Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Console and PC Performance Deep Dive
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2) is poised for strong performance across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms, exhibiting impressive optimization across various settings. This analysis delves into the game's performance characteristics on each platform.
CryEngine's Photorealistic Prowess
KCD2 leverages CryEngine, a choice driven by developer Warhorse Studios' familiarity with the engine, enabling them to refine and expand upon its capabilities for the sequel. Unlike engines such as Unreal Engine, CryEngine prioritizes performance through a more traditional rendering approach, featuring simpler shaders and lighting but delivering remarkable photorealism thanks to its physically based materials. Eurogamer highlights CryEngine's SVOGI (sparse voxel octree global illumination) as a key factor in achieving realistic indirect lighting effects.
Console Performance Modes
PS5 and Xbox Series X offer dual modes: a fidelity mode (30fps at 1440p) and a performance mode (60fps at 1080p). Xbox Series S is limited to fidelity mode. The PS5 Pro exclusively runs at 60fps at 1296p, upscaled to 4K via PSSR. Fidelity mode enhances visual fidelity on PS5 and Xbox Series X, showcasing improved foliage, shadows, and ambient occlusion. The PS5 Pro further refines these elements, resulting in superior detail, sharper visuals, and overall enhanced image quality.
PC Scalability and Upscaling
PC players enjoy complete control over upscaling, with options limited to FSR and DLSS. XeSS, sharpening, and frame generation are absent. Despite CryEngine's performance focus, KCD2 demands significant GPU resources, especially at 4K with maximum settings. The game's highly scalable graphics, however, provide five quality presets (low, medium, high, ultra, and experimental) to cater to diverse PC configurations. A detailed system readiness guide is available to assist players in optimizing their setups.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 launches February 4, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Visit our dedicated KCD2 page for further details.
