Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stands out as a prime example of how to mix realistic simulation with roleplaying features, and other RPGs could learn a lot from its approach. Instead of simply improving what’s already been done in previous games, Warhorse Studios has created a fresh experience filled with innovative ideas and smart design choices that could really benefit the RPG community. This game offers more than just better graphics or a bigger story; it builds a believable world that reacts to the player’s actions.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 brings in features that push back against typical RPG design. In many cases, that leads to a game that doesn’t quite make it, but in this case, KCD2 was right to innovate. Other RPGs should adopt similar systems after seeing how well they’ve done for Warhorse Studios. If they do, RPG enthusiasts will likely see a future with more immersive and engaging games.

10 Combat Is Better (Even If Easier)

The Combat Is Excellent

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has improved its combat system, making it a much easier way to jump into combat than before. With a reduction in attack options and a reduced emphasis on getting swarmed by enemies, the resulting experience is a lot less frustrating. Despite the reduction in intensity, the focus on directional blocking, counterattacks, grapples, and special moves keeps combat challenging, encouraging players to practice and learn new techniques.

This system sets KCD2 apart from many other RPGs that often have easier combat or require ten times more dodging than attacking. The tough combat isn’t forgiving, but it’s not unnecessarily hard, and it consistently pushes players to think strategically during fights. The addition of different types of weapons, advanced crossbows, and early firearms also gives players different ways to fight while staying realistic. Other RPGs could benefit from trying to find a similar balance of engaging combat that still features realistic elements.

9 Mutt Is The Best Dog In Any RPG

Dogs Are Getting Better

Mutt, a dog Henry can adopt in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, is more than just a cute character. Mutt doesn’t just follow Henry around, attacking mindlessly. He plays a significant role in Henry's adventures through activities like hunting, scouting, and giving companionship. Mutt feels real in a unique way that many other RPGs lack, and he serves as a great example of how games could approach animal companions. The closest competitor might be Chop from GTA 5, but he was only utilized in a few missions.

Rather than just serving as bonuses for stats or being mindless fighters, RPG companion animals should feel like essential team , forming real connections with the player. The game encourages a process of earning Mutt's trust, with caring for the dog and training him both strengthening that bond. Players can also direct Mutt's actions to complement Henry's play style. Mutt will attack anyone Henry points out, so he can be aggressive or wait for the player to enter combat.

8 KCD2's Perks Are Minor But Work Well

A Realistic Perk System

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has a detailed perk system that stands out from other RPGs. Instead of just giving players basic stat boosts, the perks in KCD2 have a real impact on how the game is played and allow for better character customization. They affect various aspects of the game, such as stealth, charm, weapon wear, and horse stamina, going into more detailed niches than the overall stats and sometimes featuring both benefits and drawbacks. Picking the right perk can change how well Henry performs in battles, trade deals, or exploring the world.

Instead of offering small, hardly noticeable improvements that often come down to generic percentage boosts, other RPGs should design unique perks that create distinct styles of play and provide choices that require real consideration. Perks that can change how skills work through modifying combat moves or providing special crafting skills would make character growth more interesting and motivate experimentation with different perks across multiple playthroughs.

7 Buffs & Debuffs Are Realistic

More Than Random Magic Bumps

The buff and debuff system in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a great example of creating a more realistic gaming experience, and other RPGs could benefit from a similar approach. Instead of just changing numbers, the effects relate to how the character feels physically and mentally. For instance, being tired can make it hard to speak well, eating too much can reduce stamina, and being dirty can affect how others interact with Henry.

In many other RPGs, buffs and debuffs are just percentages or numbers added to characters. This approach doesn't add to simulation or particularly incentivize strategic play, simply providing tiny boosts or hindrances. Other games should adopt KCD2’s buffs and debuffs to make the gameplay more immersive. By linking status effects to specific actions and real-life consequences, developers can make the game worlds feel more authentic, improvinh storytelling and encourage players to think more carefully about their decisions.

