Kingdom Come: Deliverance PS5 Review – Definitive Edition

Released eight years ago for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, Kingdom Come: Deliverance wasn’t an instant hit with everyone. It stood out for its realistic take on medieval life, prioritizing simulation over typical fast-paced RPG action. Some players found its challenging features – like the detailed combat and limited saving system (relying on things like Sleep & Save or Saviour Schnapps) – frustrating. However, the game ultimately proved popular and led to a well-received sequel that refined the original experience.

To mark its eighth anniversary, the developers of Kingdom Come: Deliverance have released an upgrade for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. This allows players on those consoles to enjoy the game with improved performance and graphics, no longer needing to play the older version through backwards compatibility.

Before we dive into how this medieval RPG holds up today, let’s address the updated version. This upgrade focuses mainly on making the game look and run better. The developers have stated it’s built using the same high-quality settings as the PC version, and includes features that were previously only available on computers. From the moment you start the game, you’ll notice a significant improvement over the original console releases, thanks to sharper textures and models (which you can adjust in the settings), and other PC-like enhancements. While newer console generations don’t always deliver the huge visual jumps we saw in the past, Kingdom Come: Deliverance on PS5 proves there’s still a noticeable difference in quality.

The most impressive aspect of these changes is how seamlessly they blend in – you hardly notice they’re there.

The difference in performance is really noticeable when you play the game. From the start, Kingdom Come: Deliverance was clearly best suited for a powerful PC. The original PlayStation 4 version aimed for 30 frames per second, but often struggled, frequently dropping to 20 frames per second during demanding scenes. It also couldn’t display the game in full 1080p resolution, maxing out at 900p. The PlayStation 5 version is a significant improvement. It aims for up to 60 frames per second and displays the game in 4K using an upscaling technique, with an internal resolution of 2560×1440 that dynamically adjusts to maintain performance. Even during intense moments, the frame rate remained consistently smooth.

So, the developers really worked on the engine – it’s a heavily tweaked version of CryEngine – to make the game run better, with stuff like dynamic resolution and smart asset loading. Honestly, the best part is you don’t notice any of it. I never felt like the game was sacrificing graphics to keep things smooth, and frankly, as long as the frame rate is solid, I wouldn’t even care if it was! Overall, this PS5 version of Kingdom Come: Deliverance feels amazing in terms of visuals and performance, with just one tiny little thing holding it back.

While loading times are much better than on older consoles, they’re still a bit more noticeable than in some other PS5 games. The PS5’s fast storage definitely helps, and it’s a huge improvement over the PS4 version. However, compared to games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, loading takes a few more seconds. Overall, this is a minor issue – loading is still very quick, usually taking under ten seconds when you start playing, but it’s not always instantaneous.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance basically leaves you to your own devices.”

Kingdom Come: Deliverance tells a sweeping story about Henry, an ordinary young man living in the Bohemian town of Skalitz. He helps his blacksmith parents until 1403, when a violent army raid completely changes his life. This attack is part of a larger conflict tearing Bohemia apart, and Henry’s world is turned upside down. Driven by a thirst for revenge, he teams up with Lord Radzig Kobyla and begins to uncover the truth behind the devastating invasion.

Overall, the story is really captivating. It can be a little tricky to keep track of all the characters, as you don’t see them very often, but the story unfolds in a fascinating way that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Once you’re settled in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, the game gives you a lot of freedom. You can focus on the main story, tackle side quests, or simply explore the world and survive by hunting and gathering. The game doesn’t have traditional character classes; instead, you improve your skills by actually doing things. Fight with a sword often, and you’ll naturally become a better swordsman. You can develop any skill this way – Henry can’t even read at the beginning! This unique way of character development is a key part of what makes Kingdom Come: Deliverance so engaging.

The combat system is tricky to learn, but it’s very satisfying once you get the hang of it and start winning consistently.

One of the standout features of Kingdom Come: Deliverance is its realistic combat. Forget button-mashing – fights require careful planning and skill. Your weapon’s stats, like its size and weight, significantly impact how much damage you deal. You’ll also need to consider your attack angles and how to defend against incoming blows. It’s a complex system, but mastering it is incredibly satisfying. While ranged weapons like bows and crossbows are simpler to use, they aren’t always effective against heavily armored opponents.

The PlayStation 5 version of Kingdom Come: Deliverance includes a lot more than just the original game. It comes with seven expansions that were released after the initial launch, between 2018 and 2019. These add-ons offer a variety of content, from simple things like a more challenging difficulty setting (Hardcore Mode) and treasure hunts, to more substantial story additions like The Amorous Adventures of Bold Sir Hans Capon and A Woman’s Lot.

While the game itself was always great, the older console versions of Kingdom Come: Deliverance were hard to recommend due to significant performance problems. Fortunately, the new upgrade for current-generation consoles has fixed those issues completely. Plus, even after eight years, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is still an amazing open-world RPG, offering a challenging experience with its detailed character development, flexible quests, and realistic game world.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

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2026-02-27 21:43