In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, the quest titled “Hunger and Despair”unfolds as one of the final missions, occurring amid the grueling siege of Suchdol. Specifically set on the 25th day of this siege, it showcases the dire conditions that Henry and his companions are experiencing as they grapple with starvation.
To successfully navigate the “Hunger and Despair”quest, players will need to locate food, fend off enemy attackers, and prep for the forthcoming Reckoning quest.
Strategies for Finding Food in “Hunger and Despair”- KCD2
As implied by the quest’s title, sourcing food is a primary objective for Henry and Hans. While finding food can be considered optional, those pressed for time might skip directly to the next steps. Players can reach the kitchen and inquire with Janosh about food availability; if he confirms a lack of supplies, progressing to Capon and opting out of the food search will continue the quest.
However, neglecting to gather food has its pitfalls. Failing to find nourishment will diminish Hans’ regard for Henry, leaving him hungry and weakened for the upcoming castle assault. Below are several strategies for securing food in Suchdol.
All existing food in Henry’s inventory is confiscated and distributed as rations at the onset of the siege, so players cannot prepare in advance.
Option 1: Hunting Stray Dog Meat
Players can either engage with the Dry Devil or, upon their own initiative, hunt and kill a stray dog loitering in the outer bailey. Utilizing a crossbow or longbow is recommended for this task. After securing the meat, players can either cook it in the kitchen or take it to the Dry Devil for soup preparation.
If players have previously encountered and befriended Mutt, the stray dog will be replaced by him, intensifying the moral dilemma. Many players may wish to dissuade the Dry Devil from harming Mutt; however, the Dry Devil will proceed if Henry’s hunger compels him.
Option 2: Crafting Broth from Leather Shoes
Another avenue for food involves discussions with Father Godwin, Samuel, and Musa in the inner bailey. They will inform Henry of the possibility of utilizing shoe leather to create broth and suggest that he ‘borrow’ the shoes of Captain Frenzl’s wife.
To acquire these shoes, players must venture inside the castle towards Henry’s quarters where Captain Frenzl’s wife is located. The successful dialogue to convince her is as follows:
- “Those shoes have no use for you anymore.”
As this is an intimidation check, wearing full armor enhances the likelihood of success. Upon a successful attempt, she will provide Henry with keys to retrieve the Lambskin Shoes from her chest upstairs. Should the attempt fail, players must confront a guard outside her room and potentially resort to lockpicking the chest.
After obtaining the shoes, head back to Musa in the kitchen to prepare the soup.
Option 3: Sourcing Horse Meat
Players also have the option to assist the groom in calming a horse named Boudica, preventing her from succumbing to weakness. However, for those facing a food shortage, it is feasible to resort to eliminating Boudica using a crossbow to acquire a substantial supply of horse meat.
This meat can then be prepared in the kitchen, providing ample sustenance for both Henry and Hans.
Defending Against Attackers – Hunger & Despair – KCD2
Following the acquisition of food, players will attend a poignant funeral for the fallen. However, just as Father Godwin concludes his remarks, the castle comes under siege yet again.
During this intense assault, Henry must survive and fulfill a series of critical objectives.
Objective 1: Knock Down Ladders and Repel Invaders
The paramount objective during this phase is to knock down the ladders, effectively preventing enemy soldiers from breaching the castle. To do this, players will need a polearm, so ensure one is equipped before the confrontation begins, or procure one from a rack located near Captain Frenzl.
For optimal results, sprint towards the ramparts to knock down at least one ladder, prioritizing this task over engaging with enemies. A total of four ladders must be addressed, and players may need to eliminate some foes before achieving this goal. Successfully completing both tasks will lead to a cutscene revealing Sir Hans being shot.
Objective 2: Clear Out Enemies in the Tower and Rear Wall
After the cutscene, Henry will be thrust back into the fray. He must enter the tower and neutralize all enemies inside. Engage the combatants on the lower ramparts before climbing the stairs for successive encounters. Repeat this tactic until the attack concludes.
Farewell to Hans Capon & Katherine – Hunger & Despair – KCD2
As “Hunger and Despair”progresses, players will encounter a series of cutscenes, first in the outer bailey, followed by a critical meeting inside the castle.
After the meeting wraps up, players can bid farewell to several characters. For those interested in pursuing a romance with Katherine, it’s advisable to first converse with Jan Zizka to gather insights about her backstory before saying goodbye. If Henry has nurtured a positive rapport with her, a unique dialogue option will emerge, though the romantic development will transpire later when Henry prepares for his mission alongside Samuel.
Conversely, players may also choose to pursue romance with Sir Hans Capon. However, it’s crucial to note that Henry cannot forge links with both characters, demanding a choice between the two. Adequate groundwork through earlier game events will be essential for successfully courting either character.