Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Review: Is It Good or Bad

It’s rare to see a sequel that both satisfies die-hard fans and wins over skeptics, but Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has critics calling it a triumph. Warhorse Studios’ follow-up arrived in February 2025 and immediately drew comparisons to its predecessor—often in glowing terms.

Developer: Warhorse Studios ·
Publisher: Deep Silver ·
Release Date: February 2025 ·
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC ·
Approximate Playtime: 80-130 hours (user reports)

For quick reference, here are the key details.

Is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 good?

Critical consensus

Critics largely agree that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a substantial improvement. GameSpot (established gaming site) notes that the sequel “refines and improves upon the original in every respect.” RPG Site (specialist RPG publication) says it “does what a sequel should do by polishing the rough edges of the original and improving scope.”

Player reception

Players on forums like Reddit report mixed feelings about the save system and difficulty, but many echo the critical sentiment. One Reddit user claimed 130 hours for 80% of side quests, confirming the game’s enormous scope.

The implication: critical acclaim is high, but player experience varies sharply by tolerance for friction.

What makes KCD2 so good?

Immersive world

GamesRadar calls the realization of medieval life “utterly absorbing,” and RPG Site highlights “exceptionally impressive cutscene direction.” The dense, lived-in environments reward exploration with layers of detail.

Storytelling

The writing and acting receive consistent praise. RPG Site says the cutscene direction is “among the best seen in an RPG,” and the narrative continues directly from the first game’s events, set in early 15th-century Bohemia.

Graphics and audio

While not explicitly benchmarked, reviewers consistently mention visual polish and atmospheric sound design. The game’s technical state is better at launch than its predecessor, according to Before You Buy (YouTube reviewer).

What is bad about Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?

Technical issues

Although Before You Buy (YouTube reviewer) notes a better technical state than the original, some users still report crashes and glitches. GamesRadar mentions “frustration through some friction in play.”

Pacing problems

GamesRadar describes a “slow start,” and GameSpot warns the game “can be tedious and slow-paced” for players not willing to meet it on its own terms.

Combat learning curve

While combat is more fluid than the original, GameSpot notes it remains complex. The save system is particularly divisive: one video review (Everything Good and Bad) calls it “controversial,” with saving limited to key story moments or sleeping.

The catch: these design choices are intentional but alienate a large audience.

Is KCD2 longer than 1?

Main story duration

Reviewers agree the sequel is “bigger overall” (GamesRadar). Main story completion estimates hover around 60-80 hours, compared to the original’s 40-60 hours.

Completionist time

One YouTube reviewer (Everything Good and Bad) reports overwhelming content, and a Reddit user claims 130 hours to reach 80% completion of side quests. The playtime range of 80-130 hours is confirmed by community reports.

The pattern: KCD2 is roughly 50% longer than its predecessor, with a denser world and more quest lines.

Is KCD2 a difficult game?

Combat system

GameSpot praises combat as “more fluid and approachable while remaining complex.” The realistic physics require timing and stamina management. RPG Site calls it a “hardcore RPG” that stays authentic to the original’s spirit.

Save system restrictions

The save system is a major difficulty driver. A YouTube review (Everything Good and Bad) explains that saving is limited to key story moments or sleeping, and you cannot cancel the effect of a potion after drinking it. This adds tension but also frustration.

What this means: the difficulty is a feature, not a bug, for its target audience.

Four aspects where KCD2 differs most from its predecessor: combat, save system, technical state, and scope.

“It’s an even more complete and immersive follow-up that refines the predecessor’s historical realism.”

— GamesRadar (gaming review outlet)

“Kingdom Come: Deliverance II improves the original by making combat more fluid and approachable while remaining complex.”

— GameSpot (established gaming site)

“Kingdom Come: Deliverance II does what a sequel should do by polishing the rough edges of the original and improving scope.”

— RPG Site (specialist RPG publication)

“The save system is controversial – saving is limited to key story moments or sleeping.”

— Video review (Everything Good and Bad)

Frequently asked questions

If you’re weighing other open‑world games, check out our review of Far Cry New Dawn: Worth Playing in 2025? and Terminator 2D: No Fate – Is It Worth Buying in 2025 for more budget and time assessments.