In *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, crime isn't just a minor inconvenience—it can completely reshape your interactions with the game world. Engaging in activities such as stealing, trespassing, or even roughing up a peasant can land you in serious trouble. Here’s a detailed look at how crime and punishment function within the game.
Related: All Pre-Order Bonuses & Editions for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
How Crimes Work in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
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In KCD2, any action that disrupts the law-abiding world is considered a crime. The sequel features improved AI, making NPCs more vigilant about criminal activities. Committing a crime can lead to immediate consequences or you might be hunted down later.
The game classifies the following actions as illegal:
- Murder – Killing innocent NPCs.
- Theft – Stealing from homes, shops, or unconscious NPCs.
- Lockpicking – Breaking into locked buildings or chests.
- Pickpocketing – Stealing directly from people.
- Assault – Attacking civilians or guards.
- Animal Cruelty – Hurting domestic animals.
- Trespassing – Entering private areas without permission.
- Disrupting Order – Causing trouble in towns.
Committing any of these acts can trigger suspicion, arrest, or worse, depending on the severity of the crime. Both guards and villagers will react based on the nature of your transgression.
What Happens When You’re Caught?
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If a guard catches you in the act, you'll be reported immediately. Civilians can also report suspicious behavior, leading to an investigation. When caught, you face several options:
1. Pay the Fine
Paying a fine is the easiest way out, but the cost depends on the crime—stealing might cost you a few Groschen, while murder could lead to financial ruin or harsher punishment.
2. Talk Your Way Out
With high Speech or Charisma, you might persuade guards to let you go, especially for minor crimes. However, serious offenses are much harder to talk your way out of.
3. Run for It
Running away is risky but sometimes necessary. Guards will pursue you, and escaping will temporarily make you a wanted man. Returning to town later might still lead to recognition unless you change your appearance or bribe officials.
4. Accept the Punishment
If you can’t pay or escape, you'll face the consequences, with the severity depending on your crime.
How Punishments Work in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
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Whether your crimes were intentional or accidental, be prepared for varying punishments based on their severity, from minor reprimands to severe penalties:
1. Pillory (Public Humiliation)
For minor offenses like trespassing or accidental assault, you might be sentenced to the pillory for a few in-game days. This impacts your reputation, with NPCs mocking you.
2. Caning (Physical Punishment)
Mid-tier crimes like theft or assault result in caning, where guards publicly beat you, affecting your health and stamina temporarily.
3. Branding (Permanent Criminal Status)
Reserved for repeat offenders or serious crimes like murder or heavy theft, branding marks you permanently. NPCs will treat you as a criminal, and merchants may refuse to trade. Guards will monitor you closely, potentially attacking if you act suspiciously.
4. Execution (Game Over)
The ultimate penalty, execution, ends your game and is typically reserved for the most heinous crimes, such as multiple murders.
Related: How to Get the Best Ending in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
How Crime Affects Your Reputation
Your reputation significantly influences how NPCs interact with you. Committing crimes can make townsfolk suspicious or hostile.
How Reputation Works
Reputation is tracked separately by each town and faction. A low reputation may lead to refusal of dialogue, trade, or quests, while a high reputation can grant discounts, additional dialogue, and unique opportunities. Guards may search you more frequently if you have a criminal past. To repair a tarnished reputation, you can help the community, donate to the church, or pay fines, similar to the Honor system in Red Dead Redemption 2.
How to Avoid Getting Caught
While the crime system is integral to KCD2, you can use it strategically. Here are some tips to avoid detection:
- Eliminate Witnesses: Check your surroundings before committing a crime. If caught, quickly change your disguise, perhaps by wearing a hat or different clothes.
- Commit Crimes at Night: Nighttime reduces visibility, making it easier to evade detection.
- Sell Stolen Goods Wisely: Stolen items are marked in your inventory. Avoid selling them to regular merchants; instead, find fences or black-market dealers far from the crime scene.
That's how crime and punishment work in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
