In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, potion-making starts off as a time-consuming and often confusing activity. However, with the right approach and consistent practice, it becomes one of the most useful and rewarding mechanics in your Bohemian journey.
Brewing Basics and Useful Tips
Potion bases, such as water or oil, do not deplete and will always be available on the shelf to the left at the alchemy bench. The real consumables in the process are herbs and other ingredients. These can be placed manually onto the shelf or added automatically by selecting a specific page in the recipe book and holding the Prepare button. If necessary components are missing, the button will appear greyed out.
Among the more challenging elements of alchemy is timing the boil accurately. Visual cues like bubbles aren’t always reliable indicators of when a boil starts or how intense it is. For a standard boil, ingredients should be added when the cauldron is still raised — in this position, it cannot boil. Once the bellows have been pumped once, the cauldron should be lowered onto the heated fire. The boil will begin almost immediately, allowing for a quick flip of the sandglass to track time. For stronger heat, simply continue using the bellows while the cauldron is lowered.
To maintain the longevity of your herbs, always dry them at the drying rack. Fresh herbs might seem like a better option, but drying provides consistency and works well alongside beginner Alchemy perks that naturally enhance potion quality. Drying is instantaneous and requires no wait.
Leveling Up Your Alchemy Skill
The only way to improve your alchemy skill is by actively brewing potions. The better the result, the more experience is earned. A great early-game option is the Marigold Decoction. This brew is efficient and profitable, using only Marigold and Nettle, which are abundant near Troskowitz.
Marigold flowers can be picked around Bozhena’s hut and near the Apothecary in Troskowitz. Nettles, on the other hand, grow commonly at the edge of forests and near water sources, such as the riverbank southeast of the village. After collecting these plants, dry them using the rack to keep them fresh for multiple brewing sessions. It’s worth noting that marigolds require four in-game days to regenerate. Despite their low weight, a large quantity can still slow you down.
The Marigold Decoction recipe is available for purchase from the Apothecary, though owning the recipe is not required to craft it if the steps are known. Below is a simplified breakdown of the brewing process:
- Prepare dried Marigold and Nettle.
- While the cauldron is raised, pour in water.
- Add one portion of Nettle.
- Pump the bellows once.
- Lower the cauldron and immediately flip the sandglass. Let it run out, then flip it once more for a total of two turns.
- When the second turn ends, raise the cauldron.
- Grind two portions of Marigold, add to the cauldron, then pour into a phial right away without reheating.
This method takes about 90 seconds and yields three medium-quality decoctions. With the Alchemy perk “Secret of Equilibrium,” this can be upgraded to three strong potions per batch.
Another good option is the Chamomile Decoction, especially since the recipe is unlocked during a quest with Hans. Chamomile and Sage can be found in the Apothecary’s garden. While the Marigold Decoction is more lucrative, both are useful to have on hand for healing.
Recommended Alchemy Perks
Certain alchemy perks significantly reduce the impact of mistakes, increase potion potency, and boost profits. Key perks to prioritize include:
- Secret of Equilibrium 1 & 2 – Balances potion strength and stability.
- Potion Seller – Enhances potion value for selling.
- Secret of Secrets – Unlocks hidden bonuses and efficiency boosts.
Choosing these perks will maximize efficiency in both leveling and profit-making. It’s important to note that opting for Secret of Equilibrium locks out Secret of Matter 1 and 2, which increase potion yield. However, the added margin for error with stronger potions is generally the better trade-off.
Survival Tree Perks
Additional perks can be acquired from the Survival skill tree. These include:
- Flower Power – Boosts charisma when carrying herbs.
- Leg Day – Passively raises strength while collecting herbs.
- Lucky Find – Occasionally adds extra herbs or rare items when gathering.
Scholarship Tree Perks
The Scholarship tree levels more slowly, mainly through reading books or dialogue choices. Still, some alchemy-related perks here are extremely helpful:
- Wonders of Nature – Increases Alchemy and Survival XP.
- Fundamentals of Medicine 2 – Improves the strength of healing brews.
Reading books such as On the Composition of Alchemy 1, available from the Troskowitz Apothecary, can also provide progress in both Scholarship and Alchemy simultaneously.
With the right strategy, dedication, and perks, mastering alchemy can become a cornerstone of survival and success in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Also, read the quest guide we have prepared for you.