PC FPS Drops and Stuttering Despite High-End Hardware
Even with a powerhouse GPU like an RTX 4070, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 can suffer from sudden FPS drops while menus remain smooth. This often points to CPU bottlenecks, background processes, or driver issues. First, ensure your graphics drivers are cleanly installed using a tool like DDU. Then, cap your framerate slightly below your monitor’s refresh rate via the in-game settings or Nvidia Control Panel to stabilise frame times. Disable any overlay software (Discord, Steam Overlay, GeForce Experience) and close unnecessary background apps. In the game’s advanced graphics menu, lower shadow quality and draw distance, as these hammer the CPU. For laptop users, confirm your system is using the dedicated GPU and not the integrated one. If stuttering persists, verify the game files through Steam or GOG, and consider installing the game on an SSD if it’s currently on a mechanical drive.
PS5 Overheating Only With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
If your PS5 shuts down due to overheating exclusively during KCD2, the game’s demanding nature is likely pushing the console harder than other titles. Begin by cleaning the dust catcher holes and ensuring the fan area is unobstructed. Place the console in a well-ventilated spot, away from walls or enclosed cabinets. Disable any rest mode features that might accumulate heat. In the game’s settings, try switching to Performance mode if available, as this reduces strain. If the issue continues, your PS5 may need internal cleaning or a thermal paste replacement, which is best handled by a professional repair service.
Long Load Times and Freezes
Older versions of Kingdom Come: Deliverance were notorious for lengthy loads, but recent patches have mitigated this. On PC, an SSD is essential. If you’re on console, clear the system cache by fully restarting the machine. On PS5, rebuilding the database via Safe Mode can help. Verify the game installation isn’t fragmented. If you encounter freezes, try lowering object and LOD distances in the settings. A fresh reinstall occasionally clears up persistent loading bugs. Ensure your operating system and drivers are fully updated, as background Windows services can interfere.
Troubleshooting Bugs and Glitches
Accidentally Deleted Saves on PS5
If you’ve deleted your Kingdom Come: Deliverance save on PS5, recovery is slim unless you have PlayStation Plus cloud backups. Immediately check the PS5’s Saved Data and Game/App Settings menu, then select Saved Data (PS5) and Cloud Storage to see if a recent save was uploaded. If you haven’t enabled automatic cloud backups, the data is likely gone permanently. For future safety, manually back up saves to a USB drive and enable auto-upload. Some third-party data recovery services claim to restore deleted console saves, but they are risky and often ineffective.
The Reforged Radzig Sword Bug
This quest-item glitch can leave the sword stuck in your inventory or prevent quest progression. The most reliable fix is to reload a save from before the bug occurred. If that’s not possible, try dropping the sword and picking it back up, or placing it in a container and retrieving it. On PC, you can use the developer console (enabled via adding -devmode to the launch options) to remove and re-add the item with commands like cheat_remove_item id:... andcheat_add_item id:... after identifying the correct item ID. Avoid carrying multiple unique versions of the sword, as this often triggers the bug. If all else fails, completing another main quest step sometimes resets the item state.
Enabling Devmode on Windows
To activate developer mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance on Windows, right-click the game in your Steam library, select Properties, and under Launch Options, enter -devmode. On GOG, do this via the game’s shortcut or in the GOG Galaxy settings. Once enabled, press the tilde key (~) in-game to open the console. Be careful: devmode can corrupt saves if misused, so always back up your files first.
Gameplay Tips and Tricks
Mastering Horse Riding
Horse riding in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 feels awkward at first, but it rewards a light touch. Use the left stick for steering, but avoid pushing it all the way to the edge during tight turns. Tap the gallop button (A on controller, Shift on PC) rhythmically to maintain speed without draining stamina. To follow a road automatically, hold the sprint button while on a path and your horse will stick to it. Practice in an open field to get a feel for the horse’s inertia, and never spam speed bursts while turning. Upgrading your steed’s courage and speed at a stable makes handling noticeably more responsive.
Shields: Practical Benefits
In KCD2, equipping a shield isn’t just cosmetic. It substantially improves your blocking arc, letting you catch strikes from multiple angles without perfect timing. When combined with a one-handed weapon, shields allow you to turtle up and observe enemy patterns, which is invaluable against multiple foes. Your stamina depletes far slower when blocking with a shield, buying you time to regen. Just be mindful that a shield slows your movement and prevents you from using certain two-handed combos, so switch to a longsword only when you’ve thinned the crowd.
Are Polearms Still Weak?
