Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2) promises strong performance across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms, showcasing impressive adaptability across various settings. This article delves into KCD2's performance characteristics on each platform and the customizable options available to players.

KCD2's Cross-Platform Performance: A CryEngine Triumph

Photorealism Powered by CryEngine

Multiple sources indicate excellent performance for KCD2 across platforms. PlayStation and Xbox consoles deliver smooth gameplay at both 30fps and 60fps, with the PS5 Pro leveraging its capabilities for enhanced graphical fidelity. KCD2's photorealistic visuals stand out, a testament to the unique qualities of CryTek's CryEngine, which prioritizes performance alongside visual detail.

Warhorse Studios' continued use of CryEngine, following KCD1, allows for optimized feature development and enhancement. PC Gamer highlights CryEngine's "old-school" rendering approach—emphasizing performance through simpler shaders and lighting—as a key factor in achieving this balance.

Despite this, KCD2 achieves photorealism through physically based materials. Eurogamer notes that CryEngine's SVOGI (sparse voxel octree global illumination) realistically simulates indirect light, enhancing the visual impact of elements like torchlight and metallic reflections.

Console Options: Fidelity vs. Performance

PS5 and Xbox Series X offer two modes: a 30fps fidelity mode at 1440p and a 60fps performance mode at 1080p. Xbox Series S is limited to the fidelity mode. The PS5 Pro runs at a native 60fps at 1296p, upscaling to 4K via PSSR.

Fidelity mode enhances visuals on PS5 and Xbox Series X with improved foliage, shadows, and ambient occlusion. The PS5 Pro further elevates these features, adding sharper visuals, enhanced ambient occlusion, and superior object detail for a significantly improved visual experience.

PC: Upscaling Flexibility

True to PC gaming tradition, KCD2's upscaling is entirely optional. PC Gamer points out the limited upscaling choices: FSR and DLSS. XeSS, sharpening, and frame generation are absent.

While CryEngine's performance focus is evident, KCD2 remains demanding, especially at 4K with maximum settings. However, its highly scalable graphics, with five quality presets (low, medium, high, ultra, and experimental), allow players to optimize settings for their hardware.

KCD2 provides a detailed system readiness guide, covering specifications, CPU, RAM, GPU, and storage requirements, ensuring players are well-informed before launching the game.

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.