*Image Credits: Warhorse Studios, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2)*

Alchemy in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2) is not for the impatient. It takes time, effort, and a lot of boiling strange things in a cauldron. But if you stick with it, you can craft powerful potions and even make some decent money. Here’s a simple guide to the best alchemy perks so you can get the most out of your brewing without wasting points.

Best Alchemy Perks to Get First

1. Secret of Matter & Secret of Matter II

Why? These perks are hands down the best if you want more bang for your buck.
Effect: Every time you successfully brew a potion, you get extra copies of it. Secret of Matter gives you +1 extra, and Secret of Matter II gives you +3.
Verdict: More potions = more healing, more selling, more poisoning. No downside.

2. Water of Life (Level 12)

Why? Potions heal 25% faster with this perk.
Effect: If you rely on potions for survival, this is a must-have.
Verdict: Less time waiting to heal, more time swinging swords.

3. Purple Haze & Purple Haze II

Why? These perks turn you into a tank if you use potions often.
Effect: Every potion or alcohol effect gives you +1 Vitality (or +2 with Purple Haze II).
Verdict: If you like drinking your way through combat, this is the way to go.

4. Dark Arts Apprentice (Level 12)

Why? Brewing at night makes potions easier, AND you gain +2 to Coercion, Domination, and Intimidation.
Effect: This is great if you want to scare people and be efficient in alchemy.
Verdict: Night owl alchemists rejoice.

Bonus Perks for Efficiency

5. Potion Seller (Level 6)

Why? Potions sell for 30% more.
Effect: If you want to make money from alchemy, this is a solid choice.
Verdict: More Groschen never hurts.

6. Art of Preservation (Level 6)

Why? Keeps raw food and herbs from decaying 50% slower.
Effect: If you gather your own ingredients, this helps them last longer.
Verdict: Less waste, more ingredients for later.

Optional Perks (Situational But Useful)

7. Secret of Equilibrium & Secret of Equilibrium II

Why? These perks make brewing mistakes less punishing.
Effect: The first perk makes the brewing process more tolerant of mistakes, and the second reduces mistakes even further.
Verdict: If you’re bad at following recipes, grab these.

8. Poison Specialist & Poison Specialist II

Why? If you use poisoned arrows, these perks increase how many you poison per dose.
Effect: Your poisons last longer on weapons.
Verdict: Great if you like dealing with enemies before they reach you.

Final Verdict: Best Alchemy Build

If you want the most efficient alchemy build, go for:

Secret of Matter & Secret of Matter II (More potions)
Water of Life (Faster healing)
Purple Haze & Purple Haze II (More vitality from potions)
Dark Arts Apprentice (Easier brewing, intimidation boost)
Potion Seller (More profit)

If you use poisons, add Poison Specialist I & II to the list.

With these perks, you’ll be drowning in potions, healing faster, making more money, and possibly intimidating people just by existing. Not a bad way to live in the KCD2 world.