pick it for fun. Pickpocket someone in their sleep, oh my god magically they woke up! Not even a hint of "stirring in their slumber" just turn and "hey you're stealing!" Like the early progression is so punishing it's discouraging, and without the option of a save scum it just makes it really annoying to keep running away or paying bounties/losing your stolen items to level your thieving skills. Like skyrim was similar, sure, but at least you could save scum if the game "janked" out on you. With how much time and effort it takes to train, they really ruined it by using this system. The minigames themselves are fine, I honestly have no complaints about lockpick or pick pocket mechanics from a controls perspective, but there's just so much RnG/jank that it sucks.

Navigation? you can fast travel, good stuff - sometimes you get ambushed. Lets say you want to travel by horse? You get stuck on bushes - it's really stupid, like what could be pushed through is like a block wall in this game, and the horse jumping is clunky so it's a pain if you wanted to try and jump it. The hunting is stupid - the rabbits are ridiculously slow moving but the archery system has no reticule and you can't pick up your missed shots so you end up wasting arrows trying to fluke and hit the target. Deer are fast and hard to hit (ironically compared to a small hare).

Essentially it's an awesome game with a really crappy story flow, janky controls, BS combat, and a lot of cool mini games. I can't recommend it, even the story was boring as hell even if it was a history lesson. Also the graphics kind of suck: Henry looks like a deer in the headlights in every convo, the spoken dialog and writing is good but my god is it dated looking for facial expressions and animations. It's pure clunk.

Hopefully KCD2 somehow fixes these issues. But don't buy this one unless it's *really* cheap, it's an epic-scope game with too many issues to make it effective and worth the money.