How Crime and Punishment Work in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

If you committed a crime either by mistake or intentionally should be prepared to face the consequences. Depending on the severity of your crime the punishments can vary. You could walk away with a slap on the wrist or you might get executed. Currently, these are the punishments you can get in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, each one stricter than the last.

1. Pillory (Public Humiliation)

If you committed a minor offense like trespassing, reckless driving, or punching an NPC by mistake 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, meaning the guards will publicly beat you and your health and stamina will be reduced for a while.

3. Branding (Permanent Criminal Status)

Branding is reserved for repeat offenders or if you have committed a serious crime like murder or heavy theft. Your neck will be branded with a mark and you will be labeled a criminal. This means NPCs will treat you like a criminal and merchants will refuse to trade with you. Guards will also keep a strict eye on you and might even attack you if you make any suspicious moves.

4. Execution (Game Over)

As the name suggests, execution means game over. This punishment is usually given to the worst of the crimes like 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 makes 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. Doing favors, donating to the church, and paying off fines can improve how people see you. This system is a bit similar to Honor in Red Dead Redemption 2.

How to Avoid Getting Caught

The crime system is part of KCD2 so you should use it to your advantage. Sure, committing crimes is not right but this is an RPG so you can do whatever you want. However, If you are not careful you can easily get caught. Here are some things you can do to avoid that.

• Don’t leave witnesses–check your surroundings if you are planning to do something.
• If someone does see you commit a crime you should instantly change your disguise. Maybe put on a hat or change clothes.
• Commit crimes at night. Nighttime is the best time to commit crimes, as it’s hard 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.