Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an immersive, yet unforgiving RPG that prides itself on historical accuracy and realistic mechanics. For many new players, the sheer depth of its systems, combined with an onslaught of tutorial messages and an unconventional save system, can feel overwhelming. If you’re just starting your journey in 15th-century Bohemia, this guide will equip you with fundamental knowledge and crucial tips to make your early hours smoother, more enjoyable, and less frustrating.

Mastering the Save System

Unlike many modern RPGs, Kingdom Come: Deliverance does not offer a simple “Save Anywhere” function. Instead, it autosaves at key moments—when starting a new quest, sleeping in your own bed, using an inn, or visiting a bathhouse. Longer quests also include autosaves at significant milestones, but it’s easy to miss the on-screen notification.

For manual saving, you’ll need Savior Schnapps, a consumable alcohol-based item. Early on, Bianca gifts you a few bottles, but after that, you must either purchase more from innkeepers and traders or craft them yourself. Crafting requires 1 Nettle, 2 Belladonna, and 1 Wine—keep an eye out for these ingredients whenever you explore. Since Savior Schnapps is costly and limited, use them wisely, saving before risky encounters or important choices.

Maintaining Cleanliness and Charisma

Appearance matters in the world of Kingdom Come. Dirty and damaged clothes negatively impact your charisma, which in turn affects persuasion in dialogues. If you see the mud icon on your character’s status, it’s time for a wash. You can clean yourself at a wash trough (found throughout towns) or visit a bathhouse for a thorough clean, which provides additional buffs. Keeping yourself well-groomed helps with negotiations and social interactions, making it a priority for those engaging in diplomacy and trade.

Food, Hunger, and Free Meals

Food is essential in Kingdom Come, and strategic eating is necessary to avoid hunger. The game provides free-to-use cooking pots scattered across the map. You can eat from these once before they enter a cooldown state, so only use them when necessary. Slightly overeating is recommended before long quests to avoid hunger mid-mission. Keep an eye on food spoilage—fresh food provides better nourishment, while old or rotten food can make you sick.

Early Game Limitations – Accept Them

During the prologue and initial hours, you play as an inexperienced peasant with limited combat skills. You won’t be proficient in lockpicking, pickpocketing, archery, or sword fighting until you train these skills later in the game. Don’t stress about these mechanics at the start—focus on progressing through the main storyline. You’ll know the prologue is over when a cinematic plays, introducing key developers from Warhorse Studios.

Lockpicking – A Difficult But Rewarding Skill

Lockpicking in Kingdom Come is notoriously challenging. Even so-called “Easy” locks can be tough. The game provides a tutorial, but you only get one lockpick during the quest “The Good Thief.” Instead of wasting it on the practice chest, save it for the quest requirement, as failing means losing your only lockpick. Once the quest is complete, lockpicks become more accessible and affordable.

Leveling up in lockpicking makes the mini-game easier over time, so practice only when necessary early on. If you struggle, consider investing in perks that improve lockpicking efficiency.

The Importance of Training with Captain Bernard

After finishing “The Good Thief,” one of your first priorities should be heading to Rattay and training with Captain Bernard. His training sessions unlock crucial sword fighting perks and techniques, significantly improving your combat effectiveness. Skipping this training will make battles significantly harder, so take advantage of Bernard’s guidance as soon as possible.

Acquiring Your First Horse and Enhancing It

Progressing through the main quest up to “The Hunt Begins” rewards you with your first horse, allowing for faster travel and inventory management. Immediately after getting your horse, visit Merhojed (west of Talmberg) or finish the Neuhof quest to purchase saddlebags for additional storage. Spurs will improve control, and you can further enhance your horse with armor and a caparison for both aesthetics and protection.

Leveling Up and Choosing Perks Wisely

With so many stats and skills available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Check your character’s progress frequently and select perks that best suit your playstyle. Some essential early-game perks include:

• Mule I – Increases carrying capacity, allowing you to haul more loot.
• Salted and Smoked – Reduces food spoilage, making your rations last longer.
• Heavy Duty Pony – Improves your horse’s carry capacity.
• Lasting Lockpicks – Extends lockpick durability, reducing the risk of breakage.
• Rain Man – Reduces stamina drain in rainy weather.

You’re not forced to select a perk immediately; if none seem useful, hold off and choose one later as you unlock better options.

Grinding Skills and Earning Coin Simultaneously

Unlike traditional RPGs, you don’t level up skills by completing quests alone—you must actively use the skill to improve. For example, hunting doesn’t increase unless you actually hunt, and combat skills won’t grow without sparring. Instead of spending gold on trainers, look for activities that pay you to practice, such as:

• “Delicacies” Activity – Earns you money for hunting and selling meat.
• Sparring with Captain Bernard – Increases combat skills through repeated training.

Engaging in these activities ensures you progress efficiently while also earning coin.

Final Thoughts – Practice and Patience Lead to Success

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a deep, rewarding game that requires patience and persistence. The early hours may feel overwhelming, but by mastering the save system, keeping clean, managing food wisely, training combat skills, and upgrading your horse, you’ll soon find yourself thriving in medieval Bohemia.

The key to success is embracing the game’s realism—every skill must be earned, and no shortcut will grant you instant power. Train diligently, manage resources wisely, and take full advantage of in-game mechanics. By following these tips, your journey will be much smoother, allowing you to experience the game’s full potential without unnecessary frustration.

Stay tuned for more Kingdom Come: Deliverance tips and guides!