In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), romance plays a significant role in adding depth to Henry's journey. The game offers a variety of romantic options, ranging from casual encounters to more involved relationships. Below is a comprehensive guide to the romance system in KCD2, including notable characters, mechanics, and benefits.
KCD2 Romance Overview
Romance in KCD2 builds upon the foundations of its predecessor, offering more diverse and inclusive options. Players can pursue relationships with both male and female characters, and romantic interactions are entirely optional. These relationships can influence gameplay by providing buffs or enriching the narrative.
Types of Romance in KCD2
- One-Night Stands: These are quick encounters that often take place in bathhouses or through specific NPCs. They are straightforward and typically require payment or simple dialogue choices.
- Longer-Term Relationships: These involve multi-step quests and deeper interactions with specific characters. They may require completing side quests, making the right dialogue choices, and investing in skills like Persuasion.
Romanceable Characters in KCD2
Here is a list of notable romance options in KCD2:
One-Night Stands in KCD2 Romance
- Bathhouse Workers: Found in bathhouses across the map (e.g., Zhelejov Bathhouse in Trosky). Paying for the "full service" provides a romantic encounter and grants the "Time Well Spent" buff (+1 to Strength, Agility, and Vitality).
- Lousy Mary: Located at the Kuttenberg bathhouse.
- Doubravka: Available during the "Wedding Crashers" quest.
- Black Bartoush and Widow Johanka: Both encountered during the "For Victory!" quest at Trosky Castle.
Longer-Term Romances in KCD2
- Klara:
- Introduced during the "Back in the Saddle" quest at Nebakov Fortress.
- Requires completing tasks like solving a riddle and helping her heal prisoners during "The Finger of God" quest.
- Margaret:
- Found at a mill south of Bylany.
- Details about her questline are less clear but involve building rapport through dialogue.
- Hans Capon:
- A returning character from the first game who can be romanced later in the story.
- Requires selecting caring/loving dialogue options (marked with heart icons) during key moments, such as after saving him in "For Whom the Bell Tolls." The relationship culminates with an opportunity to kiss Hans near the end of the game.
Mechanics and Tips in KCD2 Romance
- Dialogue Choices: Flirty or caring responses (often marked with heart icons) are crucial for progressing romantic relationships.
- Persuasion Skill: Investing in this skill increases your chances of successfully wooing characters.
- Timing: Some romance opportunities are missable if you fail to be in the right place or choose incorrect dialogue options during quests.
- Buffs: Romantic encounters often grant buffs like "Time Well Spent," which boosts Henry's stats temporarily.
Inclusivity in KCD2 Romance
KCD2 introduces LGBTQ+ themes, allowing players to explore same-sex relationships, such as romancing Hans Capon. These options are entirely optional and reflect the game's commitment to player choice and diversity.
Theresa's Absence in KCD2 Romance
Fans of Theresa from the original game may be disappointed as she does not appear in KCD2. The game instead focuses on new romantic interests, leaving her fate unaddressed for now.
In summary, romance in KCD2 is both an engaging narrative element and a gameplay mechanic that rewards players for exploring relationships. Whether you prefer fleeting encounters or meaningful connections, there are plenty of options to suit your playstyle.