Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is known for its historical accuracy. But what about the clothes and the armor? And most importantly, Henry's undies?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 immerses you in a richly detailed medieval world where meticulous research ensures an authentic experience. As a role-playing game, however, it also takes creative liberties where historical accuracy is uncertain or where gameplay demands variety. A particularly interesting aspect of this balance is the armor design.Andrej Pfeiffer-Perkuhn of the German YouTube channel Geschichtsfenster, a historian and experienced reenactor, took a close look at the game's armor and shared his findings. His analysis reveals an impressive level of historical detail, as well as some artistic liberties taken for practical reasons.
A Questionable Fashion Choice: Henry's Underwear
One of the first inaccuracies Andrej identifies is Henry's undergarments. The "bruche" he wears while swimming with Hans was already out of fashion by 1403. By that time, medieval underwear had evolved, making this choice anachronistic. Whether this was a design oversight or simply a nod to retro medieval fashion remains debatable.Despite this minor misstep, the game impresses with its realistic approach to armor, with many pieces reflecting real historical examples found in museums, sculptures, and medieval illustrations.
Where Historical Accuracy Meets Game Design
While KCD2 strives for authenticity, it occasionally strays from strict historical accuracy. A notable example is the "Magdeburg Cuirass", which has no clear connection to the city of Magdeburg. Some items of armor and clothing also appear to be from different time periods, with some pre-dating or post-dating the game's 1403 setting by several decades.The game forces certain undergarments, such as the coif, into situations where they were not always historically necessary. However, such decisions are likely due to a desire to maintain visual consistency and meet gameplay requirements, rather than a lack of research.Despite minor inconsistencies, the overall historical accuracy of the armor in KCD2 is exceptional. If you seek an authentic medieval look, you can create historically accurate outfits by carefully selecting armor combinations. However, historical accuracy had to be balanced with player freedom. The need for interchangeable armor meant that some liberties had to be taken to ensure that all options worked seamlessly within the role-playing mechanics.
A role-playing game first, a historical simulation second
Ultimately, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 prioritizes a compelling role-playing experience over absolute historical accuracy. While certain details may not be 100% accurate, the game succeeds in immersing you in a believable medieval world. Rather than a strict reenactment, KCD2 offers a deeply researched yet accessible medieval setting.
Have you ever wondered about the real political situation in the early 1400s, or if the KCD 2 characters really existed? Read more!
- The Real War Behind Kingdom Come: Deliverance – The Turmoil Of 15th-Century Bohemia
- These Kingdom Come: Deliverance Characters Actually Existed