Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a 2018 open-world RPG developed by Warhorse Studios. Set in early 15th-century Bohemia, the game is known for its historical accuracy, immersive storytelling, and realistic combat mechanics.
Plot Summary
Players take on the role of Henry, a blacksmith’s son whose village is destroyed by invading forces. Seeking justice, Henry becomes involved in the political turmoil of Bohemia, navigating a world of war, intrigue, and moral choices. The narrative is nonlinear, allowing player decisions to shape the story.
Production and Development
Developed by Czech studio Warhorse Studios, Kingdom Come: Deliverance was crowdfunded via Kickstarter. The developers worked closely with historians to ensure authenticity in architecture, clothing, and societal structures. The game also features realistic survival mechanics, including hunger and fatigue systems.
Gameplay Mechanics
The game emphasises realism in its mechanics:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Combat System | First-person melee combat with directional attacks, blocks, and counters. Requires timing and stamina management. |
| Weapon Degradation | Swords and armour wear down over time, requiring maintenance. |
| Non-Combat Activities | Includes hunting, alchemy, and lockpicking, adding depth to immersion. |
Notable Weapons
The game features historically accurate swords, each with unique attributes:
| Sword Name | Type | Key Attributes | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. George’s Sword | Longsword | High stab/slash damage, strong defence and charisma. | Found via Treasure Map VII or looted in Epilogue. |
| Decorated Sabre | One-handed | High slashing damage, effective vs. unarmoured foes. | Looted from Menhart’s grave or high-level Cumans. |
Historical Context of Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is set in the early 15th century in the Kingdom of Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic), during a period of political instability and religious conflict. The game’s narrative closely follows real historical events, making it one of the most authentic medieval RPGs ever created.
Key Historical Events Depicted in the Game
| Event | Year | In-Game Representation | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Death of King Wenceslaus IV | 1419 | Triggers the game’s conflict. | Weak rule led to power struggles between nobles and the Church. |
| First Defenestration of Prague | 1419 | Referenced in the story. | Radical Hussites threw Catholic officials from windows, sparking the Hussite Wars. |
| Rise of the Hussite Movement | Early 1400s | Appears through characters like Jan Hus. | A pre-Protestant Christian reform movement opposing Church corruption. |
| Cuman Mercenaries in Bohemia | 1403-1412 | Present as enemy forces. | Nomadic warriors hired by King Sigismund to suppress dissent. |
Real Historical Figures in the Game
| Character | Role in History | Role in the Game |
|---|---|---|
| King Sigismund of Hungary | Rival claimant to the Bohemian throne. | Main antagonist, seeking to conquer Bohemia. |
| Jan Hus | Bohemian religious reformer, burned as a heretic in 1415. | Influences the story but does not appear directly. |
| Sir Radzig Kobyla (fictional) | Inspired by real nobles of the era. | Henry’s mentor and a key figure in the resistance. |
Authentic Medieval Life in Bohemia
The game meticulously recreates:
- Social Hierarchy – Feudal system with nobles, clergy, peasants, and merchants.
- Warfare – Realistic swordplay, archery, and armor based on 15th-century techniques.
- Daily Life – Accurate depictions of blacksmithing, alchemy, and medieval justice.
By grounding its story in real history, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a rare blend of education and entertainment, making it a standout in historical gaming.
Critical Reception
The game received mixed-to-positive reviews, praised for its ambition and realism but criticised for technical issues and a steep learning curve.
| Aspect | Reception |
|---|---|
| Historical Accuracy | Highly praised for meticulous detail. |
| Combat Difficulty | Some players found the system challenging. |
| Technical Issues | Bugs and performance problems noted at launch, later improved with patches. |
System Requirements
Minimum (PC)
- OS: Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K / AMD Phenom II X4 940
- RAM: 8 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 660 / AMD Radeon HD 7870
- Storage: 70 GB
Recommended (PC)
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 / AMD FX-8350
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580
- Storage: 70 GB
The game is also available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Comparison with Similar Games
| Game | Setting | Combat Style | RPG Elements | Historical Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingdom Come: Deliverance | 15th-century Bohemia | Realistic melee | Deep skill progression | Very high |
| The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | Fantasy (Tamriel) | Arcade-style | Flexible class system | Low (fantasy) |
| Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord | Medieval sandbox | Tactical melee | Army management | Moderate |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | Viking Age | Action-oriented | Light RPG mechanics | Moderate (mythology mixed) |
Legacy and Future
Despite early technical issues, Kingdom Come: Deliverance has a dedicated fanbase. The sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the direct sequel continues the story of Henry, a blacksmith’s son, as he navigates the political and social turmoil of 15th-century Bohemia.
Where to Buy
The game is available on:
- Steam
- Epic Games Store
- PlayStation Network
- Microsoft Store
Prices vary by platform and region, with frequent discounts during sales.
Watch the trailer:
