Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Hardcore Mode: Surviving the Odds

The difficulty in *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* is already higher than in most RPGs, thanks to its realistic and engaging mechanics. However, for those seeking an even greater challenge, a new Hardcore Mode is set to launch in April. This mode introduces negative perks, a novel approach to increasing difficulty through realistic elements, making the game more demanding and rewarding for players who enjoy the thrill of playing as flawed characters.

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The Hardcore Mode mod for *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* is currently available, implementing many of the features planned for this mode. Let's dive into the details of what you can expect.

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What Are Negative Perks?

Negative perks are the antithesis of talents; they worsen aspects of Henry's life. The mod allows players to toggle these perks on or off using hotkeys, providing flexibility in adjusting the difficulty to their liking. Each perk has unique properties, ranging from minor inconveniences to significant gameplay changes. Activating all perks simultaneously will turn the game into a formidable challenge, requiring players to find innovative solutions to overcome obstacles.

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Here's a list of all negative perks in *Kingdom Come 2*:

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

Bad Back

A bad back reduces the maximum weight Henry can carry. Overloading results in reduced movement, attack, and dodge speeds, with attacks consuming more stamina. To mitigate this, players can acquire a horse to transfer items or focus on increasing strength and related perks like Pack Mule, Well-Built, and Strong as a Bull. At the game's start, carrying minimal items or overloading to quickly boost strength are viable strategies.

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Heavy-Footed

This perk causes footwear to wear out faster and increases the noise made by the character, particularly affecting stealth-focused players. Regularly acquiring tailor kits and improving Craftsmanship skills can help manage this issue. For stealth enthusiasts, choosing quiet clothing or even going without may be necessary to minimize noise.

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Numbskull

Henry earns less experience from all sources with this perk, making the journey to level up longer and more challenging. To counteract this, players should complete more quests, read books, and train with instructors, focusing on essential skills to level them up faster.

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Somnambulant

Stamina depletes faster and recovers slower, making chases and battles more demanding. The time available for aiming with a bow is also reduced. Riding on horseback can help conserve stamina, and leveling up skills that reduce stamina consumption for various actions is crucial.

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Hangry Henry

Henry gets hungry more often, and food satisfies less than usual, with hunger decreasing Speech, Charisma, and Intimidation by 5 points. Players must be vigilant about food sources, hunting, and preserving supplies through smoking and drying.

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Sweaty

Henry gets dirty more quickly, and the smell is noticeable from twice the usual distance, unaffected by perfumes. This complicates life for diplomats and stealth players. Regular cleaning and stocking up on soap are essential, with baths offering the best solution despite their cost.

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Picky Eater

Food spoils 25% faster, necessitating regular updates to food supplies and avoiding spoiled food to prevent poisoning. Smoking and drying can extend food's shelf life, but careful management is key.

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Bashful

Shyness reduces experience gained in the Speech skill, impacting peaceful quest resolutions, especially in the first 30 hours. Dressing well or using bribes can help bypass this limitation.

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Punchable Face

Enemies have reduced delay between strikes and increased aggression, making combat more dynamic and demanding. Proper fighting skills and equipment are crucial for survival.

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Menace

A serious crime brand does not disappear over time, and committing another offense results in execution. While most players might reload their last save, some may choose to roleplay redemption and leave their criminal past behind.

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Survival Strategies with Negative Perks in Kingdom Come 2

To thrive in Hardcore Mode, prioritize perks that counteract the negative effects. For reduced carrying capacity, focus on skills that increase it. Stamina limitations require avoiding additional debuffs like overeating. Regularly spending money on maintenance, eating well, and dressing appropriately can help bypass dialogue checks and earn more money. Thieves may find acquiring items faster, but certain perks demand careful outfit selection and cleanliness to avoid detection. Stealing a horse and customizing it to suit your needs can be invaluable when dealing with reduced carrying capacity and stamina.

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Image: ensigame.com

For more tips on effective gameplay, check out this article, which offers 10 strategies to overcome the challenges of Hardcore Mode in *Kingdom Come 2*.

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Realistic Gaming Experience in Kingdom Come 2

Players who have tried the mod praise the added realism brought by the negative perks and other changes. Some features, like the absence of a hero marker on the map, no fast travel, and no health or stamina interface, enhance immersion and cannot be turned off. For a full list of these changes, visit the mod's page.

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Hardcore Mode in *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* promises to create unforgettable stories. To read about existing adventures in the normal game, follow this link. Survival in *Kingdom Come 2* is already an immersive experience, and with negative perks, it becomes even more intense. Hardcore Mode offers a unique opportunity to experience a more challenging version of the game before its official release, making Henry's journey more rewarding.

Have you tried the mod? What challenges did you find most interesting? Share your stories and survival strategies in the comments!