Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Developers Share Insights on the Game’s Musical Score

The Soundtrack of a New Era

Back in 2018, when Kingdom Come: Deliverance first hit the gaming scene, its score was more than just background noise; it was a vital part of Warhorse Studios’ vision for an immersive RPG experience. Now, as we gear up for the much-anticipated sequel, composer Jan Valta is back, bringing with him an expanded, handcrafted score that beautifully marries the authenticity of medieval music with a modern twist. But why does this delicate balance matter so much?

In Henry’s world, music wasn’t just a melody; it was a narrative force, often taking a backseat to the spoken word. Think of it as a story-driven form of jazz—where time signatures flowed like a river, not bound by the rigid structures we’re used to today. Jan explains it perfectly: “It didn’t always go in four beats or four bars. In medieval times, the music was led by the lyrics, often sacred texts that came from a higher power.” It’s this rich tapestry of historical context that Jan aims to weave into the sequel’s score.

Crafting the Perfect Score

Jan likes to think of his work as the “seasoning” for a more symphonic soundtrack. The goal? To enhance the narrative beats that propel Henry’s adventure, rather than just sticking to historical accuracy for its own sake. “Daniel Vávra, our creative director, and I quickly found common ground—a film-like soundtrack that’s spiced up with medieval flair,” he shares.

Of course, when you think of a medieval score, your mind might immediately jump to traditional instruments. And yes, you’ll hear ancient flutes, lutes, and the kind of music you’d expect in a bustling medieval tavern. But Jan emphasizes that it’s not just about the instruments. “The real magic lies in how you treat the orchestra’s voices and work with harmony and chords,” he notes.

A Tale Told Through Music

The soundtrack for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a two-part symphony. On one hand, you have the meticulously crafted symphonic compositions that accompany scripted cutscenes—making up about a third of the over ten hours of new music. Jan describes the process of creating these scores as a collaborative effort, akin to a movie-making “spotting” session. “We reviewed all the cutscenes repeatedly, discussing the dramatic beats and motivations. It’s crucial to understand the context,” he explains.

Once they’ve nailed down the details, it’s time for the magic to happen. “We’ve recorded these live with an orchestra and a huge choir,” Jan exclaims, excitement bubbling in his voice. “Sometimes even in the grand Rudolfinum in Prague, with over 100 musicians on stage. It was a remarkable experience!”

Dynamic Soundscapes for Every Player

But it doesn’t stop there. The second part of the score is all about dynamic music that adapts to each player’s unique journey. This isn’t just a static background track; it’s a living, breathing part of the game that responds to what’s happening in real-time. “We examined every quest—yes, all of them! Not just the main story but also side quests and random events,” Jan emphasizes.

Imagine this: if it starts to rain, the music shifts to reflect that. Entering a dark forest? There’s a score for that, too. And when you stroll through the streets of Kuttenberg at night, you’ll be enveloped in a completely different soundscape than during the day. “The nature of night in a city is very different from the day,” Jan points out, and it’s this level of detail that sets Warhorse apart.

Get Ready for the Adventure

This meticulous attention to detail is part of Warhorse’s philosophy as they strive to craft a sequel worthy of Henry’s beloved tale. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is set to release on February 4, 2025, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

But that’s not all—there’s also a scripted live-action series in the works, starring Tom McKay and Luke Dale, who bring their on-screen chemistry from 1403 into a modern-day setting. In one thrilling episode, they’ll even witness the live recording of the KCD II soundtrack at the stunning Rudolfinum.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to dive back into this unforgettable world. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II will be available on PC, XBOX Series X|S, and Playstation 5. Pre-order now and prepare for an epic journey filled with rich storytelling and an unforgettable score!