Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 sets a new standard for difficulty in RPGs, not just by boosting enemy stats, but through engaging and realistic mechanics. For those seeking an even greater challenge, a Hardcore Mode will be released in April, promising to push players to their limits.
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The Hardcore Mode introduces negative perks, a unique feature that adds realism and complexity to the game. These perks simulate real-life hindrances that affect Henry’s daily life, encouraging players to adapt and strategize around them. This mode is particularly appealing to those who relish the challenge of playing as a flawed character.
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Currently, the Hardcore Mode mod for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is available, offering a sneak peek at the upcoming official mode. Below, we'll explore these features in detail.
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 opposite of talents, designed to make Henry's life more challenging. Players can toggle these perks on or off using hotkeys, with customizable settings for ease of use.
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Each perk has distinct effects, ranging from minor inconveniences to significant gameplay changes. Activating all perks at once will transform the game into a series of demanding challenges, requiring players to find creative solutions.
Here are all the negative perks available in Kingdom Come 2:
- Bad Back
- Heavy-Footed
- Numbskull
- Somnambulant
- Hangry Henry
- Sweaty
- Picky Eater
- Bashful
- Punchable Face
- Menace
Bad Back
With a bad back, Henry's carrying capacity is reduced. Overloading him will prevent running or riding a horse, slowing down his movement, attack, and dodge speeds while increasing stamina consumption during attacks.
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To mitigate this, consider acquiring a horse to transfer heavy items. Alternatively, gradually increase your carrying capacity by focusing on strength and related perks like Pack Mule, Well-Built, and Strong as a Bull. At the game's start, balance between carrying minimal items or overloading to boost strength quickly.
Heavy-Footed
This perk causes footwear to wear out faster and increases the noise Henry makes, impacting stealth-focused players. Thieves and those who rely on stealth will need to choose their clothing wisely to minimize noise.
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To cope, always pick up or buy tailor kits and improve your Craftsmanship skills to make repairs cheaper and gain useful bonuses. Stealth players should monitor clothing noise levels, sometimes opting to move silently without armor.
Numbskull
Henry earns less experience from all sources with this perk, requiring more effort and time to level up. This gradual progression enhances the game's realism and motivates players to overcome obstacles.
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To level up faster, engage in more quests, read books, and train with instructors. Focus on essential skills to maximize experience gains.
Somnambulant
Stamina depletes faster and recovers slower, making chases and battles more challenging. The time for aiming with a bow is also reduced due to quicker stamina depletion.
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Riding a horse around the village can help conserve stamina. Level up skills that reduce stamina consumption for various actions, diversifying gameplay as you strive to meet activation conditions.
Hangry Henry
Henry becomes hungry more frequently, with food satisfying less. Hunger negatively affects Speech, Charisma, and Intimidation by 5 points.
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Manage hunger by collecting food, hunting, and preserving supplies through smoking and drying. Monitor hunger levels to snack at the right time, especially before sleeping.
Sweaty
Henry gets dirty quicker, and the smell is detectable from a greater distance, affecting diplomats and stealth players. Perfumes won't mask the odor.
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Regularly use washbasins in settlements and stock up on soap for cleaning clothes. Baths offer the best way to wash off dirt but are costly. Dress appropriately for dialogues to mitigate the effects of this perk.
Picky Eater
Food in the inventory spoils 25% faster. Avoid eating spoiled food to prevent poisoning, and regularly update your food supplies.
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Eat fresh food first, dispose of spoiled items, and avoid overeating to prevent painful debuffs. Preserve food through smoking and drying to extend its shelf life.
Bashful
Shyness reduces experience gained in the Speech skill, making it harder to resolve conflicts peacefully, especially in the first 30 hours of gameplay.
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Dress in noble or knightly attire to improve how others perceive you, making dialogue easier despite low Speech skills. Bribing can also help bypass this condition.
Punchable Face
Enemies attack more quickly, increasing the dynamic nature of combat and reducing recovery time, especially in crowd fights.
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This change raises the skill requirement for winning battles. While good equipment helps, mastering combat techniques is essential for survival.
Menace
If branded for a serious crime, the mark remains permanent, leading to execution upon committing another offense. Most players will reload a save to continue, but some might roleplay redemption.
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This concept, while interesting, offers limited practical use for most players, but it could inspire unique roleplaying experiences.
Survival Strategies with Negative Perks in Kingdom Come 2
Prioritize perks that counteract negative effects during leveling. For reduced carrying capacity, focus on increasing it through skills. Combat challenges from stamina limitations can be mitigated by avoiding additional debuffs like overeating.
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Spend money on maintenance, good food, and dialogue checks, motivating you to earn more. Save up for quality clothing to resolve conflicts peacefully. Thieves should choose outfits that minimize smell and noise to avoid detection.
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Stealing a horse and taking it to a gypsy camp for a small fee is a cost-effective way to acquire one. Choose a horse that suits your needs, especially when dealing with reduced carrying capacity and stamina.
For more tips on effective gameplay, check out this article, which offers strategies to overcome the challenges of the Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come 2.
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Realistic Gaming Experience in Kingdom Come 2
Players who have tried the mod report an increased sense of realism due to the negative perks and other changes. Some unchangeable complications, like the absence of a map marker for the hero, no fast travel, and no health or stamina interface, enhance the immersive experience.
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The Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 promises to create memorable stories. Survival becomes more intense with negative perks, offering a unique pre-release challenge. Henry's journey is filled with struggles, and the Hardcore Mode amplifies the satisfaction of overcoming them.
Have you tried the mod? Which challenges intrigued you the most? Share your experiences and survival strategies in the Hardcore Mode in the comments!
