Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 isn't exactly the easiest game out there. Hardcore Mode is about to make it even tougher. The harsh swordplay, limited supplies, and dedication to realism make the game a real challenge for players.
If that challenge wasn't enough, Warhorse Studios confirms Hardcore Mode is launching next week.
This is a complete survival overhaul that strips away nearly all conveniences and forces you to reimagine how you approach the game from scratch.
Here's what you can expect from the new Hardcore Mode:
You're Not in Kuttenberg Anymore
In Hardcore Mode, there's no compass, no visible player icon on the map, and definitely no fast travel.
click to enlarge
+ 2You'll have to learn to read the world like a real traveler—tracking your location by memory, landmarks, and conversations. If you find yourself lost in the woods at night, don't expect a magical ping to guide you.
A handful of fans who've tested the mode using developer commands mentioned that the disorientation feels authentic, and even well-known towns are trickier to reach without a breadcrumb trail.
The interface has also been stripped down. Health and stamina bars are gone, so now players have to watch for visual cues and how the character acts to figure out their condition.
This change means Henry has to pay more attention to what's going on around him and his reactions.
Perks That Work Against You
Hardcore Mode introduces some unforgiving new "perks"—though they might not deserve that label.
You'll be prompted to select negative traits from a list before starting a run, which will change your playthrough.
This can include traits like Bad Back, which reduces the weight you can carry, or Heavy Footed, which wears out shoes faster and increases the noise you make. Picky Eater makes keeping Henry satisfied more difficult, while Punchable Face makes NPCs less fond of you.
There are ten in all, and each one slowly erodes your safety net. If you're up for it (or just craving an insane challenge), you can turn them all on at the same time.
Players will have to manage more than just stats. Fatigue, hunger, reputation, and boot wear will all be factors they need to balance.
Achievements and What's Coming Next
The update will also introduce new achievements tied exclusively to Hardcore Mode.
click to enlarge+ 2Two of them have already been spotted: one for completing the game with all negative perks active and another simply for finishing the story in Hardcore Mode.
For anyone looking to challenge themselves, it's a nice bonus and a chance to earn bragging rights too.
Hardcore Mode may be open to all players, but it's clearly geared towards those returning or experienced with the first game.
Many fans think Kingdom Come 2 starts off strong but becomes too easy as you level up and get better gear. Some even confessed to quitting halfway through when the danger faded. Hardcore Mode is Warhorse's solution to that.
More content is also coming soon, with several expansions scheduled for the year. Get ready for Brushes with Death this summer, Legacy of the Forge in the fall, and Mysteria Ecclesia in the winter.
For the time being, all eyes are on this harsh new mode and how it shifts a grounded medieval RPG into a true survival challenge.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Gaming News and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 page.