Beginner Guide for Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

As an eager fan, I’m excited to share some valuable insights on mastering the challenging new Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Dive into our comprehensive Beginner Guide, where you’ll find essential tips and techniques to aid your journey through navigation, progression, and exploration. Let these secrets empower your gaming experience!

Beginning as a novice in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 can leave you feeling lost about where to travel, what items to gather, and so forth. Initially, the game will offer guidance and teach you its mechanics, but it may still leave you uncertain about which skills to prioritize first, given that your equipment, abilities, and skills greatly influence your gameplay style. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to start off on the right foot to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Adopting a cautious approach will keep you out of harm’s way, and this also impacts your primary attributes positively. Enhancing these main stats helps shape your character’s power, agility, and wisdom – all vital for navigating the world of KCD2.

In the revamped Hardcore Mode of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, things become notably more challenging than the standard difficulty. Unlike the regular mode, many game features will be disabled, making exploration and combat significantly tougher. Additionally, this mode imposes long-lasting penalties to add extra limitations and challenges, forcing players to adapt a new and distinct playstyle. In this guide, we’ll share essential tips and tactics for Hardcore Mode beginners, focusing on strategies that can help you advance through the initial region.

What is the Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?

In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Hardcore Edition stands as the most challenging mode, designed to offer an authentic representation of the harshness and brutality prevalent during medieval times. Commencing a fresh game in this mode will activate several constraints for a more realistic gaming experience. The Hardcore Mode in KCD2 incorporates aspects from its predecessor such as Permadeath, detrimental effects, absence of a compass, and invisibility on the map.

In addition, developers have enhanced the difficulty level of KCD2’s Hardcore Mode with added limitations. Here is a list of modifications players will encounter as they embark on this mode:

* These changes are applicable from the beginning of the Hardcore Mode.

Reduced UI both in and out of combat.
No Health and Stamina Bars.
No Directional Indicators for attacking and defending.
Disabled Fast Travel.
Disabled Auto-Save.
Player position on the map of KCD 2 is not marked.
Compass Does Not Show Cardinal Directions.
Players must choose three negative perks as permanent penalties that will remain throughout the playthrough.

In Bohemia’s Hardcore Mode, players need to pick three challenging traits before embarking on their journey. These traits are persistent disadvantages that stay in effect during gameplay. There are ten such traits available for Hardcore Mode, and you must select three from them. Your choices will significantly impact your playstyle. Be aware, each trait makes certain parts or features of the game more difficult. For example, if stealth is your preference in KCD2, the Heavy-Footed trait would not benefit you at all. It increases the noise your steps make, making it harder for you to move silently.

Best Beginner Tips and Tricks for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Hardcore Mode

In the ‘Hardcore Mode’, players can expect a tougher, less merciful experience compared to the ‘Standard Mode’. This mode demands players to develop a brand new strategy to thrive and advance through the main plot. Traditional navigation tools such as a compass or map will be of limited use in exploration since they don’t display cardinal directions or your character’s location. Instead, you’ll need to rely on your innate sense of direction to locate and reach essential locations scattered across the Trosky and Kuttenberg regions. Additionally, combat becomes more intense, with no indicators showing attack directions. This means players must react quickly based on their opponent’s movements and timing to successfully defend and attack.

Here you’ll find some useful beginner strategies specifically tailored for the challenging Hardcore Mode of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.

These tips and tricks will make your start in the demanding Hardcore Mode of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 a bit smoother.

Play the Game in Standard Mode First and Learn Its Core Mechanics.
Select the Negative Perks Carefully.
Speak with Bara at Troskowitz.
Brew Saviour Schnapps and Marigold Decoctions.
Get the Military Sword or a Better Weapon of Your Preference
Complete the Combat Training to Learn Combos and Master Strike Technique
Don’t Engage in Unnecessary Fights, Especially Against Multiple Enemies.
Always Speak with the Locals for Directions and Your Current Position.
Pursue both Blacksmith and Miller Routes.
Farm Honey at the Beehives for Food.

1. Play the Game in Standard Mode First and Learn Its Core Mechanics

To begin with, I suggest you try out Standard Mode first if you’re a new player. This way, you can familiarize yourself with the game’s key features that set it apart from other RPGs. Spend a few hours exploring fundamental aspects like combat, potion brewing, stealth, takedowns, blacksmithing, persuasion, and more. These core systems will stay consistent in Hardcore Mode, making your gaming experience smoother and more effective later on.

For example, if you extensively train in combat, you’ll become proficient at anticipating attacks and dodging them based on the enemy’s movements without needing Directional Indicators. Without combat training, it’ll be significantly tougher for you to defeat opponents in Hardcore Mode. Additionally, honing your skills in stealth and theft will also benefit you in Hardcore Mode. Familiarize yourself with takedown techniques and remember the time it takes for Indicators to execute a takedown effectively. This will boost your chances of silently taking down enemies without alerting nearby ones.

