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Exploring Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s Brushes With Death DLC

The first story DLC for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Brushes With Death, invites players back to the lush Bohemian landscapes that made the base game so captivating. This expansion delivers more of the engaging dialogue and open-world exploration fans love, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the main campaign. While it offers a decent adventure, it feels somewhat light as a standalone experience, best enjoyed as part of a broader playthrough rather than a solo return to the medieval world.

Diving Into the Story

Players can embark on the DLC’s questline as early as the end of Act 1, when protagonist Henry crosses paths with Voyta, a quirky and mysterious painter. Opting to tackle the DLC with an endgame save, however, may not be the best approach. For those eager to jump back into the action after completing the main story’s epic finale, the expansion’s lower stakes can feel like a step down. The narrative follows Voyta’s personal struggles, which, while intriguing, lack the weight of the base game’s grand historical events. This makes the DLC feel more like a side story than a pivotal chapter.

Strengths and Shortcomings

The expansion’s writing remains a highlight, with sharp dialogue bringing Voyta’s character to life. The voice acting adds charm and depth, making interactions with the painter a standout feature. The questline, which takes roughly 12 hours to complete (or less for those who embrace fast travel), offers some meaningful player choices that impact the story’s outcome. For example, coaxing Voyta to reveal hidden details can unlock a secret achievement, rewarding clever dialogue choices. However, the pacing feels uneven at times, with too many tasks boiling down to traveling across the map to fetch items or speak with NPCs. This can make the journey feel repetitive, especially for players who’ve already explored every corner of Bohemia.

Compared to the base game’s most memorable side quests, Brushes With Death doesn’t quite measure up. The main campaign’s best moments were elevated by the backdrop of sweeping historical drama, whereas this DLC’s story feels more self-contained and less impactful. Combat encounters, particularly for endgame characters with top-tier gear, are mostly underwhelming, with only the final boss fight offering a real challenge. Even then, the encounter lacks the dramatic buildup or unique setting that could have made it truly memorable.

A Touch of Customization

One of the DLC’s more delightful additions is the ability to have Voyta paint custom designs on Henry’s shields. This feature introduces a layer of medieval flair, allowing players to personalize their gear with period-inspired patterns and colors. Unlocking new designs through specific quest achievements adds a satisfying sense of progression, reinforcing the idea that Henry is carving out his own legacy. This small but meaningful touch enhances the role-playing experience and gives players something tangible to carry forward.

Technical Hiccups

Unfortunately, the DLC introduces some technical issues that can detract from the experience. On a system with an RTX 4070 Super, Ryzen 7 3700X, 32 GB of RAM, and a SATA SSD, players may notice graphical glitches, such as buildings and terrain flickering as higher-detail models load. These issues, which weren’t present in the base game, are particularly noticeable in towns and castles. Adjusting graphics settings doesn’t seem to resolve the problem, leaving hope for a future patch to smooth things out.

Best Way to Experience It

Brushes With Death shines brightest when woven into a fresh playthrough, where its story can simmer alongside other quests and discoveries. Playing it immediately after the main campaign’s climactic ending can make its lighter tone and simpler objectives feel underwhelming. The relationships, particularly between Henry and Voyta, would benefit from more time to develop naturally, and the mysteries might feel more compelling if paired with the distractions of an active playthrough. For players returning months later, the DLC may not feel substantial enough to justify diving back in on its own.

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Final Thoughts

Brushes With Death is a solid addition to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, offering strong writing, engaging voice acting, and a fun customization feature. However, its straightforward quests and lack of high-stakes drama make it less memorable than the base game’s standout moments. For fans eager to revisit Bohemia, it’s a worthwhile detour, but it’s best experienced as part of a larger journey rather than a standalone adventure. Waiting for additional DLCs or pairing it with a new save file could enhance its appeal, letting players fully immerse themselves in Henry’s world once more.

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