Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Console and PC Performance Deep Dive
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2) promises strong performance across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. Extensive testing reveals impressive results across various settings. Let's explore the performance details for each platform.
CryEngine's Photorealistic Power
KCD2 leverages CryEngine, known for its performance-oriented approach. While employing older rendering techniques (limited shaders, basic lighting), the engine excels in performance and, surprisingly, photorealism. This is achieved through physically based materials and sparse voxel octree global illumination (SVOGI), which convincingly simulates indirect lighting, enhancing realism in lighting effects and reflections.
Console Performance Modes
PS5 and Xbox Series X offer two modes:
- Fidelity Mode: 30fps at 1440p, prioritizing visual fidelity with enhanced foliage and shadows.
- Performance Mode: 60fps at 1080p, emphasizing smoother gameplay.
Xbox Series S exclusively offers Fidelity Mode. The PS5 Pro boasts a single 60fps mode at 1296p, upscaled to 4K using PSSR. The PS5 Pro version significantly enhances visuals beyond the fidelity mode on other consoles.
PC: Customizable Upscaling and Presets
PC players enjoy full control over upscaling (FSR and DLSS supported, but no XeSS or sharpening options). Five quality presets (Low, Medium, High, Ultra, Experimental) allow for extensive customization to match individual hardware capabilities. Even with CryEngine's optimization, running KCD2 at 4K with maximum settings will demand significant GPU power.
Warhorse Studios provides a detailed system requirements guide to help players prepare their PCs.
Release Date
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 information.
