Testing new games to evaluate their performance across various gaming PCs can be a rollercoaster ride. One moment, you’re captivated by stunning graphics that run seamlessly, and the next, you’re grappling with crashes and frustrating stutters. Yet, every so often, a title emerges that transforms the experience into pure joy from beginning to end. This year, that title is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Performance and Graphics
Initially, I approached the review copy with modest expectations. Having invested around 90 hours into the first installment, I was familiar with its quirks and the less-than-stellar performance, which seemed at odds with its visual appeal. While the landscapes and models were adequate, the low-resolution textures and stiff animations left much to be desired.
When I learned that CryEngine was being used for the sequel, my apprehension grew. Unlike modern engines such as Unreal Engine and Snowdrop that embrace cutting-edge graphics technology, Crytek’s system has a reputation for being somewhat traditional. However, after just a few hours of performance testing, it became clear that my concerns were unfounded. While the screen-space reflections and occlusion may not rival fully ray-traced surfaces, Deliverance 2 compensates with a wealth of other enhancements.
One of the most impressive aspects is its ability to scale performance across a wide range of PC configurations, from compact handheld devices to powerful 4K setups. Rather than cramming in every available graphics technology, Warhorse Studios focused on refining the strengths of the original game. The expansive forests are vibrant, animations flow smoothly, and even the skybox is visually striking, creating a world that invites exploration—though one should be wary of bandit ambushes.
Attention to Detail
The game is rich with subtle details that, while easily overlooked, significantly enhance the overall experience. For instance, attempting to ride a horse under a low bridge may result in an amusing collision, sending you tumbling to the ground. It’s these little touches that elevate the gameplay and provoke curiosity about why other developers often neglect such nuances.
As for performance metrics, an average frame rate of 96 fps with 1% lows at 83 fps at 1080p using the High quality preset is commendable. This performance was achieved on a Ryzen 5 5600X paired with an Intel Arc A770. For those curious about how it holds up at higher resolutions, the same hardware managed a solid performance at 1440p with FSR 3 Quality settings.
While it’s possible to push the graphics to 4K with the ‘Experimental’ quality preset, resulting in an RTX 4080 Super struggling to maintain 50 fps without upscaling, it’s not a necessity. Deliverance 2 looks impressive even at the High preset, and the optional use of upscaling is a refreshing change in an era where many games require it just to achieve decent visuals.
Industry Implications
It’s intriguing to ponder how many developers will take note of Warhorse Studios’ approach, especially as I know of another developer who is adopting a similar philosophy for their upcoming title. While Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Civilization 7 differ significantly in gameplay, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stands out for its robust and smooth performance.
While patches may rectify the issues encountered during testing of Rebirth and Civ 7, Deliverance 2’s solid foundation allows Warhorse Studios to focus on enriching the game rather than scrambling to fix performance problems. This could prove to be a more efficient use of time and resources.
If the remainder of 2025’s major releases mirror the quality of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, the PC gaming community has much to look forward to.
