Kingdom Come 2 Patch 1.3: Complete Breakdown of New Features and Gameplay Changes

Warhorse Studios deployed the substantial 1.3 update for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 on May 15, coinciding with the launch of the Brushes with Death downloadable content. This comprehensive patch delivers extensive combat refinements, with particular emphasis on enhancing the difficulty curve throughout the Kuttenberg territories. Beyond the headline features, developers implemented sweeping improvements to the crime detection framework and addressed numerous quality-of-life concerns that players had reported since launch. The complete changelog containing every adjustment is accessible through the official Kingdom Come portal.

The standout addition in this release centers around competitive equestrian activities, introducing two distinct racing formats that blend traditional medieval sports with strategic gameplay elements. These new mechanics provide fresh content for players seeking alternatives to the main storyline while maintaining the game’s historical authenticity.

Competitive horse racing emerges as the flagship feature in update 1.3, offering players two specialized competition types that test different skill sets. The first variant combines mounted archery with navigation challenges, requiring competitors to hit targets while maintaining speed and control. Alternatively, the open-format race challenges participants to locate smoke-marked checkpoints across varied terrain, allowing for creative route planning and strategic decision-making.

Three dedicated questlines now integrate these racing mechanics into the broader narrative, providing both rewards and character development opportunities. To access these new activities, travelers must journey to the Nomads’ encampment situated within the Trosky region, where race organizers have established their headquarters. For optimal performance in archery contests, consider consulting our Weapons Unlock guide for equipment recommendations that complement these challenges.

How to start first DLC quest in Kingdom Come 2. Brushes with Death mission location in KCD2

KCD2 Patch 1.3 Highlights

Balance Improvements

• Enemy encounter difficulty has been recalibrated to provide more consistent challenge progression, particularly in Kuttenberg’s urban and rural areas.
• Bandit group threat levels at various exploration sites now scale more appropriately with player advancement.
• Merchant inventories now include weapon and armor variants previously inaccessible through normal gameplay channels.
• Alcohol intoxication mechanics received statistical adjustments affecting character performance and decision-making capabilities.
• Horseshoe pricing structure underwent economic rebalancing to better align with other equipment costs.
• The movement-impairing effect of Bane poison has been completely removed from gameplay.
• Bow weapon performance parameters have been fine-tuned for better balance across different skill levels.
• Urban population density of intoxicated NPCs has been reduced for more realistic settlement atmospheres.
• Corrected inaccurate alcohol content measurements in various wine types throughout the game world.
• General alcohol consumption effects have undergone minor recalibration for improved realism.
• Commercial establishments now feature enhanced variety in clothing, protective gear, and footwear selections.
• Blacksmith and swordsmith vendors in Kuttenberg offer more diverse merchandise selections.
• Kuttenberg marketplace implements revised pricing structures reflecting regional economic conditions.
• Merchant robbery attempts now present increased difficulty with improved guard response systems.
• Raw meat decomposition timelines have been adjusted for more realistic food preservation mechanics.
• Military camp merchant inventories in Sigismund’s territory received comprehensive stock adjustments.

Crime System Refinements

• Bathhouse proprietors and maintenance staff now appropriately respond to players bearing criminal brands or reputations.
• New tutorial elements educate players about potential consequences when sleeping in unauthorized locations.
• Companion animal aggression thresholds have been recalibrated for more logical crime attribution.
• Cuman warriors encountered during road travel no longer surrender during combat engagements.
• Resolved detection issues where guards would instantly identify player location upon discovering damaged pillory mechanisms.
• Fixed inconsistent crime attribution when players eliminate domestic fowl throughout various settlements.
• Eliminated persistent trespass notification icons that remained visible in Kuttenberg areas.
• Corrected inaccurate trespass boundary definitions within the Suchdol tavern establishment.
• Crime indicator visuals have been enhanced for better player awareness and understanding.
• Non-player character responses to criminal activities in Kuttenberg show improved consistency and logic.
• Guard patrol sleeping patterns and alertness cycles have been optimized for more believable security behavior.
• Merchant guard statistical attributes have been rebalanced to provide appropriate challenge levels.
• NPC reactivity to players sleeping in unauthorized beds has been tempered for more reasonable consequences.

Daily Life Enhancements

• Established proper ownership flags for items located within the Opatowitz huntsman’s cabin.
• Fixed trespass activation during business operating hours in tavern cellar areas.
• Resolved merchant behavior issues where shopkeepers would occasionally leave premises unlocked when transitioning to tavern visits.
• Stationary guards now maintain drawn crossbows during watch duties for improved readiness.
• Adjusted innkeeper Weighman’s daily routine to prevent unauthorized area access during work periods.
• Huntsman and gamekeeper character statistics have been modified for better role specialization.
• Implemented enhanced injury response behaviors for NPCs in Troskowitz, who now seek appropriate resting locations when wounded.
• Corrected unusual animation sequences and gesture patterns for intoxicated NPCs carrying lanterns.
• Cooking pot contents throughout Kuttenberg have been adjusted to better reflect the socioeconomic status of potential consumers.

Skills & Perks Balancing

• Resolved map filter display issues where invalid location markers could appear when loading saved games on updated versions.
• Fixed persistence issue with Explorer perk remaining active during new game initialization.
• Corrected Diehard perk cooldown duration that was shorter than designed specifications.
• The Head Start perk activation now incorporates a standardized two-minute recovery period between uses.
• Sandman perk effectiveness has been substantially increased for more meaningful gameplay impact.

Companion and Mini-Game Improvements

• Dice gaming enthusiasts can now find additional players in Devil’s Den, Miskowitz, and Suchdol taverns, plus the Emperor Charles establishment in Kuttenberg.

Mutt Companion Refinements

• Corrected irregular movement patterns when repeatedly commanding Mutt to return to heel position.
• Fixed statistical display inconsistency for Mutt’s obedience rating within the Sidekicks inventory section.
• Enhanced animation quality and smoothness for Mutt’s hare retrieval sequences.
• Resolved rare behavior issues where Mutt could occasionally display aggression toward the player character.

For players looking to optimize their character builds around these updated mechanics, our Class Guide provides detailed analysis of optimal skill combinations. The comprehensive rebalancing affects multiple gameplay systems simultaneously, requiring strategic adaptation for both new and experienced players. Understanding these systemic changes is crucial for maximizing effectiveness in both combat and social interactions throughout the game world.

Top 10 weapons for every type or style in KCD2. How to find best sword, axe, warhammer, polearm, and ranged weapon in Kingdom Come 2
Choosing the best of the best.

Mastering the updated systems requires understanding how the various changes interact. The combat rebalancing in Kuttenberg creates a more graduated difficulty curve, while the economic adjustments require more thoughtful resource management. For a complete strategic overview, reference our Complete Guide to ensure you’re leveraging all the new mechanics to their fullest potential.