Warhorse Studios’ Humility Belies a Masterpiece: How Legacy of the Forge Solidifies Kingdom Come: Deliverance II as a GOTY Contender

In a world of aggressive marketing and bold claims, a recent comment from Warhorse Studios community manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling caught the attention of the gaming community. When asked about the possibility of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II winning Game of the Year (GOTY), he responded with a dose of refreshing humility: “I don’t think GOTY is a thing for us.” While this statement reflects the studio’s grounded approach and focus on their community rather than awards, the latest developments surrounding the game—especially the upcoming DLC, Legacy of the Forge—are making a compelling case to the contrary. Far from being a niche title, KCD2 has emerged as a powerhouse RPG, and this new expansion might just be the final, decisive blow that secures its spot among the year’s top contenders.

The gaming landscape of 2025 is a competitive one, with several high-profile releases vying for critical acclaim and audience praise. Titles like Clair Obscur and Expedition 33 have received significant attention, and the perennial anticipation for games like the next Grand Theft Auto always looms large. Yet, in this crowded field, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has quietly established itself as a monumental achievement in the role-playing genre. Its success isn’t just a matter of polished gameplay; it’s a testament to the studio’s unwavering commitment to historical authenticity and immersive storytelling. The base game’s ambition, with its two maps each the size of the original game, a massive city like Kuttenberg, and a meticulously crafted narrative, was already enough to turn heads. Now, with the new DLC, Warhorse is not just adding more content—they are deepening the very core of the experience.

Legacy of the Forge: A Return to Roots and a Powerful Addition

The official reveal of Legacy of the Forge at Gamescom 2025 was a significant moment for fans. The DLC, set to release on September 9, 2025, centers on a deeply personal quest for Henry: restoring his late father Martin’s burnt-down forge in Kuttenberg. This isn’t a mere side activity; it is a full-fledged narrative arc that promises to be a significant expansion, reportedly offering 15-20 hours of new content. For a game already praised for its depth, this is a substantial addition that goes beyond simple cosmetic changes or a brief questline. It’s a gold sink for players with too much coin and a narrative heart for those invested in Henry’s journey.

Key features of Legacy of the Forge that elevate its impact include:

• A Customizable Home Base: Players will finally have a place to call their own. The restoration of the forge is not just a one-and-done mission. It introduces a massive home customization system with over 136 million combinations, allowing players to truly personalize Henry’s living and working space. From the facade to the private quarters and garden, every element can be upgraded and tailored to the player’s liking, adding a new layer of investment and personalization to the game.
• Deepened Blacksmithing Mechanics: As the son of a blacksmith, Henry’s connection to the forge has always been a central part of his identity. This DLC finally makes blacksmithing a meaningful, ongoing activity. While only mandatory for a few key quests, the system is woven into the new blacksmithing guild, offering repeatable, role-playing-driven quests that give the player a sense of purpose and routine. New recipes and unique weapon blueprints become available, tying the gameplay directly to the narrative of Henry mastering his craft.
• Narrative and Character Development: The DLC promises to explore Henry’s past through his father’s legacy. By meeting old friends of Martin, Henry will uncover a part of his life that has remained a mystery. This focus on character-driven storytelling is a cornerstone of the Kingdom Come series, and Legacy of the Forge doubles down on this strength, providing a powerful emotional anchor for the new gameplay loops.

This kind of content is exactly what turns a great game into an unforgettable one. It doesn’t just expand the world; it enriches it, making Henry’s journey feel more personal and consequential. The ability to build something from the ground up, to see tangible results of your efforts, is a powerful motivator for players and a feature that was widely requested since the first game’s From the Ashes DLC.

Beyond the Forge: The Complete Picture

While Legacy of the Forge is the most immediate reason for renewed GOTY conversations, it’s crucial to remember the foundation it’s built upon. The base game of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II launched to significant critical and user acclaim. Reviewers and players alike praised its stunning visual fidelity, courtesy of the heavily modified CryEngine, and its exceptional performance—a rare feat in today’s gaming industry. The game’s combat system, which maintains its weighty, skill-based challenge while being more accessible than its predecessor, has been lauded as a triumph of game design. The world feels alive, with NPCs that follow daily routines and a complex crime system that reacts dynamically to player actions. Every single detail, from the sound of a period-specific wooden door to the expansive and fully-voiced script, contributes to an unparalleled level of immersion.

The studio’s “Community First” approach is also a factor that can’t be understated. Warhorse has been actively listening to feedback and making adjustments to the base game since launch. This includes quality-of-life improvements such as an adaptive HUD and rebalancing of mechanics like lockpicking. This ongoing dedication to refining the player experience shows a level of care that resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike. It’s a stark contrast to many games that release in a buggy state and are forgotten after a few patches. KCD2‘s continuous evolution is a strong argument for its enduring quality.

Is GOTY a Thing for Henry?

So, can Kingdom Come: Deliverance II win GOTY? While Warhorse Studios may humbly suggest otherwise, the evidence points to a strong possibility. The game has already cemented its place as one of the best RPGs of the year. Its historical setting, a unique selling point in an industry saturated with fantasy and sci-fi, gives it a distinct identity. The technical polish, exceptional writing, and deep systems all contribute to a feeling of quality that is hard to match. With the addition of Legacy of the Forge, which not only provides a huge chunk of compelling new content but also gives the player a tangible legacy to build, the game becomes an even more powerful and complete package. This is not just a game to be played; it’s a world to be inhabited.

Ultimately, awards are subjective and often influenced by industry trends, marketing spend, and mass appeal. The realistic, hardcore nature of KCD2 may not have the same broad, casual appeal as other titles. However, for those who value craftsmanship, historical accuracy, and genuine immersion, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is already a winner. And as Henry of Skalitz begins his new life as a master blacksmith, forging a new future for himself and his father’s legacy, the gaming world should take note. Warhorse may not believe GOTY is a “thing for us,” but they may be surprised to find that for many, their game is already the undeniable champion of 2025.