Swimming Explained in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2)
Image Credits: Warhorse Studios, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2)
Henry can fight, ride a horse, swing a sword, and even read (eventually). But swimming? Forget it. If you try to take a dip in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, you’ll quickly learn that Henry sinks like a rock. Knowing how to swim in KCD2 is, unfortunately, just not something Henry is capable of. Here are some reasons why.
Why Can’t Henry Swim?
1. Medieval Bohemia Wasn't Big on Swimming
Back in 15th-century Bohemia, swimming wasn’t a common skill. People didn’t have pools, and the closest thing to a beach vacation was probably standing near a river while hoping the water spirits didn’t drag you under.
There was actually a superstition about vodníks—creepy water spirits that supposedly lived in rivers and lakes. People believed these guys would drown anyone who got too close. So, instead of learning to swim, most folks just avoided deep water altogether. Smart? Maybe. Inconvenient for Henry? Absolutely.
2. Henry Was Too Busy Hammering Metal to Learn
Henry grew up in Skalitz, a town famous for its mines and blacksmiths, not for producing Olympic swimmers. As a blacksmith’s son, he spent more time forging swords than splashing around in rivers.
Even when he wasn’t working, his free time was probably spent drinking, throwing fists, or running errands—not dog-paddling in a pond. Learning to swim just wasn’t on his to-do list.
3. Nobles Could Swim, But Peasants? Not So Much
If you’ve played the game’s introduction, you might have noticed Hans Capon swims just fine. That’s because nobles had the luxury of learning “useless” things like fencing, reading, and, apparently, staying afloat. Meanwhile, Henry—being a commoner—was expected to keep both feet firmly on the ground.
So, while Hans is over there doing elegant strokes through the water, Henry is just trying not to drown. Fair? No. Historically accurate? Unfortunately, yes.
How to "Swim" in KCD2 (A.K.A. Avoid Drowning Like an Idiot)
Stick to bridges. They exist for a reason.
Don’t fall in. If there’s a body of water, assume Henry will immediately start breathing it.
Look for shallow spots. Some areas are just deep enough to wade through without dying.
Fast travel around rivers. If swimming isn’t an option, the map is your best friend.
Final Blurb
Henry can fight bandits, survive brutal battles, and charm the locals (sometimes), but swimming is simply beyond him. Blame medieval superstitions, his blacksmith upbringing, or just KCD2’s commitment to historical accuracy. Either way, if you see water, do what Henry would do—stay the hell away from it.
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