Warhorse Studios is set to expand the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II with the release of its first major story DLC, “Brushes with Death,” launching on May 15, 2025.
Building on the critical success of the core game, this expansion blends artistic flair, psychological mystery, and gameplay innovation into a questline that’s already stirring up excitement among fans of immersive RPGs.
Meet the Mysterious Painter: A New Narrative Twist
At the heart of “Brushes with Death” is a new character — Master Voyta, a tormented painter with a haunting past. Henry’s journey takes a surreal turn when he finds Voyta tied to a post, mumbling to a skull. What follows is a tale steeped in eerie symbolism and psychological tension, offering a more introspective, story-rich experience than many of the base game’s gritty political intrigues.
Unlike some expansions that require endgame progress, this one is accessible early, making it a great entry point for both returning players and newcomers who haven’t completed the main story. This design choice also ensures the DLC can function as a compelling side quest rather than merely post-credits content.
Shield Painting: A First for the Franchise
One of the standout features of this expansion is the introduction of shield customization — a first for the Kingdom Come franchise. Through Voyta’s artistic influence, players will be able to:
- Paint their shields using unique colors, patterns, and border styles
- Unlock exclusive emblems and designs via quest progression
- Discover hidden motifs scattered throughout Bohemia
This addition not only provides new visual flair but also ties deeply into the narrative, reinforcing Henry’s evolving identity and place in the world.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Shield Painting | Customize with colors, borders, and emblems |
| Emblem Unlocks | Tied to quest rewards and exploration |
| Artistic Story Integration | Reflects the DLC’s themes of identity and legacy |
Patch 1.3: Free Content for All Players
Coinciding with the DLC launch is Patch 1.3, a free update for all players. This patch brings:
- Mounted archery challenges – test your accuracy on horseback
- Horse races – time-based competitions across countryside trails
- Enhanced enemy AI – with notable difficulty spikes in towns like Kuttenberg
- Bug fixes and performance tweaks – including smoother animations and improved quest logic
These new features extend replayability and offer non-story content to those not immediately diving into the DLC.
Expansion Roadmap: What’s Next?
“Brushes with Death” is only the beginning. Warhorse Studios has committed to a three-part DLC roadmap for 2025:
| DLC Title | Release Window | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Brushes with Death | May 15, 2025 | Artistic mystery, shield customization |
| Legacy of the Forge | Fall 2025 | Blacksmithing legacy and family drama |
| Mysteria Ecclesiae | Winter 2025 | Church intrigue and theological conflict |
Each expansion will bring its own unique mechanics, quests, and themes. Players can purchase these individually or grab the Expansion Pass, which includes all three at a discounted price.
Launch Deal & Availability
To celebrate the launch, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and its Expansion Pass are currently available at a 15% discount on Steam until May 15 — a solid opportunity for newcomers and veterans alike to gear up for the next chapter in Henry’s journey.
Whether you’re in it for the mystery, the mounted archery, or the sheer joy of personalizing your medieval gear, “Brushes with Death” marks a creative leap forward for the franchise — one that promises both artistry and depth in equal measure.
KCD2: Game Overview
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 promises an expansive medieval world filled with war and intrigue. This sequel to the popular action RPG takes players on a journey through 15th century Bohemia. Players will explore a map twice the size of the original game, with two distinct areas to traverse.
The game follows Henry of Skalitz, an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances. His quest for revenge and purpose unfolds against the backdrop of a brutal civil war. Warhorse Studios has crafted a realistic depiction of medieval life, complete with detailed environments and complex characters.
New features include the introduction of gunpowder weapons, adding a fresh dynamic to combat. The story trailer hints at political machinations and bloody conflicts that will shape Henry’s path. Set for release on February 4th, 2025, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 aims to immerse players in a rich, historically-inspired narrative.
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 features a larger map with two distinct areas to explore
- The game introduces gunpowder weapons and deepens the medieval RPG experience
- Players can expect a February 4th, 2025 release date for this highly anticipated sequel
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 expands on its predecessor’s realistic medieval world with a larger map, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and improved visuals. The game continues Henry’s story amidst the turmoil of 15th century Bohemia.
Setting and Plot
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 takes place in 15th century Bohemia during a civil war. Players once again control Henry of Skalitz as he navigates political intrigue and personal vendettas. The game world has grown significantly, featuring two distinct maps approximately the size of the first game’s area combined.
The story unfolds in Kuttenberg, a real medieval city in the heart of Bohemia. This setting provides a rich backdrop for quests involving kings, nobles, and common folk caught in the conflict. The narrative promises themes of revenge, betrayal, and discovery as Henry becomes embroiled in the region’s power struggles.
Gameplay Mechanics
Combat remains a central focus, with the game likely retaining its realistic approach to medieval warfare. Players can expect to develop Henry’s skills in various weapons and fighting styles. The RPG elements allow for character progression through quests and activities.
The larger world offers more opportunities for exploration and side quests. Players will likely encounter a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and allegiances. The game’s historical accuracy extends to daily life, crafting, and social interactions in medieval Europe.
Horseback riding and travel between the two map areas add new dimensions to gameplay. These features expand the player’s ability to interact with the game world and experience the full scope of medieval Bohemia.
Visuals and Performance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 utilizes CryEngine technology to deliver improved graphics and performance. The game aims to capture the beauty and grit of medieval Europe with enhanced detail and realism.
Players can expect more varied environments, from bustling cities to rural landscapes. Character models and animations have likely seen upgrades to better convey emotions and bring the world to life.
