Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: Wondering if you need to play Kingdom Come Deliverance 1 before diving into the sequel? Here’s everything you need to decide—plus why veterans swear by the original.
Table of Contents
Introduction: A Newcomer’s Dilemma
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is almost here, promising more gritty medieval drama, sword-swinging chaos, and Henry’s next chapter. But if you’ve never played the 2018 original, you’re probably asking: “Do I need to play Kingdom Come Deliverance 1 first?”
Short answer? No. But here’s why playing the first game might still be your best move—and how the sequel welcomes fresh faces.
Do You Need to Play Kingdom Come Deliverance 1?
Let’s cut to the chase: The developers say no. When announcing Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, Warhorse Studios confirmed that the sequel is designed for veterans and newcomers. Here’s how they’ll catch you up:
- Recap Included: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 opens with a summary of key events from the first game so you won’t feel lost.
- Gameplay Tweaks: The sequel polishes combat, dialogue, and exploration, making it more accessible to first-timers.
- Fresh Story Threads: While Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 continues Henry’s journey, new conflicts and characters take center stage.
But before you skip straight to the sequel, there’s a catch.
Why Playing Kingdom Come Deliverance 1 First is Worth It
The original is a must-play if you love rich storytelling and immersive RPGs. Here’s why:
1. Emotional Investment
Kingdom Come Deliverance 1 isn’t just Henry’s origin story—it’s a raw, personal tale of revenge, growth, and survival. Playing it transforms Henry from a blacksmith’s son into your underdog hero. Skipping it? You’ll miss the gut-punch moments that made fans adore him.
2. World-Building Depth
The first game’s 15th-century Bohemia isn’t just a setting—it’s a character. KCD1 lays the groundwork for the sequel’s stakes, from muddy tavern brawls to sprawling political schemes. Without it, you’ll lack context for why specific alliances (or grudges) matter.
3. Nuanced Side Quests
KCD1’s side stories—like solving a murder mystery or infiltrating a cult—aren’t just filler. They flesh out the world’s moral gray areas, likely influencing Kingdom Come Deliverance 2’s branching narratives.
4. Appreciate the Improvements
KCD1 had janky combat and clunky AI. Playing it first lets you genuinely appreciate Kingdom Come Deliverance 2’s upgrades, like smoother swordplay and smarter NPCs.
The Trade-Off: Story Recap vs. Full Immersion
Warhorse Studios promises Kingdom Come Deliverance 2’s recap will cover Henry’s revenge quest, key allies like Sir Hans, and the fallout from the first game’s climax. But here’s what the recap might miss:
- Subtle Character Arcs: Sir Radzig’s mentorship or Theresa’s resilience hit harder if you’ve lived through their struggles.
- Historical Nuance: The first game’s dedication to realism—accurate armor, period politics—shapes the world’s authenticity.
- Inside Jokes & Callbacks: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 will likely reward fans with nods to memorable moments (looking at you, “I’m feeling quite hungry”).
Who Should Skip KCD1?
Play the original if:
✅ You love slow-burn RPGs with heavy roleplay.
✅ You want every emotional beat to land.
✅ You enjoy “before vs. after” comparisons in sequels.
Skip to KCD2 if:
⏩ You’re here for polished gameplay, not deep lore.
⏩ Medieval combat tutorials (looking at you, Captain Bernard) sound tedious.
⏩ You’d rather dive into the latest tech (ray tracing, improved NPC AI).
Final Verdict: To Play or Not to Play?
For RPG Purists: Play KCD1. Its story is a masterclass in grounded medieval drama, and the sequel’s payoffs will mean more.
For Casual Players, Start with KCD2. The recap and gameplay upgrades make it a smoother entry point. Watch a 10-minute story summary on YouTube first.
Either way, Henry’s next adventure is a journey worth taking. Grab a sword (or a controller) and choose your path!
Got questions? Drop them below.
FAQ: Burning Questions Answered
“Can I understand KCD2’s story without the first game?”
Yes, but think of it as jumping into The Witcher 3 without playing the others. You’ll follow along but miss more profound connections.
“How long is Kingdom Come Deliverance 1?”
~40 hours for the main story, 80+ for completionists. Perfect for a binge before KCD2 drops.
“Is the first game too clunky in 2024?”
It’s rougher than the sequel, but mods (like save anytime or combat tweaks) can smooth the edges on PC.
