We independently assess all our recommendations. Purchases through our links may earn us a commission.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, a game I had a very complex relationship with when I first ventured into Bohemia, is arguably one of the best RPGs ever made. It blends incredible storytelling and true-to-history setting, hyper-realistic medieval combat, and open-world RPG mechanics that will have you crying at first but thirsting for more as you become more and more competent in your trade.
If you’re just starting out, you’ll quickly realize this is not a game that holds your hand. Early-game survival can be incredibly tough, and knowing where to focus your time and resources is crucial.
Below, you’ll find what I consider the most important beginner tips, strategies, and systems to understand as you set out on your journey.
1. Talk to Bara in Troskowitz Early
Right after the prologue, make sure to seek out Bara in Troskowitz. Exhaust all dialogue options with her. Why?
- She gives you a free lockpick
- You’ll get 5 Groschen (a helpful early-game cash boost)
- You’ll unlock a quest to learn Master Strikes, which is essential for future combat
Don’t miss this small but hugely valuable interaction.
2. Saving the Game (Without Wasting Saviour Schnapps)
Kingdom Come 2 uses a save system tied to a consumable item called Saviour Schnapps. However, here’s a crucial trick:
- You can save for free by exiting the game and reloading your save.
This “save and quit” method might get patched later, but for now, it’s a lifesaver for early players trying to avoid wasting resources.
That said, once you get your feet under you, start brewing Schnapps or buying them. Saving often will save you hours of backtracking after a death or a failed quest.
3. Start Focusing on One Weapon Type
Combat in Kingdom Come 2 is technical and timing-based. Don’t try to master every weapon at once.
- Pick one weapon style early (sword, axe, mace, etc.) and stick to it for your first several hours
- Supplement with a ranged option (bow or crossbow) if you like, but again, stay focused
- Always train when trainers are available. Look for combat training quests and don’t skip them
Early dedication pays off in both stats and muscle memory.
4. Early Money-Making Tricks
Groschen (money) makes the world go round, even in medieval Bohemia. Here are reliable ways to earn in the early game:
By the way!
Did you know we’re launching a Kickstarter campaign? In the next few months, our campaign for ‘Gentle Jack: The Party Game for Bad Friends‘ goes live! Visit the official website or follow the Kickstarter page to stay in the loop.
- Loot Beehives for Honey:
They provide 31 nourishment, don’t spoil, and sell for decent cash. - Throw Stones at Bird Nests:
You’ll knock them down and get free loot like feathers or Groschen. - Sell Loot to the Right Merchants:
- Weapons/armor → Blacksmith
- Clothes → Tailor
- Potions → Apothecary/Alchemist
- Everything else → General Trader (worst prices)
Pro tip: Repair gear before selling it for extra cash and free Craftsmanship XP.
5. Learn and Embrace Minigames
From alchemy and blacksmithing to lockpicking and dice games, Kingdom Come 2 is packed with interactive minigames. They’re a core part of the experience.
Start learning them now:
- Alchemy → Brew useful potions like health restoratives and speech boosters
- Lockpicking → Start with “Very Easy” locks and work your way up
- Pickpocketing → Practice on moving NPCs at night (wear dark, quiet clothing)
- Blacksmithing → Repair your own gear and level up Craftsmanship
Minigames might seem intimidating at first, but with practice, they become fun and rewarding.
6. Get a Permanent Bed and Shared Chest ASAP
You’ll need a safe place to sleep and store items. Here’s how:
- Rent a room at the local tavernkeeper.
- Price: Around 120 Groschen (or less if you haggle).
- Benefits:
- Permanent bed for sleeping and healing
- Shared chest for item storage
Having a home base reduces risk and makes item management much easier until you get a good horse.
7. Skill Grinding: There’s No Shame in It
If you want to level quickly:
- Archery → Enter contests or practice on targets
- Sneak → Crouch behind NPCs at night while wearing quiet gear
- Lockpicking → Practice on easy locks (unobserved areas help)
- Alchemy → Brew potions; easy recipes are available at alchemists
- Craftsmanship → Repair everything you find
- Weapon Skills → Visit trainers or grind combat against bandits (once you’re strong enough)
Leveling in this game takes time, and intentional grinding is a normal part of early-game progress.
8. Healing and Staying Alive
Combat is unforgiving. If you bleed, bandage immediately or you will die.
Craft or buy Marigold Decoction (health potions) as early as possible. Learn to block and dodge before you go looking for fights.
Also: Bandits are brutal in the early game. Until you understand combat rhythms, it’s usually better to avoid them.
9. Essential Early Perks to Consider
Some perks make the early game much easier:
- Explorer (Scholarship Tree):
Reveals lots of points of interest on the map. If you prefer pure discovery, skip it—but it’s very helpful. - Well-Fitted (Craftsmanship Tree):
Reduces your noise level and helps with stealth. - Secret of Equilibrium & Secret of Matter (Alchemy Tree):
Great for potion crafting, especially if using dry herbs. - River (Unarmed Tree):
Combos really well with dodging for unarmed combat.
10. Potions That Change Everything
Alchemy is incredibly useful even in the early game. Prioritize learning these potions:
- Fox Potion:
+7 Speech and +50% XP gain for two in-game days. Perfect for fast leveling. - Nighthawk:
Lets you see at night. Great for hunting or sneaky operations. - Quickfinger:
Makes lockpicking and pickpocketing much easier. - Artemisia:
Temporary Strength boost to help carry heavy loot when encumbered.
If you’re serious about alchemy, prioritize getting the perks that improve brew success and potion quantity.
11. The Wedding Quest: Don’t Rush, But Don’t Stall Forever
Without spoiling details: There’s a major quest bottleneck early on involving a wedding.
Should you grind endlessly before it? No—you risk burning out.
Should you rush straight through? Also no—you’ll miss out on leveling that helps with the challenges ahead.
Explore at your own pace, but once you’ve picked up a few levels and perks, start advancing the story.
12. Final Tip: Play Your Way
The most important advice? Play your Henry the way you want to.
- Want to be a persuasive talker? Focus on speech and alchemy.
- Prefer stealth? Lean into Sneak, Lockpicking, and dark gear.
- Love combat? Grind your weapon skills and invest in Master Strikes.
There’s no one right way to play Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2—and that’s what makes it great.
KCD2 is hard, sometimes punishing, but ultimately rewarding. Every death, failed lockpick, or awkward conversation is part of the learning curve. Take your time, savor the world-building, and don’t be afraid to save-scum if needed.
Good luck out there, adventurer. Bohemia awaits.
