In “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2”, Hardcore Mode offers a more immersive and tougher adventure compared to the normal difficulty, by introducing new mechanisms while eliminating certain conveniences such as the map and some HUD details. This transformation substantially amplifies Henry’s challenge since many of the resources that facilitate progression in standard gameplay are no longer accessible.
If you’re a player considering giving Hardcore Mode a go, here are some vital points about the modifications that come with this level of difficulty: This data will help guide you as you venture through the game, navigate the map, and endure this challenging take on the RPG experience.
What Are The Differences Between Hardcore Mode And Normal Difficulty In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?
As a devoted player, I must confess that while Normal Difficulty offers an engaging challenge, Hardcore Mode truly pushes the boundaries. It maintains the essence of familiar elements such as combat, yet prolongs their difficulty level. Over time, players may adapt to these tougher mechanics, but the consequences of errors in Hardcore Mode are significantly harsher.
Players Must Choose Three Negative Perks Right At The Start
One distinct feature of Hardcore Mode in “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” carries over from the original game, where players are required to pick disadvantages or “negative perks” right at the start when they begin a new save on this difficulty level. In this installment, gamers must choose at least three penalties that will impact Henry throughout the entire narrative, setting the tone for a challenging and immersive experience.
These disadvantages come in different forms, with some being as straightforward as the “Menace” trait, which ensures Henry’s crimes remain permanent without interfering with players aiming for a crime-free, lawful experience. On the other hand, there’s the “Punchable Face,” which amplifies the damage players sustain during fights. Selecting these perks plays a crucial role in tailoring the difficulty level and determining the severity of the Hardcore Mode within the game Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Perk | Summary |
---|---|
Bad Back | Halves carrying capacity and may cause hobbling when picking herbs or mushrooms. |
Bashful | Prevents asking for directions, slows Speech XP gain by 20%, and restricts access to full bathhouse services. |
Hangry Henry | Hunger lowers social stats, food restores 50% less, and digestion speeds up by 25%. |
Heavy-Footed | Starts with 25 noise and causes shoes to wear out twice as fast. |
Menace | Crimes leave permanent marks, repeated offenses lead to execution, and guards become harsher. |
Numbskull | Experience is gained 40% slower. |
Picky Eater | Food spoils 25% faster, and animals yield only 25% of the usual resources. |
Punchable Face | Enemies are tougher and deliver 10% more damage, scaling with their skill. |
Somnabulant | Rest depletes 40% faster and sleepwalking may inadvertently move Henry. |
Sweaty | Clothes get dirty faster, and Henry’s stench makes stealth much harder. |
There Is No Fast Travel In Hardcore Mode

In the sequel of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, traveling quickly across the game map is restricted even at normal difficulty, with only select spots serving as fast-travel destinations. On Hardcore Mode, this quick-travel feature is entirely absent, meaning you must journey throughout the expansive landscape on foot instead.
To facilitate smoother travel, it’s highly recommended that you focus on acquiring a swift horse, as it significantly enhances speed and eases the burden of lengthy trips. Occasionally, you may hitch a ride on passing wagons in villages, but keep in mind that their routes might not always align with your specific plans.
Locating Yourself On The Map Is A Difficult Task

In Hardcore Mode, while you can use the map, it doesn’t show Henry’s precise position, making navigation more challenging. This can lead to confusion, especially for those not accustomed to Troskowitz and Kuttenberg regions. Be extra careful when venturing into dense forests or areas with less detail as they may pose additional navigational difficulties.
Fortunately, the developers have provided several ways to help you get your bearings:
- Ask NPCs for Directions: NPCs can mark Henry’s current location on the map.
- Use Landmarks: Orient yourself by comparing the local environment to the landmarks shown on the map.
- Discover New Points of Interest: Each time you find a new point of interest, it gets marked on the map, offering you a rough idea of your location.
If Henry has the Bashful perk, the ask for directions feature won’t be available.
Players Have Less Information During Combat

In the sequel to Kingdom Come: Deliverance, battles in Hardcore Mode receive some subtle adjustments. One alteration involves enemies exhibiting heightened aggression when attacking Henry, reducing the player’s time for defense or strategic planning. Another change includes the omission of attack direction indicators, making it challenging to determine the origin of attacks.
Due to its design, battles in Hardcore Mode demand a more strategic approach rather than an impulsive one. Adapting to the reduced information available in this challenging mode requires patience, as players need to meticulously position Henry’s weapons and closely observe enemy actions before making a move.
The HUD Provides Less Information

In the challenging “Hardcore Mode” of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, information delivery is kept to a bare minimum. This means that on-map guidance like Henry’s location and combat directions disappears, and it also eliminates crucial heads-up display (HUD) elements, such as Henry’s health and stamina levels during combat situations.
Consequently, players in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 need to pay closer attention to the visual indicators and be more mindful when handling the critical resources. Neglecting these aspects might lead a player to assume Henry is prepared for battle against bandits, but discover mid-fight that he was actually unprepared.
Compass Is Less Useful
In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s Hardcore Mode, although the compass stays at the top of the screen, it offers significantly less guidance to players. For example, a significant change is the absence of cardinal directions, making it challenging to discern Henry’s direction during travel across the map.
As a player, I’ve found an interesting twist: landmarks are only clearly indicated on my map and compass when I’m quite close to them. This means that while the compass may seem less challenging due to reduced functions, it still proves useful in specific situations, such as in villages where shops and marked locations serve as helpful navigation aids.
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2025-04-17 07:35