Kingdom Come: Deliverance - Band of Bastards Review (Kate27)
Reviewing (mostly) every game (or DLC) in my library, part 185:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (8/10)
Band of Bastards is a gritty, combat-driven DLC that offers a sharp contrast to Kingdom Come: Deliverance’s slower, more methodical pacing. It trades monasteries and morality plays for mercenaries and muddy swords, dropping Henry into a tight, testosterone-fueled story about violence, loyalty, and brotherhood. If you’re craving more action and camaraderie—with a few moral dilemmas along the way—it’s a worthy addition.
🤺 Pros:
A grounded, focused combat arc. Unlike the main game’s sprawling narrative, Band of Bastards is short, punchy, and to the point. You're hired to escort Sir Kuno of Rychwald and his band of mercenaries as they deal with an old grudge—and it plays out like a traveling roadshow of steel and blood. It’s not just random fighting, though; there’s structure, momentum, and a real sense of progression.
Kuno and his crew have strong personalities. The titular “bastards” are more than just gruff swords-for-hire. Each one is distinct—drunken, bitter, boastful, or quietly brutal—and their banter adds texture to the journey. Sir Kuno, in particular, is a highlight: a man of surprising honor beneath his rough edges. Their dynamic is what sells the DLC as more than just a series of brawls.
Challenging, well-paced combat scenarios. The DLC provides multiple set-piece battles, ambushes, and duels that test your combat skills more than most base game missions. These fights are tougher than your average bandit encounter and often involve multiple allies and positioning. If you’ve mastered KCD’s swordplay, this DLC gives you a satisfying opportunity to prove it.
Feels like a thematic extension of the main game. Band of Bastards doesn’t break immersion. It slots seamlessly into the timeline and tone of KCD, offering a different angle on the world’s violence and lawlessness. It’s not about destiny or honor; it’s about debts, blood feuds, and surviving with your sword arm intact.
⚔ Cons:
Relatively short and combat-focused. Expect around 3–5 hours of content, depending on your pace. There’s no exploration or side objectives here—just a linear path of missions with brief downtime at the camp. If you prefer KCD’s slower, more systemic gameplay—reading, sneaking, herbalism—this DLC might feel a bit one-note.
Limited replay value. While there are minor branching choices, the overall structure remains the same in each playthrough. Once you’ve seen how the tale plays out, there’s not much incentive to return unless you just want more fights.
Companions can be unpredictable. AI behavior during group combat is still a little clunky. Your mercenary allies sometimes get stuck or act strangely in larger battles, which can briefly break immersion, especially during tense moments.