In stealth-based games, failure can come from many mistakes: standing still for too long, forgetting about enemy bodies, or shooting a guard at the wrong time. However, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II introduces a completely new way to fail a stealth run—making your character so dirty and smelly that guards sense your presence long before they see you.
Historical Accuracy and Game Mechanics
A Commitment to the 15th Century
Speaking to Gamesradar, senior game designer Ondřej Bittner confirmed this unique feature, highlighting the studio’s commitment to historical accuracy of the 15th century. According to Bittner, if a character acquires the body odor debuff, it creates a “broadcast” circle around them—a halo that signals their presence to guards.
Importance of Hygiene in Gameplay
Wash Up or Be Detected
“If the character had just washed or visited the bathhouse, this wouldn’t happen. So remember to wash your hands, children!” says Bittner. This humorous yet practical mechanic emphasizes the importance of maintaining basic hygiene to avoid detection.
Comparisons to Other Games
Reminiscent of Baldur’s Gate 3
This mechanic is reminiscent of a funny moment during the launch of Baldur’s Gate 3, when many players realized too late that they didn’t need to walk around covered head to toe in the blood of enemies. Players eventually discovered they could wash off the blood.
A New Layer of Complexity
Hygiene Adds to Gameplay Difficulty
In Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, players will need to consider at least basic hygiene to avoid making the game even more challenging. This added layer of realism may enhance the overall gaming experience, making stealth runs more immersive and engaging.
