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Hardcore Mode is an optional way to start a new Kingdom Come: Deliverance II playthrough. Added in Patch 1.2.4, it removes several navigation aids, disables fast travel, requires at least three permanent negative perks, and changes combat feedback and enemy behavior. It is an in-game mode, not a separately established DLC purchase.
What is Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?
Hardcore Mode is a new-playthrough option introduced in Patch 1.2.4. PLAION’s Patch 1.2.4 notes list it as a new feature and describe it as an option to start a playthrough in hardcore mode.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 PS5 | $31.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Dead Island 2 - PS5 Game - D a One Edition | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Art of Kingdom Come Deliverance II | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Warhorse Studios designed it to differ from the first game’s version. In the official feature, senior game designer Karel Kolmann said the team kept only a couple of the original game’s perks and made new ones for a fresh challenge, with immersion as well as difficulty in mind. Read the official Hardcore Mode feature for the studio’s description.
What changes in Hardcore Mode?
| Area | Standard play | Hardcore Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Player location on the map | The map marks the player’s position automatically. | The automatic player marker is removed. |
| Compass | Cardinal directions are available. | Compass cardinal directions are removed. |
| Fast travel | Available in standard play. | Disabled. |
| Starting perks | No mandatory Hardcore negative-perk selection. | Choose at least three permanent negative perks at the start. |
| Combat feedback and enemy behavior | Standard combat aids and enemy behavior apply. | Multiple enemies are more likely to flank; perfect-block icons and directional attack aids are removed. |
The comparison reflects the official mode feature’s description of Hardcore changes; it does not claim that every other aspect of play differs.
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- Live life through the eyes and actions of Henry, a young man on a quest to avenge his murdered parents. His story – illustrated with over five hours of stunning cinematics – takes him from aspiring warrior to rebel, crossing paths with a charismatic cast of characters and an unforgettable set of adventures, as he goes up against the King of Hungary, Sigismund the Red Fox and his fearsome allies.
- Your actions shape Henry’s destiny and how the world will react to him. Customize freely his appearance, skills and equipment while taking a moral stance on the events around you. Travel round the land engaging in unique activities, such as blacksmithing and archery, to truly immerse yourself in this vibrant region of Europe that will remember your actions, forever.
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- Feel the clash of steel and visceral combat as you engage in thrilling real-time battles. There’s a range of authentic weapons and combat styles to suit every player. On foot, horse or by stealth, you can specialise in elegant sword mastery, brutal blunt weapons or deadly ranged attacks.
How do you navigate without a marker, compass directions, or fast travel?
Hardcore navigation depends on interpreting the landscape and checking the map yourself. Kolmann described opening the map to look for significant features rather than relying on a compass or running straight toward a target.
Use landmarks and the map
Look for recognizable terrain and landmarks, then compare them with the map to work out where you are and which route to take. Since the map does not automatically show Henry’s position and the compass gives no cardinal directions, you need to keep track of your route rather than expect the interface to orient you.
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Ask people for directions
You can ask people you meet on the road where you are. According to the official feature, whether they help depends partly on your reputation and presentation. Any map assistance they provide lasts only while the map remains open; Bashful removes this help.
Account for sleepwalking
The Somnambulant perk can cause Henry to sleepwalk and wake in a random location. If you choose it, expect to re-establish your position after waking rather than assume you are where you went to sleep.
How many negative perks must you choose?
You must choose at least three permanent negative perks at the beginning of a Hardcore playthrough. They add lasting disadvantages, so consider how their effects could combine with navigation and combat changes. The official feature describes several examples; the list below is illustrative, not a claim that these are all available perks.
Examples of negative perks
- Heavy-Footed: Increases movement noise and makes shoes wear faster.
- Sweaty: Increases Henry’s pungency.
- Numbskull: Slows experience gains.
- Bashful: Disables NPC map assistance.
- Somnambulant: Can make Henry sleepwalk and wake in a random place.
- Punchable Face: Increases hostility from travelers and removes an enemy’s option to surrender.
- Bad Back: Reduces carrying capacity and can cause a temporary hobble after bending to collect plants.
How does combat change?
Hardcore Mode makes fights harder to read as well as more dangerous. The official feature says groups of enemies are more likely to flank Henry. It also removes perfect-block icons and directional attack aids, so you must pay closer attention to opponents’ movements and rely on timing rather than those interface cues.
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