Insight into Hardcore Mode for Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

The latest update for Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has introduced a Hardcore mode that elevates the game’s difficulty, possibly making it more challenging than ever. This new mode comes with a variety of restrictions designed to test players’ skills and endurance, setting apart the seasoned warriors from the commoners, at least in theory.

Now that the Hardcore mode update is available, we have all the essential details on how it functions and what challenges you can expect. Below, you’ll find a complete overview of the penalties and limitations this mode imposes. If you’re curious about what awaits you in Hardcore mode, here’s everything you should know before diving into this extreme challenge.

Understanding Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

The Hardcore mode is now live in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and was hinted at as part of the game’s development roadmap from the start.

To access Hardcore mode, simply begin a new game and choose the Hardcore option as a permanent feature for that save file. Once activated, you cannot deactivate this mode without modding, and your gameplay experience changes significantly due to the following adjustments:

• Reduced user interface both in and out of combat, eliminating health and stamina bars as well as directional indicators for attacks.
• Fast travel options are turned off.
• Automatic saving is disabled.
• Your location on the map is not displayed, requiring you to navigate manually.
• The compass is no longer available.
• Upon starting the game, players must choose three negative perks from a set of options, which are permanent and cannot be removed throughout the game.

All Hardcore Mode Perks in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Here’s a list of the negative perks associated with Hardcore mode. When you start a game in this mode, you will choose three of these to become permanent debuffs that affect Henry throughout the entire journey.

• Bad Back: This injury reduces your carrying capacity by 50%, and there’s a chance you’ll hurt your back when bending to pick up herbs or mushrooms.
• Bashful: You’re unable to ask NPCs for directions, making navigation more difficult. Additionally, you can’t engage with the women in the bathhouse, limiting your options for their services. As you’re not very talkative, your Speech experience gains are only 80% of normal.
• Hangry Henry: When you’re starving, your Speech, Charisma, and Intimidation abilities diminish. All food also fills you up only 50%, and you digest food 25% faster.
• Heavy-Footed: Your footsteps are significantly louder, increasing your starting noise level. Additionally, your footwear will wear out twice as fast, necessitating more repairs.
• Menace: Once identified for a crime, the mark remains on you permanently. If you commit another serious crime, you can face execution. Guards will be harsher in their punishments, and the likelihood of random searches doubles.
• Numbskull: Experience gains are reduced by 40%.
• Picky Eater: Your particular tastes cause food in your inventory to spoil 25% faster. When hunting, you’ll also gather only a quarter of the meat and items.
• Punchable Face: Enemies attacking you will be more aggressive and resilient; the stronger the enemy, the greater their advantage. Additionally, you suffer 10% more damage.
• Somnambulant: You lose energy 40% faster, and there’s a risk you’ll sleepwalk to an unintended location after resting.
• Sweaty: You sweat excessively, causing your clothes to become dirty 50% faster. When you begin to smell, you can be detected from much further away, making stealth more challenging.

When considering which perks to choose, it really depends on the type of character you want to create and the challenge you’re ready to embrace. The aim is for each perk to complicate specific aspects of gameplay. For example, if you excel in combat, you might want to select perks that increase the challenge in battles. Conversely, if stealth is not your playstyle, going for Heavy-Footed could be beneficial, as it affects a skill you may not use.

Ready to tackle this significant challenge of knightly valor? For guidance, check out our best weapons in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 or our collection of tips for thriving in Bohemia!