How to Activate Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II in 3 Easy Steps

Fans of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II looking for a tougher challenge will be happy to know that Hardcore Mode is already accessible in the game—at least for those willing to enable it via console commands. While Warhorse Studios hasn’t officially released the mode yet, a clever discovery from u/aall137906 on Reddit has revealed how to activate it early.

If you’re eager to test your survival skills under stricter conditions, this guide will walk you through enabling Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Hardcore Mode and what to expect from its gameplay changes.

How to Enable Hardcore Mode in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Activating Hardcore Mode requires modifying the game’s launch options and entering a console command. Here’s how to do it:

1. Modify the Launch Options
   • Open Steam and locate Kingdom Come: Deliverance II in your game library.
   • Right-click the game and select Properties.
   • In the General tab, scroll down to Launch Options.
   • Type -devmode into the text field.
2. Use the Console Command in-Game
   • Start Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.
   • Open the in-game console (usually accessed by pressing the ~ or ^ key, depending on your keyboard layout).
   • Enter the following command: wh_sys_GameModeSelecting = 1
   • Press Enter to confirm.
3. Start a New Game
   • After entering the command, go back to the main menu.
   • Start a new game, and the Hardcore Mode option should now be available.

Once activated, you’ll experience a drastically more challenging version of the game.

What Changes in Hardcore Mode?

While the exact details of the final Hardcore Mode release might change, this early version already introduces significant gameplay modifications. Here’s what you can expect:

Minimal HUD

Hardcore Mode strips down the heads-up display (HUD), removing key information that players usually rely on. Notable changes include:

• No compass or directional markers.
• No combat indicators (attack direction, block prompts, or enemy health bars).
• No visible buffs or debuffs—players must check their character menu for status effects.
• Limited or no quest markers.

No Fast Travel

Fast travel is disabled, meaning you must navigate the world manually, relying on road signs, landmarks, and directions from NPCs.

Harder Combat

• Enemies deal more damage, making fights much riskier.
• Your attacks are also stronger, leading to a more realistic combat flow.
• Archery remains difficult, as there is no aiming reticle, forcing players to learn precise shot placement.

Perks That Make Life Harder

Hardcore Mode introduces optional “negative perks” that further increase difficulty. Players must select at least three, but they can opt for all of them if they want the ultimate challenge. Some of these perks include:

• Numbskull – Experience gain is slower.
• Hangry Henry – Hunger depletes faster.
• Picky Eater – You can only eat certain types of food.
• Menace – NPCs react to you more aggressively.

These perks are designed to make survival more difficult, adding new layers of strategy to the game.

Will the Final Version of Hardcore Mode Be Different?

Since this method unlocks an unfinished version of Hardcore Mode, it’s possible that Warhorse Studios will tweak the mechanics before its official release. Some players speculate that additional balancing changes, new survival mechanics, or UI adjustments might be included in the final build.

Should You Try Hardcore Mode Now?

If you’re an experienced player craving a greater challenge, enabling Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Hardcore Mode now can provide an early taste of the difficulty spike. However, keep in mind that the mode may still be rough around the edges since it hasn’t been officially released.

That said, if you’re willing to navigate the game world without markers, engage in tougher combat, and manage stricter survival mechanics, Hardcore Mode is worth trying out.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Hardcore Mode – FAQ