2. Select the Negative Perks Carefully

To immerse yourself fully in a medieval-like adventure, your initial step should be to choose three detrimental traits for your travel. The game allows you to pick from ten such traits, but if you’re up for a challenge, you can select more or even all of them. Personally, I advise choosing three that align with the playstyle you prefer, as these disadvantages will remain constant throughout your journey and cannot be removed once selected.

Here are the three advantages we believe will be most beneficial for beginners when playing on the Hardcore Mode:

1. Starting with lower-level enemies makes it easier to get accustomed to the game’s mechanics.
2. Fewer lives mean more focus on strategy, which helps beginners learn the game quickly.
3. The slower respawn rate allows players to develop their skills and strategies at a steady pace.

Menace: Once you’re branded for a crime, the effect is permanent, and getting caught for any other serious crime will lead to your execution. What’s more, guards will punish you more severely, and the consequences of these punishments will be more intense. The chance of you being randomly searched is also doubled.
Numbskull: You gain experience 40% slower.
Picky Eater: Your pickiness causes all food in your inventory to spoil 25% faster. When gutting animals, you’re also pickier and get only a quarter of the meat and other items from the animals.

In simpler terms, all the changes you’ll notice are quite small yet they ensure a hassle-free adventure for you. While it might take some time to build up your skills and acquire rewards, you can efficiently accumulate them. If you need assistance in enhancing your skills, there’s an extensive guide available for each significant skill in KCD2 that will make the process smoother. Lastly, I advise you to stick with Honey as your food source throughout the journey since it doesn’t spoil.

3. Speak with Bara at Troskowitz

Once you’ve completed the primary missions in Troskowitz, expect to be on your own. Seek out lady Bara close to the pillory and request her assistance. She’ll share information about where to find decent armor, assign you a Combat Training quest, provide some Groschen, and even a solitary Lockpick. These items may not be extensive, but they’ll offer you a few essentials for your initial journey. Be cautious though, as breaking into local residences and taking their belongings could lead to being caught and creating complications before your real adventure even begins.

4. Brew Saviour Schnapps and Marigold Decoctions

In Troskowitz, it’s advisable to prepare Saviour Schnapps and Marigold Decoctions. The Saviour Schnapps serves as a manual save option since there’s no auto-save in Hardcore Mode. On the other hand, the Marigold Decoction is useful for healing and curing the Hangover effect. Luckily, you can find the necessary herbs for both potions scattered around Troskowitz. Head to the Alchemy Station in Troskowitz, near the Apothecary trader, to begin brewing these concoctions.

“You don’t necessarily need the recipes to make the potions in this game. If you have the right herbs and know how to do it, you can brew them without a recipe. However, if you want to check out how to make specific potions, you can always consult our Recipes Guide in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. And remember, it’s wise to prepare a good stock of potions for your journey ahead as they’ll help keep you alive while exploring and progressing.”

5. Get the Military Sword or a Better Weapon of Your Preference

In King’s Crown 2, having a better weapon is quite essential. A hassle-free method to acquire one without landing in trouble is by heading towards the starting point of the Mutt quest. This location is beyond Bozhena’s hut, and when you arrive at the spot, you’ll come across a vagabond rummaging through a bandit’s corpse. He will demand that you hand over all your possessions to him, but don’t comply. Instead, stand firm, prepare for battle, and engage him in combat. Once you’ve defeated this man, you can loot his belongings to obtain a Military Sword. This enemy isn’t excessively tough, but it’s advisable to have some combat experience under your belt to deal with him smoothly.

As a gamer, I’ve discovered that there are numerous types of weapons to collect, especially if you’re aiming to develop a character with ranged skills. If a Bow piques your interest, here’s an easy way to get one for free in the early game. Head northwest from Troskowitz towards Tachov, and keep an eye out for a small path. Follow this path until you reach a tree with a target. The back side of that tree hides a Dogwood Village Bow! Don’t forget to check the sack next to it; you’ll find arrows, a skill book, and some Marksman’s Kits inside.

6. Complete the Combat Training to Learn Combos and Master Strike Technique

Once you’ve obtained a Military Sword or an appropriate weapon, make your way to Tomcat’s Nomad Camp. Engage him in conversation and request that he instructs you on certain skills. At this location, he will demonstrate two sword combination moves for you. It’s crucial to practice and master these combos as they can aid you in overcoming tough opponents within the initial region.

Once you finish your initial battle training, the next one will commence. But don’t worry about moving on just yet; you’ll need to acquire suitable armor first, as it will help you conquer Tomcat. After successfully overcoming Tomcat, he will instruct you on the Master Strike method – a vital technique for taking down formidable opponents in a duel.

You should advance into the primary narrative to reach Trosky Castle. Upon meeting Von Bergow, you will have opportunities for several missions that reward good quality armor pieces. Complete these tasks and then head over to Tomcat at the Nomad Camp to engage and master the Master Strike. But remember, learn the Master Strike ability prior to starting the For Victory main quest. This is the first critical juncture in the game, as the battle within this mission can be more easily won using the Master Strike technique.

