Warhorse Studios on Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

We sat down with Warhorse Studio's PR Manager, Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, to dive into the highly anticipated sequel to Kingdom Come: Deliverance! Fans can expect an enriched medieval world, deep character dynamics, realistic combat, and exciting new gameplay features.

This sequel promises to deliver an even more immersive RPG experience honoring its historical authenticity.

Read on and discover all the exciting details!

Henry’s Story

Henry’s journey is at the heart of the series. How has he evolved as a character in the sequel? 

I’d say Henry grows from a boy to a man in KCD1, and now he has to grow from a man to a warrior. Not a hero, he’s still the same old Henry, but he’ll face much tougher challenges, including internal conflicts.

The story now involves Henry’s partnership with Sir Hans Capon. How does their dynamic influence the narrative? 

KCD2 definitely focuses a lot on the bromance between Henry and Hans. Think of it like a buddy movie. But in KCD2, there are also more characters who will become important to Henry.

What was the process of designing the new quests and cinematic storytelling, particularly with over five hours of cinematics? 

Kingdom Come: Deliverance always had a huge focus on epic cinematic storytelling, and that hasn’t changed for KCD2. We’ve put a lot of emphasis on a grand storyline that players can enjoy, and the cutscenes are designed to enhance that experience.

Henry’s constant hunger became a memorable and sometimes humorous aspect of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Was this mechanic designed to emphasize the realism of medieval life, or was it also meant to add a layer of charm and relatability to Henry as a character? Are there plans to expand or tweak this feature in the sequel? 

I’d say it’s a bit of both, but we definitely didn’t add it just to create meme material. I think it developed naturally, and we embraced it. In KCD2, it’s even become a bit of a war cry. 😊

Building a Medieval World

The sequel promises a vibrant yet brutal medieval world. What new regions or landmarks can players expect to explore? 

In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, players will be able to explore the regions of Troscecko around the magnificent castle Trosky, as well as the area of Kutnohorsko, with the massive medieval city of Kutná Hora (Kuttenberg).

How does the game’s world-building reflect the historical chaos of early 15th-century Bohemia? 

It’s a time of turmoil and war, and Henry is caught up in it. However, not every peasant cares unless it directly affects them. The big question of who the rightful king is—whether it’s the weak but legitimate one or the strong but aggressive one—is always present.

Taverns, castles, and bathhouses play a significant role. How do these settings enhance player immersion? 

Immersion is probably the biggest goal we have for everything in the game, and these locations are no exception.

Enhancing the RPG Experience

Customization plays a big role in shaping Henry’s destiny. Can you elaborate on the new features for skills, appearance, and equipment? 

I don’t want to spoil too much, but Henry learns new skills like blacksmithing. All weapon types now have dedicated skill trees, and there are additions like gunpowder weapons and crossbows.

What unique activities, like blacksmithing or alchemy, have been expanded or introduced in the sequel? 

I’d say blacksmithing is the biggest addition. Everything else is for players to discover.

How do player choices and actions impact the story and world differently compared to the first game? 

Everything is bigger and better. Choices and consequences have been improved. NPCs should feel more reactive and alive, with decisions leading to minor changes or long-lasting consequences.

Combat Evolution

The combat in the original game was praised for its authenticity. What advancements have you made in Deliverance 2? 

I’d say combat is the most improved feature compared to the first game. It plays and feels better. Combos are easier to perform, weapons have unique playstyles, and the overall experience is more streamlined while still being a deep and intricate system that requires skill.

What can players expect from new weapons, combat styles, and horseback battles? Many dead enemies.

Stealth mechanics appear more prominent. Can you discuss their integration into gameplay? 

We’ve expanded stealth gameplay. While it’s not a stealth game per se, it now includes features like throwing small stones to distract—or annoy—enemies. 😊

Challenges and Innovations

Creating a sequel to a beloved game is no small feat. What were the biggest challenges in developing Deliverance 2? 

Releasing it! 😊 We haven’t released it yet, so that challenge remains. The biggest task is balancing a game for fans of KCD1 and newcomers without alienating anyone or making anyone feel left out.

How does the team balance historical accuracy with engaging gameplay? 

It’s a daily struggle, but we never sacrifice fun gameplay for historical accuracy. At the end of the day, it’s still a video game meant to be fun and cool.

Were there any key lessons learned from the first game that influenced the sequel’s development? 

Don’t release a buggy game... or at least not too buggy.

Community Involvement and Modding

The Deliverance community has been passionate about mods. Will Deliverance 2 support modding, and if so, how? 

I can’t answer that at this point.

How has player feedback from the first game shaped this sequel? 

Massively. We’ve always been in direct contact with the community and closely monitored what people liked and disliked about KCD1. Many aspects were improved, like combat, though some features—like the save potion—remain as design choices.

Creative Process

Can you share a bit about how the team approaches creating the historically accurate world of Kingdom Come? 

Generally, we come up with the story and plot, and then our historian checks if it could have happened that way. She’s also the direct link to universities, museums, and advisors. In the end, it’s all a product of compromise. 😊

What’s the most challenging aspect of balancing historical accuracy with engaging gameplay, and how does the team tackle it? 

Making realistic things fun and intriguing.

Work Environment that Might Inspire Other Artists

How does the studio create a positive and productive work environment for the team? 

We have everything we need. The team has a strong sense of friendship, and regular pub meetings and free breakfast help too. 😊

Are there any unique traditions or rituals within the team that make working on Kingdom Come special? 

Every department has its own rituals and traditions, but one thing that connects most of the team is parties. 😊

Future of Warhorse Studios

How does the studio see its role in redefining realism in RPGs? 

We’re just a developer making games we think are cool—by gamers, for gamers.

If players could take one lesson or feeling from Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, what would it be? 

Always take something to eat with you. 😊 You never know what awaits you.

What’s next for Warhorse Studios beyond this sequel? 

Bug fixes, patches, DLCs, and loooooooong vacations!