Home News Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Survival Against the Odds

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Survival Against the Odds

by Grace Mar 19,2025

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's difficulty surpasses most RPGs, not through inflated enemy stats, but through realistic, engaging mechanics. However, for those craving an even greater challenge, a Hardcore Mode is launching in April. This mode introduces negative perks, a unique twist that adds a layer of realistic hardship.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

These negative perks hinder Henry's daily life, forcing adaptation and rewarding players who enjoy embracing character flaws. A Hardcore Mode mod is currently available, offering a preview of the planned features.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Table of Contents

  • What Are Negative Perks?
  • Bad Back
  • Heavy-Footed
  • Numbskull
  • Somnambulant
  • Hangry Henry
  • Sweaty
  • Picky Eater
  • Bashful
  • Punchable Face
  • Menace
  • Survival Strategies with Negative Perks in Kingdom Come 2
  • Realistic Gaming Experience in Kingdom Come 2

What Are Negative Perks?

Negative perks are the inverse of talents, worsening aspects of Henry's life. The mod lets you toggle these perks on/off via hotkeys, customizable in the settings.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Each perk's impact varies; some are minor inconveniences, others significantly alter gameplay. Enabling all simultaneously creates a formidable challenge, demanding creative solutions to overcome obstacles.

All Negative Perks in Kingdom Come 2:

  • Bad Back
  • Heavy-Footed
  • Numbskull
  • Somnambulant
  • Hangry Henry
  • Sweaty
  • Picky Eater
  • Bashful
  • Punchable Face
  • Menace

Bad Back

Reduces Henry's carrying capacity. Overloading prevents running, riding, and slows movement, attack, and dodge speeds, increasing stamina consumption per attack. Solutions include using a horse or increasing carrying capacity through strength and perks like Pack Mule, Well-Built, and Strong as a Bull. Early game strategies include minimal carrying or deliberate overloading for faster strength gains.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Heavy-Footed

Accelerates footwear wear and increases noise. This exacerbates clothing deterioration, impacting stealth. Solutions include acquiring and utilizing tailor kits, improving Craftsmanship skills, and mindful clothing choices for stealth.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Numbskull

Reduces experience gained from all sources, slowing leveling. Solutions include focusing on quests, reading, training, and prioritizing essential skills.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Somnambulant

Significantly reduces stamina and slows recovery. Combat and chases become drastically harder. Riding becomes a viable alternative to walking. Prioritize skills reducing stamina consumption.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Hangry Henry

Increases hunger frequency and reduces food satisfaction, decreasing Speech, Charisma, and Intimidation by 5 points when hungry. Requires diligent food management, hunting, smoking/drying, and mindful eating habits.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Sweaty

Increases dirt accumulation and doubles the stench detection radius, negating perfumes. Impacts diplomacy and stealth. Requires frequent washing and mindful clothing choices.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Picky Eater

Food spoils 25% faster. Requires frequent food management and discarding spoiled items to avoid poisoning.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Bashful

Reduces Speech skill experience, hindering peaceful quest completion. Solutions include improving Speech, utilizing clothing to influence perception, or bribery.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Punchable Face

Reduces the delay between enemy attacks, increasing combat difficulty. Requires improved combat skills and equipment.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Menace

Persistent criminal brand, leading to execution for subsequent serious crimes. Primarily impacts roleplaying choices.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Survival Strategies with Negative Perks in Kingdom Come 2

Prioritize perks mitigating negative perk effects. Manage stamina carefully, avoid overeating, and utilize resources effectively. Earn money to maintain supplies and bypass dialogue checks. For thieves, careful clothing and cleanliness are crucial. Acquiring a horse is highly beneficial.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Realistic Gaming Experience in Kingdom Come 2

The Hardcore Mode enhances realism beyond negative perks. Features like map removal, no fast travel, and hidden HUD elements intensify the experience. The increased difficulty and immersion create a more rewarding gameplay experience.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

The added challenges of Hardcore Mode offer a unique and intense journey through the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Share your experiences and strategies in the comments!