Kingdom Come: Deliverance is packed with intricate mechanics that require patience and experimentation to master. While some systems are lightly introduced, many remain obscure, leaving players to figure them out through trial and error. To help you navigate medieval Bohemia more effectively, we’ve compiled essential survival tips to ensure your journey is smoother and your playthrough more enjoyable.

Managing Food and Preventing Poisoning

Food is vital for survival, but in Kingdom Come, it deteriorates over time, mimicking real-world perishability. Most food items will eventually spoil, with exceptions like dried meats and fruits. Keeping an eye on the freshness meter in your inventory is crucial—eating rotten food can result in food poisoning, a serious problem, especially when weighed down by armor. If you do consume spoiled food, you’ll need to find a remedy quickly, such as Charcoal or certain alchemy potions. To avoid waste, only carry what you need and store fresh food whenever possible.

Saving Often – Avoid Losing Progress

Saving regularly is absolutely essential in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. The game is prone to unexpected quest-breaking bugs, enemy ambushes, and sudden combat failures. Regular saving ensures you won’t lose too much progress if something goes wrong. There are multiple ways to save:

• Savior Schnapps (expensive but allows manual saves).
• Sleeping in a bed you own or at an inn (free but location-dependent).
• Using bathhouse services (provides a save and other benefits).

Console players must manage their saves carefully, while PC players can install a mod to enable infinite saves. However, be mindful when using the sleep method to save—Henry has limited rest hours, which may be needed for healing.

Combat Against Armored Enemies – Use the Right Weapons

Sharp swords are ineffective against plate armor unless you precisely target weak points like the face, arms, or legs. However, fully armored enemies require a different approach:

• Use Blunt Weapons – Maces and warhammers deal significantly more damage against heavily plated opponents.
• Shoot Arrows Before Engagement – A well-placed arrow to the eye (especially against enemies without helmets) can instantly eliminate a target before they reach you.
• Mounted Combat Advantage – Engage enemies from horseback, keeping distance while attacking with arrows or melee weapons. This hit-and-run tactic is particularly useful early on when your armor is insufficient for prolonged fights.

Sharpening Your Sword – Essential for Combat Efficiency

A dull blade performs poorly in combat. To keep your weapon in top shape, visit any grindstone at a blacksmith:

• Maintain proper angle and pressure while grinding.
• Look for sparks—this indicates correct sharpening.
• Avoid smoke, as it damages the blade.
• Once polished, your weapon will perform at peak efficiency.

A well-maintained weapon ensures better damage output and longer durability in combat.

Disguises – Infiltrate Enemy Camps Without Detection

If you want to enter Cuman or bandit camps undetected, consider stealing and wearing their armor. This allows you to walk among enemies without immediate suspicion. However, be cautious:

• Avoid unnecessary interactions—talking too much raises suspicion.
• If asked questions, respond carefully—if you don’t understand their language, you’ll be exposed.
• Time your actions—commit crimes only when no one is watching.

This strategy is useful for stealth-based playthroughs, making it easier to complete objectives without direct combat.

The Importance of Learning to Read

During your adventure, you’ll encounter scholars who can teach you how to read. While reading itself doesn’t improve skills, books grant valuable bonuses in areas such as:

• Combat
• Alchemy
• Speech

To start learning, visit a scribe in Uzhitz and complete his reading lesson. Once you’re literate, find books, sit down at a bed or reading spot, and gain passive experience from studying them.

Final Thoughts

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a deeply immersive experience, but mastering its mechanics takes time. Managing food properly, saving frequently, choosing the right weapons, and maintaining your gear will significantly improve your survival chances. Additionally, utilizing disguises, training regularly, and learning to read can provide hidden advantages in your journey.

With these tips, you’ll navigate the challenges of medieval Bohemia with greater confidence. For more Kingdom Come: Deliverance strategies, stay tuned!