For fans of the Middle Ages, historical authenticity, and immersion, there is no better game thanKingdom Come: Deliverance 2. In fact, the game is so packed with details that history buffs and newcomers to the period can both learn about medieval Bohemia and life in the early 15th century.
Players can learn about history inKCD2by playing the main story, exploring settlements, and by readingcodex entries in the menuas they stumble across new things. The codex entries will also make players aware of the few historical inaccuracies, as in some cases, authenticity and adherence to historical events had to be sacrificed for gameplay or the story.
7The Politics Of Bohemia, Hungary, & The Holy Roman Empire In 1403
Many Real Events Are Talked About
Compared with the first game,KCD2’smain story involves much bigger political players with more at stake for Bohemia and beyond. By paying attention to certain cutscenes, particularly when all the lords loyal to King Wenceslas meet, players will be able to learn plenty about the political situation in 1403.
Even if some of the events are out of order or characters are included where they weren’t, this is all explained in the codex, where players can find out more. Either way, the events will give players a good grasp of how things worked between nobles.
6Historical Figures
Almost All The Nobles In KCD2 Were Real People
While Henry was not a real person, many of the people he meets, especially those of noble birth, were in fact real historical figures. Aside from Godwin and Istvan Toth, for example, almost all the nobles were real. This includes King Sigismund, Radzig Kobyla, Jan Zizka, Hans Capon, Otto von Bergow, Margrave Jobst of Luxembourg, John II of Liechtenstein,the Dry Devil(Hynek of Kunstadt), and Markvart von Aulitz.
The same is true of people such as Jan Hus and King Wenceslas, who are only mentioned by name and never seen in the game. Knowing the names and some facts about these big players on the medieval European stage may act as a springboard for players to go find out more, or the knowledge could help them learn about other conflicts in this period.
5The Cultural Diversity Of Medieval Europe
Medieval People Were Not All The Same & Often Traveled
One thingKingdom Come: Deliverance 2excels at is highlighting the cultural diversity of medieval Europe. While the game solely takes place in Bohemia, there are characters from all over Europe and even further afield. This teaches players that medieval people did not always stay in one place their entire life, and shows how warfare,trade, and other factors could drive people to new lands.
While most of the people are Catholic Czechs, there are also Jewish characters, references to paganism, Cumans, an entire Romani camp, a large German population in Kuttenberg, Italians connected to the royal mint, and plenty of individual characters from other countries, such as Adder from Poland.
4What Medieval Cities Would Have Been Like
The Painted Buildings, The Street Layout, & The Markets
Kuttenberg is a standout feature ofKCD2and if fans are ever lucky enough to visit modern-day Kutna Hora, they might just be able to find their way around. Aside from learning what medieval Kuttenberg would have looked like, players are also able to learn about medieval cities in general, particularly their appearance.
Compared with many depictions of medieval life, perhaps even from fantasy games and films, players will see just how bright and vibrant the medieval world really was, from painted buildings and colorful market stalls, to the fabrics worn by burghers and the intricately decorated water fountain. The layout of the city, the presence of live animals in the market, and plenty of taverns with eye-catching signs are more things to take away from Kuttenberg.
3How Silver Was Mined
Ask One Of The Foremen For A Complete Explanation
In terms of history lessons inKCD2, perhaps one of the best examples is available during the Via Argentummain quest, when Henry is investigating the silver mines. When talking to one of the Foremen, Henry, posing as a scholar or noble interested in purchasing part of the mines, can ask about the entire process of mining silver.
While players may elect to skip over this, those who ask every question will learn a lot, including how the shifts are managed, the hazards, and the following steps, such as smelting. Upon entering the mines and exploring the smelting works just to the east in Grund, players will be able to see everything for themselves. Either when the secret mint is found or later in the Italian Court, players can also see the tools of the minting process.
2Medieval Fighting Techniques & Armor
What You See In Combat Is Broadly Accurate
Naturally, combat plays a huge role inKingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and thankfully, players can learn from what they see, as everything is based on period-accurate fighting techniques. The stances are real, and so are some of thelongsword combos, such as halfswording.
Additionally, all the armor is authentic, including the way it is worn in layers. How the various crossbows are loaded are also interesting to learn from. Lastly, the presence of early firearms and cannons may have surprised some players who thought these innovations arrived after the Middle Ages.
1Daily Life & How Things Were Made
Learn From Walking Around
By wandering around the countryside, villages, and castles inKingdom Come: Deliverance 2, players will be able to learn plenty about the daily lives of medieval people. See how water mills work, what medieval baths looked like, how clothes are left out to dry, how charcoal is made, the tools of butchers orblacksmiths, and much more.
There are a myriad of small details that can be appreciated and learned from if players take the time to walk at a leisurely pace and explore every nook and cranny. There are pilgrim badges, pouches hanging from belts, and medieval pigs that look more akin to wild boars.
