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

Authore: ClaireUpdate:Mar 19,2025

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 already boasts a higher difficulty than most RPGs, achieved through realistic and engaging mechanics rather than simple stat inflation. But for those craving an even greater challenge, a Hardcore Mode is arriving in April. This mode introduces a unique twist: negative perks.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

These negative perks add a layer of realistic difficulty by introducing character flaws that hinder daily life, forcing players to adapt and overcome. This creates a compelling experience for those who enjoy playing as flawed, relatable characters. A mod offering many of these features is currently available.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

The Hardcore Mode mod for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is currently available, implementing many of the planned features. Let's delve into the details:

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, each worsening an aspect of Henry's life. The mod allows toggling these perks on or off via hotkeys, customizable in the settings.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Each perk has unique properties, ranging from minor inconveniences to significant gameplay impacts. Enabling all simultaneously creates a formidable challenge, requiring creative solutions to overcome obstacles that wouldn't normally exist.

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 maximum carry weight. Overloading prevents running, riding, and significantly slows movement, attack, and dodge speeds, while increasing stamina consumption per attack.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Solutions include using a horse, or gradually increasing carry capacity through strength and perks like Pack Mule, Well-Built, and Strong as a Bull. Early game strategies involve either minimal carrying or intentional overloading for faster strength gains.

Heavy-Footed

Accelerates footwear wear and increases noise levels. This exacerbates clothing deterioration and significantly impacts stealth-based gameplay.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Counter this by acquiring and using tailor kits, improving Craftsmanship skills for cheaper repairs and bonuses, and mindful clothing choices for stealth.

Numbskull

Reduces experience gained from all sources, slowing leveling. This extends gameplay time and emphasizes gradual progression.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Mitigation involves focusing on quests, reading, training, and prioritizing essential skills for faster leveling.

Somnambulant

Rapid stamina depletion and slow recovery make combat and chases significantly harder. Bow aiming time is also reduced.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Horseback travel becomes advantageous, and leveling skills that reduce stamina consumption is crucial.

Hangry Henry

Increased hunger and reduced food satisfaction decrease Speech, Charisma, and Intimidation by 5 points when hungry.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Requires diligent food management, hunting, smoking/drying supplies, and mindful eating habits.

Sweaty

Increased dirt accumulation and doubled stench radius, unaffected by perfumes, complicates stealth and social interactions.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Regular washing, soap stockpiling, and appropriate clothing choices are essential.

Picky Eater

Food spoils 25% faster. Requires careful inventory management and discarding spoiled food to avoid poisoning.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Regular food updates, prioritizing consumption of fresh food, and utilizing smoking/drying methods are key.

Bashful

Reduced Speech skill experience hinders peaceful quest completion, especially early game.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Appropriate clothing and bribery can mitigate this.

Punchable Face

Reduced delay between enemy attacks increases combat difficulty, requiring improved combat skills and equipment.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

This primarily increases the skill requirement for combat success.

Menace

Serious crimes result in permanent branding, leading to execution for subsequent offenses. This is largely mitigated by save-game reloading.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Survival Strategies with Negative Perks in Kingdom Come 2

Prioritize perks that counteract negative ones. Manage stamina carefully, avoid additional debuffs, and be prepared for increased financial demands. A horse is highly recommended.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Realistic Gaming Experience in Kingdom Come 2

The mod enhances realism beyond negative perks by removing map markers, fast travel, and HUD elements displaying health and stamina.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Image: ensigame.com

Hardcore Mode intensifies survival and immersion, offering a challenging experience before the official release. The increased difficulty provides a greater sense of accomplishment upon success.