Kingdom Come: Deliverance II builds upon its predecessor’s realistic medieval combat system, emphasising skill, timing, and tactical awareness over simple button-mashing. This guide explores the game’s intricate mechanics, offering strategies to help players excel in swordplay, defence, and battlefield tactics.
Core Combat Mechanics
The combat system in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II remains deeply rooted in directional attacks, stamina management, and weapon physics.
Directional Attacks & Defence
- Players must choose from six attack angles (five slashes and one thrust) when striking.
- Blocking requires matching the opponent’s attack direction.
- Failing to block correctly results in reduced defence and increased damage taken.
Stamina Management
- Every action, from attacking to blocking, consumes stamina.
- Exhausted characters move slower, deal less damage, and become vulnerable to critical hits.
- Proper footwork and controlled aggression help conserve stamina.
Combo Chains & Advanced Techniques
- Combos are unlocked through skill progression and training.
- Feints (attack cancels) can bait opponents into mispositioning their guard.
- Perfectly timed blocks trigger Master Strikes, allowing immediate counterattacks.
Defensive Strategies
Blocking & Parrying
- Holding block reduces damage but drains stamina.
- A well-timed parry (just before impact) triggers a Master Strike, opening the enemy for a free hit.
- Against multiple foes, circling to isolate enemies and using terrain for cover is crucial.
Footwork & Positioning
- Movement affects attack reach and evasion.
- Sidestepping or backing away can force enemies to whiff attacks, leaving them open.
- Avoid being cornered—always maintain space to manoeuvre.
Offensive Tactics
Timing Over Spamming
- Wild swinging depletes stamina and leaves players vulnerable.
- Observing enemy patterns and striking during recovery frames is key.
- Mixing attack angles prevents predictability.
Feints & Mind Games
- Start an attack from one direction, then quickly switch to another to bypass guards.
- Against skilled opponents, feints are essential to create openings.
Weapon Types & Their Uses
| Weapon | Best Use Case | Strengths & Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Longsword | Versatile duelling | Balanced speed and reach; excels in 1v1 combat. |
| Mace | Armoured opponents | Crushes through plate armour but struggles against agile foes. |
| Axe | Shield-breaking | Effective against lightly armoured enemies; slower than swords. |
| Bow | Ranged engagements | High damage but requires precise aiming and practice. |
| Polearms | Group battles | Long reach but poor defence in close quarters. |
Skill Progression & Training
Training with Bernard
- Regular sparring sessions improve weapon skills and unlock new combos.
- Focus on mastering basic defence before attempting advanced techniques.
Stat & Perk Development
- Strength increases melee damage and clinch success.
- Agility enhances finesse weapons (rapiers, shortswords) and movement speed.
- Warfare boosts overall combat experience gain.
- Useful perks include Clinch Master (better grappling) and Daring Defender (improved parry windows).
Advanced Combat Tips
Clinch Control
- Winning close-quarters grapple struggles grants a free attack opportunity.
- High strength improves clinch success rate.
Equipment & Mobility
- Heavy armour provides protection but slows stamina regeneration.
- Light armour allows faster movement and quicker stamina recovery.
- Adjust gear based on enemy types—plate armour against heavily armed foes, lighter gear for skirmishes.
Environmental Awareness
- Use terrain to your advantage:
- Fight on slopes to disrupt enemy footing.
- Bottleneck doorways to avoid being surrounded.
- Trees and obstacles can block mounted enemies.
Fighting Multiple Opponents
- Prioritise eliminating weaker enemies first.
- Constant movement is essential—never stand still.
- Master Strikes and ripostes are invaluable when outnumbered.
The Art of War in KCD II
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II rewards patience, observation, and adaptability. Early struggles are part of the learning curve—each defeat teaches valuable lessons in reading opponents and refining technique.
Key takeaways:
- Defence is as important as offence.
- Stamina management wins prolonged fights.
- Weapon choice should match the situation.
- Training and perks significantly enhance combat effectiveness.
By mastering these principles, players will transition from hesitant novices to formidable warriors, capable of standing against even the most skilled adversaries.
Watch for mor combat tips:
