Crimes in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 are taken seriously, and they can lead to severe consequences. It changes how people treat you, the efficiency of skills checks, and quest outcomes. In this article, we will talk about all there is to know about crime and punishment in the game.
What Are Crimes In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has smart AI, so it isn’t as easy to get away with crimes. For example, if you are caught trespassing by a property owner, they will check their belongings to see if something is missing. On the chance that you have stolen something, they immediately notice and either confront you if you are in the area, or call a nearby guard and complain.
You will have to answer for your crimes next time you visit the area, as the guards don’t forget what you did easily. The most common crimes I was caught for were: Pickpocketing, stealing, and breaking & entering. This is usually because you want to make up for your lack of resources in the beginning, and what other way to do that than ‘borrowing’ a few items and Groschen from people? There are more severe crimes like murder, attempt to murder, and trespassing in a restricted zone repeatedly.
Punishment For Crimes In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

You can use skill checks to get out of punishments, or pay off your fine. In both cases, guards will confiscate any items that are marked as stolen in your inventory (indicated by a red hand). If you can’t talk your way out of it and don’t have enough Groschen, you have only two options left – either accept your punishment or fight. Since you can’t keep on fighting as the whole town eventually joins the crusade to take down Henry, the best option is to get punished. Your punishments are based on the severity of your crime and its frequency.
Punishment Type #1: Stocks

If you are caught committing a petty offense, you will be put in stocks in the town square and get all sorts of stuff from rocks to rotten fish thrown at you. Additionally, you stay there for almost a day and a half, after which a member of authority comes and releases you. You are affected with Disgraced debuff for the humiliation, and townsfolk scorn at your presence. However, this isn’t permanent and everyone will forget what you did after a while.
Punishment Type #2: Cane

If you are being a menace to society, and start unnecessary brawls in town, you are tied up and beaten with a cane. The Beaten Like a Dog debuff is applied to you after this, which reduces your Strength, Agility, Vitality, and Stamina Regeneration by 40%. Some merchants refuse to trade with you, and the ones that do won’t give you much haggling room. Furthermore, your clothes are bloodied, so if you show up to another town without washing yourself, people are suspicious of you there as well.
Punishment Type #3: Hot Iron Brand

Murdering someone and getting caught for it results in you being branded with hot iron. You have the Freshly Branded debuff now, which reduces all positive reputation gain by 50% until the brand wears off. You will be treated poorly anywhere you go in the entire map now, and some important NPCs like Lord Capon even comment on it and ask you about it. It is extremely chance-based to talk your way out of situations now, and most of the time they won’t go your way.
Punishment Type #4: Gallows

Getting caught for a major offense with the brand on your neck results in being sent straight to the gallows. With the brand, it is almost impossible to be excused with skill checks as the brand signals you as a serious criminal. Accepting your punishment will result in Henry being hanged in front of everyone, and game over.
To gain back your lost reputation for minor offenses, you can help the locals or pay indulgence in churches. Going on a penitential pilgrimage also helps diminish the effects of the iron brand.