Hardcore mode

[BlissDefiler]

When does it come out and does anyone know what it'll consist of? I feel like the combat is too easy.

[BigChern]

It will release spring of 2025, most likely in April with the first DLC.

I forget some details, but it will make the overall experience even more immersive.

1. Will remove fast travel.
2. Removes player icon on map, have to analyze surroundings or ask locals where you are.
2.2 Removes town/names. Will have to ask locals where you are and for directions.
3. Removes compass. You will instead have to use the sun or stars to navigate. Devs actually added real star maps from 1403 for immersion
4. For combat, the directional indicators are being removed. You’ll have to actually read your opponent and be more strategic.

That’s what I can remember off the top of my head. If you go on YouTube, the devs did a run through of what’s new with the hardcore mode that covers all/most of the features.

[Dead Man's Hand]

Judging by the first part, we should expect: complete disabling of the HUD, no fast movement, constant debuffs to choose from, survivable enemies with a higher probability of blocking your attack, health from potions takes a very long time to recover, slow experience gain, the map does not have a pointer where the player is and other markings.

[Joe]

I'm not sure whether the negative perks is final or not from the earlier preview shown. But it feels less "realistic" on how Henry ended up with those negative perks compared to the ones he got from KCD1. I would have liked it instead if it could be a mix of negative perks from KCD1 and negative perks that could be taken after the bad fall you got at the start.

[Ares]

Tbh, I enjoyed my last run in KCD1 hardcore mode. Since this game has less wooden areas than KCD1 (and less POI's in it), I expect it to be slightly more easy to locate your character.
I can add:
* POI and or quest markers are only visible if you move really close to them (which they implemented in KCD2 base game already).
* Enemies are deadlier.
* no visble HP, stamina (also for horse) or enemy HP
* Less or different positive perks, in KCD1 you had to choose 2 negative parks which could really affect your game. (I had nightmares and somnambulant, waking up in the middle of the night in a place far away was fun)
* Items are significantly more expensive (including repair kits).
* Health goes up way slower, eating adds less to nourishment.

Hopefully they'll add more to it, KCD2 feels a bit empty without roaming Cumans or bandits all over. KCD1 in the begining was filled with them, after a big patch I noticed far less enemies than in my first playthrough, which took away many edge of your seat moments, but also deaths xD

[dms]

Hardcore mode will be available at the end of March or early April.