6 Playstyles Are A Realistic Take on Classes

Make Your Choice Early But It Won't Hurt

In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, choosing a playstyle is a unique twist on typical RPG classes. Instead of forcing players into a specific role, the game gives a slight push toward certain skills through dialogue after the intro. Henry can choose between scout, soldier, or adviser, providing early experience in areas that match the choice. This approach recognizes that characters can grow and change rather than being stuck in predefined classes.

Starting with skills that align with a chosen playstyle is a refreshing change from other games that rely on strict class systems. Other open-world RPGs could learn from this method, allowing initial choices to guide character development without restricting future options. This could lead to much more realistic playthroughs that ultimately feel less one-note than adhering to a selection made at the start.

5 KCD2 Does Blacksmithing Right

It Feels Like Really Making Weapons

Blacksmithing in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is immersive and robust, which is rare for crafting in RPGs. Henry actually works with the metal by heating it in the forge and hammering it on an anvil. This hands-on experience, along with the need to learn from a master blacksmith, makes the crafting system feel real and connected to the game world, representing an improvement from the first game.

Instead of menus that simply have to be clicked through to craft items, RPGs could include mini-games that actually play out tasks like blacksmithing or alchemy. This would require players to put in time and effort to learn and improve their skills. Additionally, having different quality levels based on a character's skill, like in KCD2, would be a refreshing change from the often shallow crafting systems found in many RPGs.

4 A Real Crime Punishment System

Actions Have Consequences

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 includes a crime and punishment system that's surprisingly well-thought-out compared to other games. Each criminal action in KCD2 needs to be careful considered, as every choice can lead to real consequences. It isn’t just about facing fines or jail time, but about genuinely influencing Henry’s reputation, ultimately affecting how other characters in the game interact with him and what services are available.

The game also includes serious long-term consequences, like being branded, which can ultimately lead to Henry being hanged if he commits repeated major infractions. It’s one of the few games that makes players care about crimes and punishments, but the realistic take could benefit other RPGs. By making criminal behavior have significant and lasting effects, developers can create a world where player choices truly count.

3 The Outfit System Is Fantastic

It's So Easy To Get Changed

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has a great outfit system that makes it easy to swap to the right garb for each occasion. Players can create different outfits for situations like sneaking around, impressing others, or entering battle. What makes it special is how simple it is to switch between these outfits, and the game clearly shows which armor pieces belong to each outfit. It's a significant step up from the first game, where fiddling around with clothing options could become a constant struggle.

Other role-playing games that feature clothing and armor with unique stat bonuses should consider adding a system like this. Customization is important, and more convenient options incentive role-playing in different ways. Time spent in menus is rarely the highlight of any RPG, making KCD2's approach to outfits the perfect way to maintain complexity while cutting down on inconvenience.

2 It's Realistically Hard (Not Just For The Sake of it)

Being Hard Just Because Isn't Fun

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 gives a tough but realistic challenge, which is quite different from the overly difficult aspects of many other RPGs that go for intense levels of challenge. Instead of just making enemies tougher by giving them more health or damage, the game makes players adapt to the difficulties of its medieval world. These involve learning how to fight properly, managing resources, and being aware of the consequences of each choice Henry makes.

Other RPGs could learn from this more realistic approach to difficulty. Instead of just tweaking stats, they could include mechanics that show character growth from a novice to a skilled fighter. This doesn’t mean memorizing parries and dodges, but truly forcing a character improve their stats through practice. Keeping weapons and armor in good shape and strategically preparing before embarking on any risky expedition ultimately prove more memorable than chipping away at a tanky boss.

1 Fast Travel Isn't Teleportation

It Takes Planning & Thought

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 features a fast travel system that goes beyond simple teleportation. Instead of instantly moving Henry from one place to another, the game flavors fast travel as a journey of its own. Henry moves step by step across a stylized map, a process that still takes time and can make Henry hungry and exhausted. Random encounters can also disrupt the journey, so fast travel isn't a way to simply opt out of risks.

While quick teleportation is convenient, it can take away from the immersive feeling of a game world, making it feel smaller and less connected. Games can create a sense of risk and reward by using a travel system that involves real consequences and opportunities, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's thoughtful approach to fast travel is one of many that make it stand out among RPGs.