Warhorse Studios to Release Hardcore Mode for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Next Week

The developers at Warhorse Studios have announced that the long-promised hardcore mode for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II will be arriving next week as part of a free update. The new feature will be available across all current platforms.

As in the original game, the hardcore mode introduces a range of negative modifiers that make protagonist Henry’s journey significantly more challenging. These conditions have already been tested by a select group of players and include the following debuffs:

• Dumb – Henry earns 20% less experience.
• Sleepwalker – Stamina drains faster, and there’s a chance of waking up in a completely different location.
• Bad Back – Reduces carrying capacity and increases the chance of injury while gathering herbs.
• Shy – Henry can no longer ask strangers for directions or use “special services” at bathhouses; speech leveling is also slower.
• Picky – Food spoils 25% faster, and Henry gathers half the usual amount of meat and resources from animals.
• Sweaty – Henry gets dirty quicker, his stench travels farther (making stealth harder), and perfumes like "Leo" and "Minta" no longer provide any benefits.
• Threat – Penalties become harsher, and the criminal mark is permanent—any further crimes lead straight to execution.
• Heavy Step – Footwear wears out faster, and stealth is more difficult due to louder footsteps.
• Unpleasant Face – Strangers are more likely to pick fights, enemies are more confident in battle, and they never surrender.
• Hungry Henry – Hunger now also reduces speech, charisma, and intimidation. Food is 20% less nourishing, and Henry must consume 50% more to stay full.

Players will be required to select at least three of these modifiers, though those seeking a true test of endurance are free to activate all of them.

In addition to these personal debuffs, the hardcore mode will adjust core gameplay elements. Notably, the player’s location will no longer appear on the map, and quest markers will only become visible when in close proximity. The update also removes fast travel and eliminates the animated rabbits used for stealth distractions.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is currently available on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The upcoming update, including the hardcore mode, will be free for all players.