Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 already boasts a higher difficulty curve than most RPGs, achieved not through inflated enemy stats, but through realistic and engaging mechanics. But for those seeking an even greater challenge, a Hardcore Mode is arriving in April, pushing players to their limits.

The key innovation? Negative perks. This unique approach adds complexity through realistic limitations. Henry will develop debilitating traits impacting daily life, forcing players to adapt and truly embody a flawed character. This will resonate deeply with players who relish the challenge of playing an imperfect hero.

A Hardcore Mode mod is currently available, offering a preview 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 antithesis of talents, each worsening aspects of Henry's life. The mod allows toggling these perks on or off via hotkeys, customizable in the settings.

Each perk has unique properties, ranging from minor inconveniences to significant gameplay impacts. Enabling all simultaneously creates a formidable challenge, forcing creative solutions to situations normally trivial.

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 and riding, slowing movement, attack, and dodge speeds, while increasing stamina consumption per attack. Solutions include using a horse or strategically increasing carrying capacity through strength and perks like Pack Mule, Well-Built, and Strong as a Bull. Early-game strategies might involve carrying minimal items or intentionally overloading to boost strength faster.

Heavy-Footed

Accelerates footwear wear and increases noise levels. This exacerbates the already rapid clothing deterioration, impacting stealth-based gameplay. Solutions involve frequent repairs (improved via Craftsmanship skills) and mindful clothing choices for quieter movement. Sometimes, going without clothing altogether might be the most effective solution.

Numbskull

Reduces experience gained from all sources, slowing leveling progress. This emphasizes patience and extended gameplay, creating a more gradual character progression. Solutions include focusing on quests, reading, training, and prioritizing essential skills.

Somnambulant

Significantly decreases stamina and slows recovery. Combat and chases become significantly harder, with aiming a bow also becoming more challenging. Riding a horse becomes a viable alternative to walking, while leveling up stamina-reducing skills is crucial.

Hangry Henry

Increases hunger frequency and reduces satiation. Beyond typical hunger effects, Speech, Charisma, and Intimidation decrease by 5 points. Solutions involve diligent food management, hunting, smoking, and drying supplies. Careful attention to hunger levels before sleeping is vital.

Sweaty

Increases dirt accumulation, doubling the detection range of body odor, negating the effects of perfumes. This significantly impacts stealth and social interactions. Frequent washing and careful clothing choices are essential.

Picky Eater

Food spoils 25% faster. Regular inventory management is crucial to avoid food poisoning. Smoking and drying food helps but doesn't eliminate spoilage.

Bashful

Reduces Speech skill experience, hindering peaceful quest completion. This effect lessens over time as the skill levels. Alternative solutions include using appropriate clothing to influence perceptions and bribery.

Punchable Face

Reduces the delay between enemy attacks, increasing combat difficulty. This primarily tests combat skill and equipment quality.

Menace

Serious crimes result in permanent brandings, leading to execution for subsequent serious offenses. This perk's impact is largely dependent on player choices and save-game management.

Survival Strategies with Negative Perks in Kingdom Come 2

Prioritize perks mitigating the negative ones. For example, counter reduced carrying capacity with skills to increase it. Avoid additional debuffs like overeating to maintain stamina. Efficient money management is crucial for maintaining supplies and navigating dialogue challenges. For thieves, careful clothing choices and cleanliness are vital.

Stealing and then registering a horse at a gypsy camp provides affordable transportation. Utilize the horse's stats to your advantage. A horse is incredibly useful when your carrying capacity and stamina are reduced.

Realistic Gaming Experience in Kingdom Come 2

The mod enhances realism beyond negative perks; features like map markers, fast travel, and the HUD are removed. This immersive experience creates unique challenges and compelling narratives.

Hardcore Mode intensifies the survival aspect, rewarding players with a heightened sense of accomplishment. It offers a challenging preview of the official mode's release.