How Crime and Punishment Work in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's crime system significantly impacts gameplay. Stealing, trespassing, or even assaulting a peasant can lead to severe repercussions. This guide details how crime and punishment function in KCD2.

Criminal Activities:

The game's improved AI makes NPCs more vigilant. Crimes include:

• Murder: Killing innocent NPCs.
• Theft: Stealing from homes, shops, or unconscious individuals.
• Lockpicking: Illegally accessing buildings or chests.
• Pickpocketing: Directly stealing from people.
• Assault: Attacking civilians or guards.
• Animal Cruelty: Harming domestic animals.
• Trespassing: Entering private property without permission.
• Disrupting Order: Causing disturbances in towns.

Consequences of Getting Caught:

Guards and civilians will report criminal activity. Upon apprehension, options include:

1. Paying a Fine: The cost varies based on the crime's severity.
2. Talking Your Way Out: High Speech/Charisma skills can help avoid punishment, especially for minor offenses.
3. Fleeing: Escaping temporarily makes you a wanted fugitive. Changing clothes or bribing officials can help later.
4. Accepting Punishment: This depends on the crime committed.

Punishments:

Punishments range from minor inconveniences to execution:

1. Pillory (Public Humiliation): For minor offenses like trespassing.
2. Caning (Physical Punishment): For mid-level crimes such as assault and theft.
3. Branding (Permanent Criminal Status): For serious crimes or repeat offenders. This impacts NPC interactions and trade.
4. Execution (Game Over): The harshest penalty, usually reserved for multiple murders.

Reputation System:

Reputation affects how NPCs interact with you. Crimes lower your standing, impacting dialogue, quests, and trade. Improving reputation requires community service, donations, and paying fines. This mirrors the Honor system in Red Dead Redemption 2.

Avoiding Capture:

• Minimize Witnesses: Be aware of your surroundings.
• Disguise: Change clothes or use a hat to avoid recognition.
• Commit Crimes at Night: Darkness provides cover.
• Sell Stolen Goods Discreetly: Use fences or black market dealers away from the crime scene.