Kingdom Come: Deliverance - Band of Bastards Overview

Kingdom Come: Deliverance - Band of Bastards is an action-adventure role-playing DLC that expands the medieval open-world experience for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. Released on February 5, 2019, this expansion introduces a new questline focused on a group of rough-and-tumble mercenaries, offering players a chance to explore the moral complexities of the Bohemian countryside while engaging in intense combat scenarios.

Story and Setting: The Mercenary Patrol

The roads surrounding Rattay have become increasingly unsafe, prompting Sir Radzig Kobyla to seek assistance from an old acquaintance. Radzig enlists the help of Baron Kuno of Rychwald, an impoverished but wily nobleman whose life Radzig saved years ago when Kuno faced the gallows. In return, Radzig collects a favor: the use of Kuno's infamous mercenary band to patrol the province. You play as Henry, tasked with guiding this ragtag group and keeping their unbridled appetite for trouble in check.

As the band sets out to patrol the territory, they discover that Radzig's sworn enemies from long ago have returned to settle old accounts. The narrative introduces a rival impoverished nobleman who challenges Radzig to a duel for the razing of his own castle years prior. Radzig refuses, igniting a tit-for-tat war that Henry and the mercenaries must navigate, culminating in an inevitable showdown.

Gameplay Mechanics and Structure

The Band of Bastards expansion becomes accessible after completing the "Baptism of Fire" quest or reaching approximately one-third of the main story. Upon arriving at the mercenaries' camp near Ledetchko, Henry must pass a combat trial led by Kuno. This test assesses the player's mettle with a sword; failure results in being sent away until the character is sufficiently leveled or skilled.

Key Gameplay Details

  • Patrol Missions: The DLC consists of five main missions where players tag along with the patrol, engaging in combat against bandits and rival mercenaries.
  • Dialogue Choices: Players influence the narrative by deciding whether to keep the mercenaries on the straight and narrow or embrace the chaos and join them in their debauchery. These choices lead to multiple outcomes, including the potential to cut the questline short if specific characters die.
  • Side Quest: The expansion introduces "The Ring of Bacchus," a side quest that allows players to be mischievous within Kuno's camp, offering a wild goose chase that contrasts with the main combat focus.
  • Duration: Players can expect approximately three hours of gameplay, providing a focused experience that complements the base game.

While previous DLC like *From the Ashes* focuses on economy, *Band of Bastards* leans heavily into combat-driven encounters. However, the writing emphasizes character interaction, ensuring the experience remains compelling beyond the swordplay.

Notable Features and Target Audience

  • Memorable Characters: The expansion is driven by its cast, including Kuno, Dangler, Jakey, and The Stone. Despite being morally dubious and rough around the edges, the mercenary band is written with significant personality, offering both humorous dialogue and serious undertones that make them a likeable bunch.
  • Dynamic Consequences: The narrative weight of player decisions ensures that the patrol missions feel impactful, rewarding those who invest in the relationships with the band.
  • Tracking and Exploration: The DLC includes segments where players must track down groups of bandits through the woods by following trails, adding variety to the exploration mechanics.

This DLC appeals to fans of character-driven narratives and immersive RPGs who enjoy exploring the moral gray areas of medieval life. It is ideal for players who wish to experience more of Henry's journey through the eyes of a mercenary, offering a fresh perspective on the world while delivering intense skirmishes and memorable interactions with a band of likeable outcasts.