KCD2: Hardcore Mode, DLCs & Exciting New Features!
With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 just under two weeks from release, excitement is building as Warhorse Studios has revealed their official post-launch roadmap. This roadmap gives us a glimpse into the free updates and paid expansions coming later in the year, adding even more depth to the highly anticipated medieval RPG.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s coming, from free content updates to the three major DLC expansions, and what players can expect in the months following KCD2’s release.
Free Updates (March – June 2024)
Warhorse Studios has announced several free updates that will roll out between March and June, bringing new gameplay features and modes to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. While some fans expected these features at launch, the good news is that they won’t cost anything extra and will arrive shortly after release.
Barber Feature
Returning from the first game, the barber system allows players to customize Henry’s hairstyle and facial hair. In KCD1, this feature was added post-launch, letting players visit a barber to change their look.
For KCD2, this system will likely be expanded with more hairstyles and facial options. Given the advancements in character customization seen in the game so far, we might see more detailed grooming choices to further personalize Henry’s appearance.
Hardcore Mode
A fan-favorite challenge mode from KCD1 returns, offering an even more immersive and punishing experience. Hardcore mode in the first game removed quality-of-life features such as:
- No fast travel
- No player marker on the map (forcing you to navigate using landmarks)
- Limited HUD elements
- Tougher combat mechanics
- Harsher economy and trading conditions
Many players were hoping Hardcore Mode would be available at launch, but its arrival as a free update shortly after release ensures those seeking an ultra-realistic medieval survival experience won’t have to wait too long.
Horse Racing
Horse racing is another new feature coming as a free update. While details are limited, it’s expected to be a structured side activity where players can:
- Participate in organized horse races.
- Utilize Horsemanship skills to gain an advantage.
- Possibly wager on races for extra rewards.
The racing mechanics will likely incorporate horse stats, stamina management, and player skill, making it more than just a simple sprint from point A to B.
Expansion Pass – Three Major DLCs
Players who purchase the Gold Edition or Collector’s Edition of KCD2 will gain access to the Expansion Pass, which includes three major DLCs set to launch later in 2024.
Let’s break down each DLC and what they might bring to the game.
1. Brushes with Death
In this narrative-driven expansion, Henry will assist a mysterious artist with a troubled past. The specifics of the plot remain unclear, but potential themes could include:
- A crime-solving or investigative storyline, similar to detective-style quests from the first game.
- Conflicts with rivals, criminals, or enemies from the artist’s past.
- A historical figure-inspired narrative, though it’s unclear if the artist is based on a real person.
The first Kingdom Come featured investigative-style quests where Henry had to find clues and solve mysteries. If Brushes with Death follows a similar format, it could be a unique and engaging addition to the game.
2. Legacy of the Forge
This DLC focuses entirely on blacksmithing, a long-awaited feature that was originally planned for KCD1 but was cut. In KCD2, blacksmithing is fully implemented, and this DLC will expand it even further.
The main objective involves restoring the Kuttenberg forge and becoming a master blacksmith. Possible gameplay features include:
- Crafting advanced weapons and armor.
- Potential settlement-building mechanics, similar to KCD1’s village-building DLC, From the Ashes.
- Customizing and upgrading your forge.
For players excited about crafting and blacksmithing, this expansion promises to add depth and progression to the system.
3. Mysterium Glacense
This expansion brings Henry back into monastic life, much like the monastery questline from the first game. The story revolves around a deadly illness spreading through the Sedlec Monastery, and Henry must investigate and help contain the outbreak.
Potential gameplay elements include:
- Living as a monk, following daily rituals, curfews, and scheduled tasks.
- Investigating the illness, possibly mixing historical accuracy with fictional storytelling.
- Making moral choices, deciding who to trust and how to handle the crisis.
While some players loved the monastery questline in the first game, others found it too restrictive. It will be interesting to see how this DLC expands on the concept and whether it improves upon the original design.
Will KCD2’s DLCs Be an Improvement Over KCD1’s?
Warhorse Studios has a history of post-launch expansions, with KCD1 receiving several DLCs, including:
- A Woman’s Lot (Story DLC featuring Theresa)
- Band of Bastards (Combat-focused DLC)
- The Amorous Adventures of Bold Sir Hans Capon (Humorous questline)
- From the Ashes (Settlement-building expansion)
However, not all of these were well-received. While Band of Bastards was praised for its combat scenarios, A Woman’s Lot received mixed reviews, with some players feeling it was too slow-paced.
Given how much more polished and expansive KCD2 appears compared to its predecessor, there is hope that these DLCs will be more refined and engaging.
Upcoming Live Stream – First Look at KCD2
For those eager to see more of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 before launch, CohhCarnage will be hosting a live stream on January 23rd. This stream will feature the first three hours of the game, providing a closer look at the gameplay, mechanics, and open world.
If you don’t mind minor spoilers, this stream will be a great early preview of how the game plays uninterrupted.
Final Thoughts – A Promising Road Ahead
Warhorse Studios has outlined a strong post-launch plan for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, ensuring that players will have plenty of content to look forward to in 2024.
With free updates like Hardcore Mode, Horse Racing, and the Barber feature, alongside three major expansions focusing on mystery, blacksmithing, and monastery life, there’s a great mix of new content that caters to different playstyles.
Whether you’re excited to test your skills in Hardcore Mode, become a master blacksmith, or unravel a deadly mystery, KCD2 looks set to deliver an unforgettable medieval RPG experience.
Which DLC or feature are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!
