"Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2" will introduce its Hardcore Mode on April 15. According to reports, this is the second free DLC from Warhorse Studio, ahead of their planned paid DLC release later this year.
Hardcore mode was a fan favorite in the original “Kingdom Come: Deliverance,” and its return in the sequel has many players eagerly awaiting its release. Soon, players will be able to take on greater challenges in the new hardcore mode, featuring permadeath and other new hardcore elements. Compared to its predecessor, “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” already presents a significant learning curve, and the addition of hardcore mode will undoubtedly make the game even more challenging.
For players seeking a truly demanding experience, “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” introduces its Hardcore mode, significantly ramping up the challenge. At the heart of this intensified difficulty are the unique “hardcore traits” players must grapple with from the very beginning of their journey.
Upon starting a new Hardcore game, you’re faced with a crucial decision: selecting three of these special traits. Each one is designed to impose a specific, often quite punishing, negative effect on your character, Henry. These aren’t just simple stat reductions; they introduce persistent challenges that require you to fundamentally alter your approach to the game world.
The developers have often infused these traits with a touch of dark humor, perhaps making light of the very real difficulties they present within the game’s simulation. What makes them truly impactful is their permanence – once chosen, these penalties are irrevocably tied to Henry, forcing you to live with their consequences throughout your entire playthrough.
This system compellingly pushes players to adapt their strategies, think more carefully about every decision, and approach the harsh realities of 15th-century Bohemia with heightened caution. It’s a test of resilience and ingenuity. Trying to ignore these built-in disadvantages is simply not an option; the mode is designed such that failure becomes an inevitable outcome if you don’t learn to navigate the world with these new burdens. Hardcore mode, through these traits, aims to make your journey feel earned, challenging you to overcome not just external foes, but Henry’s own inherent limitations.
Beyond these traits, hardcore mode in “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” eliminates fast travel and disables auto-save features. Both in-combat and out-of-combat user interfaces (UI) are significantly simplified, removing health and stamina bars entirely. Additionally, Henry’s position on the map won’t be shown, nor will the compass provide basic directions.
The development team advises newcomers to try “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” on a lower difficulty level before diving into hardcore mode. Many players struggle initially as they need to grasp numerous systems and mechanics. Even if players don’t intend to finish “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” first, getting acquainted with part of the game can make tackling hardcore mode’s challenges more manageable.
Klaudia