7. Don’t Engage in Unnecessary Fights, Especially Against Multiple Enemies

In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s Hardcore Mode, minimize combat encounters as much as possible, particularly against multiple adversaries. On open roads, if you spot Bandits ahead, opt for off-road detours to bypass conflicts. Engaging in fights is more challenging in Hardcore Mode due to enhanced enemy AI behavior. In group confrontations, enemies tend to cluster together, making it difficult to dodge or block their attacks. Additionally, they may attempt to flank you, so it’s generally safer to steer clear of them throughout your journey.

To truly test your abilities in a fight, don’t forget to drink useful potions beforehand. Potions like Buck’s Blood and Painkiller Brew can boost your Stamina and lessen the drain on both health and stamina. Additionally, Painkiller Brew has the added benefit of mitigating injury effects. Essentially, these potions can enhance your chances of survival during battle.

8. Always Speak with the Locals for Directions and Your Current Position

In Hardcore Mode, navigation and exploration are significantly more challenging than in Standard Mode. Unlike the screen compass in Standard Mode, there are no cardinal directions shown here. Additionally, the map does not indicate your player’s location, making it tough to find your spot on the map. To help you out, developers have introduced a new dialogue feature allowing players to ask for their current position from locals or travelers they encounter on the road. These interactions can provide subtle hints about your whereabouts. Some travelers may even guide you towards your objective location, temporarily marking it on the map. However, this marker only appears once and vanishes immediately upon exiting the map.

When conversing with fellow travelers or locals, make sure to inquire about your present location regularly. By doing so, you can estimate where you are and calculate the distance to your destination (the marker). Also, remember to note down the waypoint prior to closing the map.

9. Pursue Both Blacksmith and Miller Routes

To excel in the challenging Hardcore Mode, it’s beneficial to follow both the Blacksmith and Miller paths. These characters will provide you with crucial items and teach you fundamental game mechanics. The Blacksmith path is particularly important because it offers armor, a shield, and a horse. Pursuing the blacksmith route swiftly grants you not only these items but also a substantial amount of experience that unlocks perks. This blacksmith path is one of the key routes leading to the Wedding in Semine. If you choose the Blacksmith path, you’ll receive good armor, a shield, and a horse as well. Having a horse will make your journey smoother since it allows for faster travel.

Before attending the wedding, first, connect with Miller and accomplish his introductory task. This initial assignment will equip you with the fundamental knowledge of stealth and burglary techniques. These abilities are crucial for a smooth experience in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. I strongly advise enhancing both of these skills since they greatly aid in challenging end-game objectives.

10. Farm Honey at the Beehives for Food

In conclusion, let me add a helpful tip about food in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Various edibles such as fruits, vegetables, bread, meat, and more are available in the game. Among all these, Honey stands out as the most beneficial food item. With 31 Nourishment points, it never goes bad and can be easily found in Beehives near villages and towns within Trosky.

To gather around 30 Honey, make your way towards the Beehives located north of Lower Semine Mill, which is also where you’ll encounter Miller Kreyzl. Just head north from the Lower Semine Mill and continue along the road until you spot the beehives on the left side. Be sure to check every hive to collect a good amount of Honey.

FAQs About Beginner Guide for Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Which are the best Negative Perks to pick for the Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?

In your Hardcore journey in KCD 2, choosing Menace, Numbskull, and Picky Eater as your top three disadvantages could be beneficial due to their minimal impact on your experience. While Menace may make life more difficult if you engage in criminal activities, the other two perks won’t hinder you much during your adventure. Just remember not to break any laws, or you might face consequences with the Menace perk. Additionally, leveling up will be a bit slower, but there are numerous opportunities within the game to earn XP and level up all your skills. Make sure to focus on accumulating XP to improve your abilities effectively.

What is Thievery in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?

In KCD2, one of the key abilities is Thievery, which enables Henry to steal using different methods. This skill greatly impacts the overall mechanics of stealing, such as pickpocketing and lock-picking. By mastering and improving thievery, players can adopt a Scout playstyle in the game.

What is the best method to farm XP for Stealth Skill in KCD2?

The most efficient and swift way to accumulate XP for improving Stealth proficiency lies in infiltrating private residences or off-limits zones, which can be found abundantly across Trosky and Kuttenberg territories. In this game, every dwelling is regarded as a private property. To boost your Stealth skill, simply slip into any house or secluded area and remain concealed.

How to Get the Time Well Spent Buff in KCD2?

In KCD2, you can earn the “Time Well Spent” bonus by enjoying yourself. This can be achieved by spending quality time with one of the romantic characters or the bathmaids. The bathmaids are a simpler way to acquire the “Time Well Spent” boost. To do this, speak with the bathhouse owner and choose the “pleasure time” service. The “Time Well Spent” buff will temporarily increase your Strength, Agility, and Vitality by 1 for a single day in the game. However, keep in mind that the “pleasure time” option won’t be accessible if you select the “Bashful Negative Perk” in Hardcore Mode.

Looking For More About Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (KCD2)?

Appreciate you perusing our Beginner’s Handbook for the Advanced Version in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Here, we share fresh updates and craft guides specifically for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2). Additionally, feel free to catch me streaming games on Twitch or check out my YouTube channel!

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2025-04-17 00:32