In *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, crime isn't just a minor inconvenience—it can completely change how the world reacts to you. Actions like stealing, trespassing, or even roughing up a peasant can land you in serious trouble. Here’s a detailed look at how crime and punishment work in this immersive RPG.

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How Crimes Work in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

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In KCD2, any action that disrupts the law-abiding world is considered a crime. The sequel boasts improved AI, making NPCs more aware of criminal activity. If you commit a crime, expect consequences—whether it's getting caught in the act or being tracked down later.

The game considers the following actions illegal:

• Murder – Killing innocent NPCs.
• Theft – Stealing from homes, shops, or unconscious NPCs.
• Lockpicking – Breaking into locked buildings or chests.
• Pickpocketing – Stealing directly from people.
• Assault – Attacking civilians or guards.
• Animal Cruelty – Hurting domestic animals.
• Trespassing – Entering private areas without permission.
• Disrupting Order – Causing trouble in towns.

Committing any of these acts can lead to suspicion, arrest, or worse. Guards and villagers will react differently depending on the severity of the crime.

What Happens When You’re Caught?

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If a guard sees you doing something shady, you will be reported immediately. Similarly, civilians can also report you, leading to an investigation. When caught, you have several choices:

1. Pay the Fine

The easiest way out is to pay a fine. The amount depends on the crime—stealing might cost you a few Groschen, but murder could bankrupt you or lead to harsher punishment.

2. Talk Your Way Out

If your Speech or Charisma is high, you might be able to convince guards to let you go. This works best for minor crimes. For serious offenses, it’s much harder to sweet-talk your way out of it.

3. Run for It

Not the best option, but sometimes running is your only way out. Guards will chase you, and escaping will temporarily make you a wanted man. If you leave town and return later, people may still recognize you unless you change your clothes or bribe officials.

4. Accept the Punishment

If you can’t pay and can’t escape, you’ll have to face the consequences. The severity of your punishment depends on what you did.

How Punishments Work in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

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Whether you committed a crime by mistake or intentionally, be prepared to face the consequences. Depending on the severity of your crime, the punishments can vary from a slap on the wrist to execution. Here are the punishments you can face in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, each one stricter than the last:

1. Pillory (Public Humiliation)

For minor offenses like trespassing, reckless driving, or accidentally punching an NPC, you will be locked in the pillory. The sentence is usually just a few in-game days. This will hurt your reputation, and NPCs will mock you.

2. Caning (Physical Punishment)

Caning is given for mid-tier crimes like assault and theft. This is a physical punishment where guards will publicly beat you, reducing your health and stamina for a while.

3. Branding (Permanent Criminal Status)

Branding is reserved for repeat offenders or serious crimes like murder or heavy theft. Your neck will be branded with a mark, labeling you as a criminal. NPCs will treat you differently, merchants will refuse to trade with you, and guards will keep a strict eye on you, possibly attacking if you make any suspicious moves.

4. Execution (Game Over)

As the name suggests, execution means game over. This punishment is usually given for the worst crimes, such as multiple murders.

Related: How to Get the Best Ending in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

How Crime Affects Your Reputation

Your reputation isn’t just a number—it directly influences how people treat you. Committing crimes can make townsfolk suspicious or outright hostile.

How Reputation Works

Each town and faction tracks your reputation separately. If your reputation drops, people may refuse to talk, trade, or offer you quests. If it rises, NPCs give discounts, extra dialogue, and special opportunities. Guards will search you more often if they suspect you of past crimes. To fix a bad reputation, you’ll need to help the community by doing favors, donating to the church, and paying off fines. This system is somewhat similar to the Honor system in Red Dead Redemption 2.

How to Avoid Getting Caught

The crime system is an integral part of KCD2, and you should use it to your advantage. While committing crimes isn't right, this is an RPG, so you can do whatever you want. However, if you're not careful, you can easily get caught. Here are some tips to avoid detection:

• Don’t leave witnesses—check your surroundings before committing a crime. If someone sees you, instantly change your disguise, perhaps by putting on a hat or changing clothes.
• Commit crimes at night—nighttime is the best time to commit crimes, as it’s harder to spot you.
• Sell stolen goods wisely—stolen items are marked in your inventory, and selling them to normal merchants will get you caught. Instead, take them to fences or black-market dealers far from the crime scene.

That’s how crime and punishment work in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.