What Are Pundits Saying About Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?
The game sure had a lot of hype but, now that it’s out, let’s see what the pundits and critics have to say about Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.
If you’ve been anywhere near the gaming community in the last few months, you’ve probably heard the whispers, the hype, the cautious optimism, and the outright unhinged anticipation for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. The first game was a medieval RPG that somehow felt too real like someone ripped the magic out of fantasy games and replaced it with brutal realism, questionable hygiene, and an intense need actually to read the in-game books to understand what was happening.And now, after all that waiting, it’s finally here. But what do the critics think? Are we looking at an all-time classic or a beautiful historical chore simulator? Let’s dive into what the pundits are saying.
Too soon for GOTY?
The year has barely started, and we’re already throwing around Game of the Year talk. Apparently, yes. According to Destructoid, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a strong contender for the best game of the year, even though we still have months of releases ahead.
"The year just started, so it's too early to be talking about GOTY, but for me, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is already, at the very least, a contender."
That’s a bold statement, considering we have some heavy hitters lined up for the rest of 2025. Spekaing of hitters, some top games are releasing this February. But if an RPG this ambitious and immersive is already turning heads, maybe Destructoid is onto something.
Let’s hear another opinion
Remember when the first Kingdom Come: Deliverance felt like an incredible idea with a bit of jank? Well, according to IGN Portugal, the sequel has leveled up in every possible way.
"Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is an improvement on every aspect of the first Warhorse game and is an action RPG in its own right. With an epic story, delightful sidequests, a fantastic hand-to-hand combat system, and a world that grips you from the very first moment, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is the crowning achievement of Warhorse Studios."
Basically, this is the game that Warhorse wanted to make the first time but probably didn’t have the time, budget, or medieval inspiration candles lit properly. If the first game was rough around the edges, the sequel seems like a polished sword, sharpened and ready for battle.
Not everyone’s having a blast
So, it’s all sunshine and greatness, right? Well… not exactly. Some critics have, let’s just say, not been having the best time. According to GamesHub, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is the equivalent of signing up for an intense medieval reenactment but realizing you have to live in the mud for weeks.
"Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a game that unabashedly demands you meet it on its level, which I do find somewhat admirable. I just constantly found it to be a miserable slog to engage with, where everything was ten times more overblown than it had any business being. There’s a fascinating sandbox deep down within it, but digging through the mountain of muck to appreciate it was simply more than I could stand most of the time."
So, basically: cool game, too much commitment is required. It’s the Dark Souls of RPGs, but without the fantasy to distract you from the suffering. Some players might love it. Others might wonder why they’re voluntarily struggling.
Benchmark for RPGs
Okay, we all know that Kingdom Come: Deliverance was unique. It tried things other RPGs wouldn’t dare attempt (like realistic sword fighting where you can’t just button mash your way to victory). But what if the sequel nailed that original vision?
"If Warhorse has truly achieved its original vision with Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, then what an ambitious vision this was. A title that combines the best of RPGs we've loved, with its own unique niche of its historical setting, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has set the bar high for the rest of 2025."
That’s high praise. And let’s be honest—if the game really is historically rich, punishingly immersive, and still somehow fun, then it deserves to set the bar high. The only question now is: will other RPGs keep up?
Final thoughts
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is one of those games that doesn’t care if you’re ready for it or not. The critics mostly love it, with some calling it a GOTY contender, others praising its deep world, and some just tapping out entirely.
What’s clear, though, is that Warhorse Studios swung for the fences, and whether you enjoy the game or not, it’s making waves in the RPG world.