Polearms received a significant buff in the 2.0 update and remain a force in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Their reach keeps enemies at bay, and their thrust attacks can pierce plate armour efficiently. The earlier awkwardness of being unable to store polearms in your inventory is gone; you can now stash them like any weapon. Level the Polearm skill and learn combos to unlock their true potential. They’re especially deadly on horseback, where reach and momentum combine to devastating effect.
Boosting Your Reputation in Uzhitz
Uzhitz is a religious centre, so charitable deeds count double. Donate to the church’s collection box, complete side quests for local bailiffs, and never steal near the monastery. If your rep is already in the gutter, pay an indulgence at any church to clear minor sins. Selling goods to traders at a loss, giving alms to beggars, and winning the tourney (if available) all nudge the needle. Avoid getting caught committing crimes, and rep slowly ticks upward through passive time spent in the area.
Why Do the Charcoal Burners Hate Me?
The charcoal burners are a tight-knit group in the woods, and if you’ve killed their friends or stolen from their camp early on, they remember. Wearing clothes you looted from their fallen comrades can also trigger hostility. To fix this, first ensure you aren’t wearing any of their faction’s gear. Then, perform good deeds around Rattay and Sasau to improve your overall rep, as this sometimes bleeds into their perception. If all else fails, avoid their camp for a few in-game weeks and return unarmed, wearing commoner’s clothes. They may eventually cool down.
Stopping NPCs From Saying You Stink
That dreaded “you stink” commentary is triggered by the dirt and blood accumulation system. Washing in a trough removes surface grime, but full cleanliness requires a bathhouse visit or using a laundry tub with soap. Your clothes retain odour even after a trough rinse, so wash all garments periodically at a bathhouse or body of water. Applying perfume or carrying fragrant herbs (like lavender) in your inventory continually reduces your smell stat. Keep a spare clean outfit for visiting townsfolk, and avoid sleeping in armour if you want to stay fresh.
Avoiding Nudity in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
If you’d rather skip the game’s adult scenes, several approaches work. In the settings menu under Gameplay, look for a “Nudity” or “Mature Content” toggle. If absent, you can simply choose dialogue options that avoid romantic encounters, as all sexual content is tied to player choice. Some cutscenes show non-sexual nudity during bath sequences; you can avert this by not visiting bathhouses for full-service baths or by skipping those cutscenes. Modding communities often provide no-nudity texture replacements for PC players.
Is the Gameplay Always This Slow?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 intentionally opens with a slow, narrative-heavy prologue. Once you reach the open world after the introductory questline, the pacing opens up dramatically. You can gallop across Bohemia, dive into bandit camps, or chain fast travel. Combat starts clunky but becomes quick and lethal as you learn master strikes and level your weapon skills. Stick with it through the first handful of main story quests, and the world’s momentum will carry you. The “slowness” is a deliberate design choice to ground you in Henry’s shoes, not a permanent state.
Story, Quests, and DLC
Optimal DLC Timings
Developer interviews suggest you can start the DLC at any point after the tutorial, but for the best narrative cohesion, begin before the main quest ‘Finger of God.’ Doing so reshapes your dynamic with Otto Von Bergow in a way that feels integrated. A sweet spot is between ‘Necessary Evil’ and ‘For Victory,’ where the main story naturally pauses, giving you breathing room to explore the DLC without breaking immersion. Completing it earlier also rewards you with items and reputation that benefit later main quests.
Did I Ruin Theresa’s True Ending?
The “true” ending with Theresa is determined by a handful of key choices throughout Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. As long as you consistently chose kind, loyal dialogue options during her personal quests and avoided obvious betrayals (like romancing others in front of her), you’re likely safe. Even if you missed a minor optional interaction, the ending remains achievable. The only way to fully lock yourself out is by attacking her or completely ignoring her entire questline. Reloading a save before the final conversation can salvage a satisfying conclusion.
Will There Be an HDR Patch?
As of now, Warhorse Studios has not announced an official HDR patch for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. The game outputs SDR, but PC players can force HDR through tools like Special K or AutoHDR on Windows 11, often with decent results. Console versions currently do not support HDR, and with the developers focused on post-launch fixes, HDR may not be a priority. Keep an eye on the official modding scene, as community-created HDR reshades are already surfacing.
Comparisons and Recommendations
Cyberpunk 2077 vs. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
These games target fundamentally different fantasies. Cyberpunk 2077 delivers a sleek, kinetic power fantasy in a neon-drenched city, while KCD2 slows you down with historical realism and methodical roleplay. Pick Cyberpunk if you crave explosive combat and a cinematic plot; choose KCD2 if you want to live a medieval life, struggle through a believable world, and earn every victory. Both have strong storytelling, so your preference boils down to setting and pace.
