Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2) is shaping up to deliver a strong performance across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. Read on to discover how KCD2 performs on various systems and the settings you can adjust to optimize your experience.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Performance Across Platforms
Photorealistic Detail with CryEngine
Early tests and reports paint a positive picture of KCD2's performance. PlayStation and Xbox consoles offer smooth gameplay at both 30fps and 60fps, with the PS5 Pro showing particular promise in enhancing the game's already impressive visuals. KCD2's unique photorealistic rendering, achieved using CryTek's CryEngine, sets it apart from many other titles.
The choice to continue using CryEngine, as in the first game (KCD1), allows Warhorse Studios to leverage their existing expertise and push the engine's capabilities further. While PC Gamer highlights CryEngine's reliance on older rendering techniques (limited shaders and basic lighting), its focus on performance shines through. The game's impressive visuals are partly due to the use of physically based materials. Eurogamer notes that CryEngine's SVOGI (sparse voxel octree global illumination) creates realistic indirect light bouncing, resulting in convincing lighting effects on torches, metal reflections, and other objects.
PlayStation and Xbox Console Options: 30fps and 60fps
PS5 and Xbox Series X offer two modes: a Fidelity mode (30fps at 1440p) and a Performance mode (60fps at 1080p). Xbox Series S players will only have access to the Fidelity mode. The PS5 Pro, conversely, runs at a default 60fps at 1296p with PSSR upscaling to 4K.
Fidelity mode enhances visuals on PS5 and Xbox Series X with increased foliage detail and improved shadow casting, particularly noticeable in outdoor environments. Ambient occlusion is also improved. The PS5 Pro elevates these features further, adding sharper visuals, superior ambient occlusion, better object quality, and a significant overall improvement to image quality.
PC Upscaling: Fully Customizable
True to PC gaming tradition, KCD2 offers extensive customization for upscaling. PC Gamer notes that while options are limited to FSR and DLSS, this allows players to tailor the game to their system's capabilities. XeSS (for Intel cards), sharpening options, and frame generation are not included.
Despite CryEngine's performance focus, running KCD2 at 4K with maximum settings will still demand significant GPU power. However, the game's high scalability, with five quality presets (low, medium, high, ultra, and experimental), ensures players can find the ideal balance between visuals and performance.
KCD2 also provides a detailed guide to help players prepare their systems, covering CPU, RAM, GPU, storage requirements, and other essential considerations.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 launches February 4, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Visit our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 page for more details.
