Image source: Warhorse Studios
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers a wide range of perks to customize Henry’s abilities, but some are essential no matter how you choose to play. While certain perks take time to unlock, others are easy to grab early on, and getting them will make your journey through Bohemia much smoother. Here are ten of the best perks to prioritize in your playthrough.
1. Revenant
One of the best perks in KCD 2, Revenant (and its upgrade, Revenant II) is found in the Vitality tree. Healing in the game is limited to sleeping, bathhouses, or potions, but this perk passively regenerates Henry’s health up to 50 HP (75 HP with Revenant II). If you ever find yourself low on potions or too far from a bed, this perk can be a lifesaver.
2. Martin’s Heritage
Between the two heritage perks, Martin’s Heritage is the clear winner. It boosts experience gain in Fighting, Crafting, and Survival by 10%—all of which are more useful than the skills boosted by Radzig’s alternative perk. When paired with other XP-boosting perks, this one will help Henry level up much faster. It’s found in the Main Level tree, and choosing it locks out Radzig’s Heritage permanently.
3. Nimble Stance
Dodging is a crucial part of combat, and Nimble Stance makes it even better. Found in the Agility tree, this perk reduces the stamina cost of dodging by 40%, allowing Henry to evade attacks more efficiently. You’ll need Agility Level 8 to unlock it, but since Agility levels up quickly, you won’t have to wait long.
4. Partner in Crime
Even if you’re not playing as a thief, Partner in Crime is a must-have. It allows you to sell stolen items without detection, which is useful even for honorable players—many bandits drop valuable loot that’s marked as stolen. With this perk, you can sell their gear without worrying about merchants turning you away. The only catch? You’ll need Speech Level 20 to unlock it.
5. Martin’s Secret
Another excellent perk from Martin’s skill tree, Martin’s Secret lets you craft Tier 4 weapons, the best in the game. This becomes especially important in the later stages, where Tier 3 weapons struggle against heavily armored enemies. If you plan to forge your own gear, you’ll need Craftsmanship Level 16 to get this perk.
6. Explorer
If we ranked these perks by usefulness, Explorer would likely be at the top. Found in the Scholarship tree, it requires Level 18 but completely unlocks the world map—including points of interest, fast travel locations, and hidden areas. While it removes some of the discovery aspect, it makes navigation much easier.
7. Wonders of… (Man, Beasts, Nature)
Rather than listing just one, this entry covers the Wonders of Man, Beasts, and Nature perks. Each one increases XP gain by 20% for different skills, including Horsemanship, Craftsmanship, Thievery, and Survival. If you’re focusing on a particular build, grabbing the right one (or all three) will help Henry level up much faster.
8. Flower Power
A fan-favorite returning from the first game, Flower Power boosts Charisma as long as Henry carries fresh herbs—though in KCD 2, dried herbs count as well. It’s a simple but effective way to improve Henry’s speech checks, especially in the early game. You’ll need Survival Level 8 to unlock it.
9. Tool Master
Lockpicks can be hard to come by in the early game, making Tool Master an essential perk for any aspiring thief. It increases lockpick durability by 15% and even refunds a broken lockpick if you successfully open a chest or door. You’ll need Thievery Level 8 to unlock it.
10. Water of Life
Found in the Alchemy tree at Level 12, Water of Life makes healing potions work 25% faster. While it may not seem like a game-changer at first, it’s incredibly useful in battle—especially when paired with Revenant. Instead of waiting for a Merigold Concoction to slowly restore health, you’ll get your HP back much quicker, keeping Henry in the fight.
These ten perks will make a huge difference in your playthrough, whether you focus on combat, crafting, or stealth. Some, like Explorer and Martin’s Heritage, make leveling and exploration much easier, while others, like Partner in Crime and Tool Master, ensure you never waste resources. No matter your build, grabbing these perks early will make Henry’s journey through Bohemia far more manageable.