Elden Ring vs. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
Elden Ring asks you to master its punishing combat and exploration in a mystical open world, while KCD2 demands patience with its simulation systems. If you enjoy overcoming difficulty through pattern memorisation and builds, Elden Ring is your game. If you’d rather wrangle with realistic armour layering, hunger, and social reputation, KCD2 wins. For sheer immersion in a grounded medieval setting, Kingdom Come has no peer; for adrenaline-fuelled boss fights, go with the Lands Between.
Baldur’s Gate 3 or KCD2 for Steam Deck
Both run on the Steam Deck, but Baldur’s Gate 3 is better optimised for the handheld. It supports controller input natively and maintains a steady 30 FPS with tweaks. KCD2 is more demanding and may dip in crowded areas, though you can hit playable frame rates by capping at 30 FPS and using FSR. If portability is key, BG3’s turn-based nature also means frame drops are less jarring. However, if you’re willing to tinker, KCD2 offers a unique open-world experience on the go.
Stalker 2 vs. KCD2 Immersion
Both games are deeply immersive, but in opposing ways. Stalker 2 excels at atmospheric horror and survival in a hostile, anomalous zone, while KCD2 immerses through historical fidelity and roleplay mechanics. If you want to feel the weight of a medieval peasant’s life, go with KCD2. If you prefer the constant tension of a radioactive wasteland, choose Stalker 2. They’re both masterclasses in environmental storytelling.
Is KCD2 Easier for Casual Gamers?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is not designed as a casual experience. Its combat demands timing and combos, and many systems (hunger, fatigue, gear maintenance) pile on. However, it’s not insurmountable. If you drop the difficulty to the lowest setting, practice with Captain Bernard until master strikes click, and use the save-anywhere mod, the game becomes far more manageable. The richness of the world can win over even casual players who give it a proper chance.
General Questions
Will We Play as a Female Character?
No, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 continues the story of Henry of Skalitz, and you play exclusively as him. The developers have cited narrative continuity as the reason, as the game follows Henry’s personal journey. There is no gender select option, and while you can change outfits and hair, Henry’s identity remains fixed. Any possibility of a female protagonist would be reserved for a future spin-off or sequel with a different narrative focus.
Is Kingdom Come Deliverance 3 Confirmed?
Warhorse Studios has not officially announced Kingdom Come: Deliverance 3. However, the commercial success of the second game and its DLC make a sequel highly probable. Industry insiders have hinted at early planning, but official word awaits the completion of the current game’s post-launch support. For now, all eyes are on upcoming major DLCs that may bridge towards a new chapter.
Playing from the Disc on PS5 Without Downloads
Physical copies of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 on PS5 come with most of the game on the disc, but day-one patches and performance updates often require internet. You can play the base version entirely offline, but be prepared for a suboptimal experience with bugs that were later fixed. To avoid downloads, disable your console’s internet before installing, and know you’ll miss out on critical improvements. It’s advisable to at least install the latest patch if you have access to a connection.
Using Modding Tools with the GOG Version
Yes, the GOG version of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II fully supports mods. Most mods that work with the Steam version are compatible, as long as the file structure remains the same. Manual installation involves dropping mod folders into the game’s Mods directory (create one if it doesn’t exist). Some mods require the Kingdom Come Modding Tools, which are also compatible with GOG. Ensure your game is updated to the latest patch to avoid version conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I recover deleted saves on PS5?
Check PS Plus cloud storage immediately. Without a cloud backup, deleted saves are generally unrecoverable. Always back up to USB and enable auto-upload.
How do I fix the Reforged Radzig sword bug?
Reload an earlier save, or use the console (-devmode) to remove and re-add the sword. Avoid carrying duplicate quest swords.
What’s the benefit of using a shield?
Shields broaden your block angle, reduce stamina drain on blocks, and make facing multiple foes much safer, though they slow you down.
How do I stop NPCs from saying I smell?
Wash thoroughly at a bathhouse, launder your clothes, carry perfume or lavender, and avoid sleeping in armour.
When should I start the DLC?
Ideally before the main quest ‘Finger of God’ or between ‘Necessary Evil’ and ‘For Victory’ for the best narrative fit.
Can I avoid nudity in the game?
Yes, either via a settings toggle if available, by skipping optional romantic dialogue, or by installing a no-nudity mod on PC.
Is there an HDR patch for KCD2?
Not officially. PC players can force HDR via Windows AutoHDR or Special K, but consoles lack support.
Will there be a Kingdom Come Deliverance 3?
Not yet confirmed, but likely given the success of the series. Expect updates after current DLCs are released.
