Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2) promises impressive performance across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. This article details the game's performance across various platforms and adjustable settings.

KCD2's Cross-Platform Performance: A CryEngine Triumph

Photorealism Powered by CryEngine

Multiple sources report strong performance for KCD2 on all platforms. PlayStation and Xbox consoles deliver smooth gameplay at both 30fps and 60fps, with the PS5 Pro showcasing enhanced graphical capabilities. The game's photorealistic visuals are noteworthy, a testament to Warhorse Studios' continued use of CryEngine. The developer's familiarity with the engine allows for enhanced features and optimizations in the sequel. Unlike engines like Unreal Engine, CryEngine prioritizes performance through its old-school rendering techniques, focusing on efficient shaders and lighting. However, KCD2 achieves photorealism through physically based materials and CryEngine's SVOGI (sparse voxel octree global illumination), creating realistic indirect lighting effects.

Console Options: Fidelity vs. Performance

PS5 and Xbox Series X offer two modes: a 30fps fidelity mode at 1440p and a 60fps performance mode at 1080p. Xbox Series S only supports the fidelity mode. The PS5 Pro runs at a native 60fps at 1296p, upscaled to 4K using PSSR. Fidelity mode enhances visuals on PS5 and Xbox Series X with increased foliage detail and improved shadow casting, resulting in superior outdoor scenes and ambient occlusion. The PS5 Pro further refines these features, adding sharper visuals, enhanced ambient occlusion, improved object quality, and overall superior image quality.

PC: Customizable Upscaling and Presets

PC players enjoy full control over upscaling, with options limited to FSR and DLSS. XeSS, sharpening, and frame generation are not included. Despite CryEngine's performance focus, running KCD2 at 4K with maximum settings will demand significant GPU power. However, the game offers five quality presets (low, medium, high, ultra, and experimental) for optimal customization based on individual PC configurations. Warhorse Studios provides a comprehensive guide to help players prepare their systems, detailing CPU, RAM, GPU, and storage requirements.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 launches February 4, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Visit our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 page for more details.