How Crime and Punishment Work in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Crime in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 significantly impacts gameplay, altering NPC interactions and potentially leading to severe consequences. Actions like theft, trespassing, or assault are all considered crimes with varying levels of severity. This improved AI system, compared to its predecessor, makes NPCs more perceptive to criminal activity.

Criminal Activities:

The game classifies the following as illegal: murder, theft (from homes, shops, or unconscious individuals), lockpicking, pickpocketing, assault, animal cruelty, trespassing, and disrupting public order. Each action carries different risks and repercussions.

Consequences of Getting Caught:

If caught, players face several options:

1. Pay a Fine: The cost varies based on the crime's severity.
2. Talk Your Way Out: High Speech or Charisma skills can sometimes persuade guards to overlook minor offenses.
3. Flee: Escaping might temporarily evade capture, but the player becomes a wanted fugitive, requiring disguise or bribery upon returning to the town.
4. Accept Punishment: This results in penalties ranging from minor inconveniences to execution, depending on the crime.

Punishment System:

Punishments escalate in severity:

1. Pillory (Public Humiliation): A short sentence for minor offenses.
2. Caning (Physical Punishment): Public beating for mid-level crimes, reducing health and stamina.
3. Branding (Permanent Criminal Status): A permanent mark signifying criminal status, impacting NPC interactions and trade opportunities.
4. Execution (Game Over): The ultimate consequence for severe crimes.

Reputation System:

Reputation affects how NPCs interact with the player. Each town and faction maintains a separate reputation score. A negative reputation can hinder quests, trading, and dialogue options, while a positive reputation unlocks benefits and opportunities. Improving reputation requires community service, donations, and fine payments.

Avoiding Capture:

Players can minimize the risk of arrest by:

• Avoiding Witnesses: Careful planning and quick disguises can help.
• Committing Crimes at Night: Darkness provides better cover.
• Selling Stolen Goods Discreetly: Use fences or black market dealers away from the crime scene.

The crime and punishment system in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 adds a layer of realism and consequence to the gameplay, encouraging strategic decision-making and impacting the overall player experience.