Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has cemented itself as one of the most ambitious role-playing games in recent memory, drawing in a massive audience with its deep systems, reactive world, and the continuing saga of Henry of Skalitz. If you are new to the series or have just finished the sequel, you might be asking yourself whether the original 2018 adventure is still worth your time. The short answer is a resounding yes, but when you play it and what you expect from the experience will shape your journey through medieval Bohemia. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about playing Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1, whether you are starting fresh or retracing Henry’s footsteps after the sequel.
The Narrative Link Between Henry’s Two Journeys
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 picks up literally hours after the climactic events of the first game. The plot, the political intrigue, and Henry’s personal growth all flow directly from the original story. If you dive into the sequel without any prior knowledge, you will get a brief cinematic recap and some dialogue that fills in the gaps, but you will miss out on the rich context that makes the world feel alive.
Characters like Hans Capon, Theresa, and Radzig Kobyla have lengthy histories that are established in the first game. Their relationships with Henry are built through dozens of hours of shared adventures, betrayals, and heartfelt moments. Playing on without that foundation might leave certain emotional beats in KCD2 feeling hollow or confusing. The first game also explains the complex feudal politics of 15th-century Bohemia, including the tensions between Wenceslaus IV and Sigismund, which are central to the plot of both titles. If you care about story immersion, playing Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1 first is the single best way to enrich your KCD2 experience.
Gameplay and Mechanical Evolution
Core Systems and Combat
At their heart, both games share the same realistic simulation DNA. Henry is useless at the start and must train, eat, sleep, and maintain his gear. The directional combat system is present in both, demanding timing and skill. However, KCD2 refines almost every mechanic. The first game’s combat can feel clunkier and less responsive, especially in group fights where the lock-on system struggles. Master strikes are overpowered in the original, often trivializing encounters once you learn them. If you play KCD1 after mastering the sequel, the combat will feel like a noticeable step backward in fluidity and balance.
Save System and Quality of Life
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1 uses the infamous Saviour Schnapps system without compromise. You must brew, buy, or find these potions to manually save outside of sleeping or story checkpoints. The sequel provides a more generous exit save and a slight easing of restrictions. Many returning players will find this punitive, but it adds a layer of tension that some veterans love. Other quality-of-life improvements in KCD2, such as better quest tracking, more forgiving lockpicking, and a streamlined alchemy interface, are absent from the original. However, the PC version of KCD1 benefits from a robust modding community that can smooth out these rough edges. Mods like an unlimited save mod or a lockpicking tweak can bring the experience closer to modern expectations.
World Design and Side Content
The first game’s map is smaller but densely packed with memorable locations, quests, and hidden secrets. Side quests range from mundane errands to multi-part investigations that rival the best of the sequel. The sense of discovery and grounded storytelling is just as strong. If you fell in love with the immersive simulation of KCD2, the original will feel like a warm, nostalgic return to a simpler but equally engaging sandbox.
Technical Performance and Visuals
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1 launched with a host of technical problems, from broken quests to abysmal performance on consoles. Years of patches have stabilized the game significantly. On a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, it runs at a locked 30fps with faster load times thanks to backward compatibility. On a decent PC, you can push 60fps or higher and install high-resolution texture packs. Visually, the original still holds up surprisingly well. The CryEngine-powered forests, dynamic lighting, and detailed rural architecture look beautiful, though character models and animations are a generation behind KCD2. It is by no means an ugly game, but you will notice the gap if you came directly from the sequel.
The Verdict: Before or After?
If you have not played either game and are wondering where to start, the answer is clear. Play Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1 first. The story is designed to be experienced in chronological order. You will connect with Henry’s origins, understand the political landscape, and build a personal history with the characters that pays off enormously in the sequel. Starting with KCD2 will only blunt the impact of its narrative and make the original feel like a mechanical downgrade if you ever go back.
If you have already played and loved Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, returning to the first game is an excellent choice, but you must set your expectations. Approach it as a prequel experience. The mechanics will feel less polished, but the world is every bit as captivating. You already know the broad strokes of Henry’s fate, but the details, the friendships, and the small moments are where the game shines. It is like reading the book before watching its fantastic film adaptation. The slower pace and rougher edges will remind you of how far the series has come, and you will gain a newfound appreciation for the sequel’s refinements.
Whether you play it before or after, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1 stands as a landmark RPG that deserves every moment you invest in it. The journey from blacksmith’s son to man-at-arms is one of the most human stories in gaming, and it is a tale best told from the very beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1 still worth playing in 2025?
Absolutely. The game offers a deep, immersive medieval experience that no other RPG has replicated. With the stability patches and a thriving mod community, it is more accessible than ever. Its story, world, and attention to detail make it a timeless classic for fans of realistic role-playing.
Should I play KCD1 before starting Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?
Yes, if you have the time. Playing the first game provides essential context for the story, characters, and world. You will get far more emotional payoff and narrative clarity than relying on the sequel’s brief recap. It is the ideal way to experience the duology.
Will I be lost in KCD2 if I skip the first game?
Not completely lost. KCD2 includes a recap video and contextual dialogue, but you will miss the depth of character relationships and the political subtleties. Many moments will feel less impactful because you did not live through the events that led to them. It is still enjoyable, but you will get only a surface-level understanding of the plot.
Does KCD1 feel outdated compared to KCD2?
In some ways, yes. Combat, saving, and several user interface elements are clunkier. But the core gameplay loop, open-world immersion, and quest quality hold up extremely well. With mods on PC, you can mitigate many of the dated mechanics, making it a much smoother experience.
Can I jump straight into Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 without playing the original?
You can. The game is designed as an entry point for new players, and the opening hours do a decent job of reintroducing the main cast. However, you will miss the slow-burn character development that makes the series special. Many fans would argue you owe it to yourself to see Henry’s humble beginnings to fully appreciate his growth in the sequel.
