How Crime and Punishment Work in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

In *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, crime isn't just a minor inconvenience—it can fundamentally alter how the world reacts to you. Whether it's stealing, trespassing, or even roughing up a peasant, your actions can land you in serious trouble. Here's a detailed look at how crime and punishment function within the game.

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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. With enhanced AI, NPCs are now more alert to criminal activities than in the original game. If you commit a crime, be prepared for consequences, whether you're caught in the act or tracked 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 lead to suspicion, arrest, or worse. The reaction of guards and villagers will vary based on the severity of your crime.

What Happens When You're Caught?

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If a guard witnesses your shady actions, you'll be reported immediately. Civilians can also report you, triggering an investigation. When caught, you have several options:

1. Pay the Fine

Paying a fine is the simplest way out, though the cost depends on the crime. Stealing might cost a few Groschen, but murder could bankrupt you or lead to harsher punishment.

2. Talk Your Way Out

With high Speech or Charisma, you might persuade guards to let you go, especially for minor crimes. Serious offenses make it much harder to talk your way out.

3. Run for It

Running is not ideal but sometimes necessary. Guards will pursue you, and escaping will temporarily make you a wanted man. Changing your clothes or bribing officials may help you return to town unnoticed.

4. Accept the Punishment

If you can't pay or escape, you must face the consequences, which vary based on your crime.

How Punishments Work in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

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In KCD2, punishments range from mild to severe, depending on the crime's gravity. Here are the potential punishments, each escalating in severity:

1. Pillory (Public Humiliation)

For minor offenses like trespassing or accidental assault, you'll be locked in a pillory for a few in-game days, damaging your reputation and inviting mockery from NPCs.

2. Caning (Physical Punishment)

Mid-tier crimes such as theft or assault result in caning, a public beating that temporarily reduces your health and stamina.

3. Branding (Permanent Criminal Status)

Reserved for repeat offenders or serious crimes like murder, branding marks you as a criminal. NPCs will treat you as such, merchants may refuse to trade, and guards will watch you closely, potentially attacking if you make suspicious moves.

4. Execution (Game Over)

The ultimate punishment, execution, is reserved for the most heinous crimes, like multiple murders, and results in game over.

Related: How to Get the Best Ending in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

How Crime Affects Your Reputation

Your reputation in KCD2 isn't just a number—it directly affects how NPCs interact with you. Committing crimes can make townsfolk suspicious or hostile.

How Reputation Works

Each town and faction tracks your reputation independently. A low reputation can lead to NPCs refusing to talk, trade, or offer quests, while a high reputation might earn you discounts, extra dialogue, and special opportunities. Guards will search you more frequently if they suspect you of past crimes. To improve a tarnished reputation, you can help the community, donate to the church, or pay off fines, similar to the Honor system in Red Dead Redemption 2.

How to Avoid Getting Caught

The crime system is integral to KCD2, and while committing crimes isn't morally right, it's part of the RPG experience. Here's how to minimize your chances of getting caught:

• Don't leave witnesses – Always check your surroundings before acting.
• Change your disguise – If seen committing a crime, quickly alter your appearance with a hat or new clothes.
• Commit crimes at night – Darkness makes it harder for others to spot you.
• Sell stolen goods wisely – Stolen items are marked in your inventory. Avoid selling them to regular merchants; instead, use fences or black-market dealers far from the crime scene.

This comprehensive guide outlines the intricacies of crime and punishment in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, helping you navigate the game's moral landscape.