The game is set to release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, taking advantage of current-gen hardware capabilities. This should result in faster loading times, better draw distances, and more stable performance compared to its predecessor.
Character Development and Story Arc
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 expands on Henry’s journey through medieval Bohemia. Players shape his character and navigate complex storylines filled with intrigue, personal growth, and historical events.
Character Progression
Henry starts as a young man with untapped potential. Players mold his skills and personality through choices and actions. The game offers a deep skill system, allowing Henry to excel in combat, charisma, or crafting.
Combat skills improve through practice and training. Henry can become a master swordsman, archer, or strategist. Social abilities grow by interacting with NPCs and making persuasive dialogue choices.
Crafting and survival skills develop as Henry explores the world. Players can focus on alchemy, blacksmithing, or hunting to shape Henry’s expertise.
Moral decisions impact Henry’s reputation and relationships. Kind acts build trust, while ruthless choices may lead to fear or respect from others.
Narrative Elements
The story unfolds across two large maps, each about the size of the first game’s world. Henry’s adventure involves political schemes, personal vendettas, and the looming threat of war.
Family plays a crucial role in the narrative. Henry seeks answers about his past and struggles with loyalty to his homeland. Friendships formed along the way test his allegiances and values.
Love interests add depth to Henry’s character development. Players can pursue romantic relationships that influence the story’s direction.
Betrayal and revenge drive key plot points. Henry faces tough choices that pit his personal desires against the greater good of Bohemia.
Side Quests and Extra Content
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers numerous side quests to flesh out the world and Henry’s character. These optional adventures range from helping villagers to uncovering hidden conspiracies.
Players can join various factions, each with unique storylines and rewards. Aligning with merchants, nobles, or rebels affects Henry’s standing in society.
Mini-games and activities provide breaks from the main story. Players can engage in dice games, hunting, or tournaments to earn money and improve skills.
Exploration reveals hidden locations and treasures. Secret caves, abandoned castles, and forgotten ruins hold valuable loot and historical artifacts.
Technical Aspects and Release Information
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 promises enhanced performance and a wider platform reach. The game’s technical specifications and release details showcase improvements over its predecessor.
Platforms and Performance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 will launch on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. The game offers multiple performance modes on Xbox Series X, including a 60 FPS option. Xbox Series S users will have a single performance mode.
On PC, the game’s system requirements emphasize the importance of a capable CPU. This component manages character animations, enemy reactions, and combat physics.
Steam will likely be the primary distribution platform for PC players. Warhorse Studios aims to optimize the game for each system to ensure smooth gameplay across all platforms.
Anticipated Release and Developer Insights
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s release date has been moved up to February 4, 2025. This earlier launch allows players to explore the expanded medieval world sooner than initially planned.
Warhorse Studios, backed by publisher Deep Silver, has significantly increased the game world’s size. The sequel features two distinct maps, each comparable to the entire area of the first game.
The developers focus on creating a larger, more immersive environment while maintaining the series’ commitment to historical accuracy. This expanded scope promises players a richer, more diverse medieval experience.
Cultural Depictions and Influences
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 aims to present a rich tapestry of medieval Bohemian life. The game portrays a diverse range of characters from peasants to nobles, each with their own roles and customs.
Players will explore detailed castles and towns, including the silver mining city of Kuttenberg. These locations showcase the architectural styles and daily life of 15th century Bohemia.
The developers have worked to create an authentic medieval world. This includes historically accurate clothing, weapons, and social structures for the time period.
Key historical figures feature in the game’s storyline. Players will encounter Sigismund the Red Fox and Sir Hans Capon as they navigate the intrigues of royal courts.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 expands its cultural representations compared to the first game. It includes a wider range of ethnicities that reflect the diverse populations present in medieval Central Europe.
The game balances historical authenticity with engaging gameplay. While striving for accuracy, it also aims to provide an entertaining medieval action RPG experience for players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 brings new features, platform availability, and release information. Players can expect updates on character options, game editions, and development details.
What new features can players expect in the latest installment of the series?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 expands on its predecessor with a larger world. The game offers two distinct maps, each about the size of the original game’s entire area. Players can travel between these maps once both are unlocked.
The sequel maintains its focus on historical realism. It continues to exclude fantasy elements like magic or mythical creatures. Instead, it aims to provide an authentic recreation of 15th Century Bohemia.
Which platforms will the game be available on at launch?
The game’s platform availability has not been officially announced. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is likely to release on major gaming platforms.
Warhorse Studios may provide more information closer to the launch date. Players should check official sources for updates on specific platform releases.
Has the developer announced an official release date for the game?
An exact release date for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has not been confirmed. Recent news suggests the game will arrive one week earlier than initially planned.
Warhorse Studios is expected to announce the official launch date as development progresses. Fans should follow the studio’s official channels for the most up-to-date information.
Can players anticipate more diverse character options in the sequel?
Details about character options in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are limited. The game is expected to maintain its historical accuracy, which may influence character diversity.
Players should look for official announcements from Warhorse Studios regarding character creation and customization options in the sequel.
What editions of the game will be available, including any possible special editions?
Information about different editions of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has not been released. Game publishers often offer standard and special editions with extra content.
As the release date approaches, Warhorse Studios may announce various game editions. These could include digital deluxe versions or physical collector’s editions with bonus items.
Are there any notable controversies surrounding the game’s development?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 aims to portray 15th century Bohemia realistically. This approach may include depictions of historical events that some players find controversial.
The game’s commitment to historical accuracy might lead to discussions about its portrayal of medieval society. Players should research the game’s content to make informed decisions about its suitability for them.
