What Is Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

This guide explores everything you need about the Hardcore Mode in the action RPG Kingdom Come Deliverance 2.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the Warhorse Studios’ action RPG, was launched recently. At launch, the game doesn’t provide any option to adjust or change the difficulty settings. Every player starts their playthrough on the default difficulty. While the standard difficulty mode can already be challenging for many players due to the realism-based vital management and combat mechanics, the title will also introduce a Hardcore Mode.

The developers have announced that players will receive a free update around spring, which will add the new Hardcore Mode alongside the Barber feature and Horse Racing. So what exactly is this Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, and how does it differ from the default one? Let’s explore.

Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Explained

Combat mechanics become more realistic (Image via: Warhorse Studios/Deep Silver)

The Hardcore Mode features several adjustments to your regular playthrough, making the game significantly more challenging. Here are the key differences that set Hardcore Mode apart from the default difficulty:

Saving: Autosave is disabled in Hardcore Mode. Instead, you should drink Saviour Schnapps, sleep in your bed, receive a full service at a bathhouse, or exit the game to manually save your progress.
Survival: Health and stamina indicators are limited. Food and health potions take longer to be in effect. You cannot satiate your hunger with the cooking pots but find food.
Map and Navigation: Fast travel is disabled, requiring you to explore more to traverse from one point to another. Additionally, the map will not display your location, and the compass won’t reveal points of interest or Waypoints unless you become closer to them.
Money and Equipment: The money earned from traders and rewards is significantly reduced. On the other hand, repairing weapons and armor is more expensive.
Combat: Attacks have a greater impact, making the duels more realistic and emphasizing the usage of quality armor. There will be no directional and timing indicators, making the perfect block and dodge challenging. Fighting multiple enemies at once becomes more deadly.

Negative Perks in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Hardcore Mode

In the Hardcore Mode, you must choose two negative perks before starting the playthrough. These perks have lasting negative effects and persist throughout the game. Below is the complete list of all the negative perks and how they affect you.

Negative Perk	Effect
Nightmares	After waking from sleep, all stats are reduced.
Claustrophobia	Wearing a face-plated helmet weakens attacks due to anxiety.
Haemophilia	Bleeding rate is faster, and wounds are harder to stop.
Numbskull	Experience gain rate is slower.
Consumption	Stamina regenerates more slowly.
Shakes	Succeeding Archery, Lockpicking, and Pickpocketing are harder.
Tapeworm	Get hungry quicker and require to eat frequently.
Somnambulant	Sleeping has a chance to make you wake up in a random location.
Brittle Bones	Fall damage leads to greater injury.

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