Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stormed onto the scene on February 4, 2025, captivating players with its gritty medieval world and immersive role-playing depth. Developed by Warhorse Studios, this sequel to the 2018 hit has already sold over two million copies in its first two weeks, earning an 88 on Metacritic and a “Very Positive” Steam rating. Set in the war-torn Kingdom of Bohemia in 1403, it follows Henry of Skalitz as he navigates a civil war, wielding swords, crossbows, and even early firearms across a map twice the size of its predecessor. Yet, for all its grandeur, the game launched with a notable omission: the ability to tweak Henry’s appearance beyond his armor. Fans of the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance, where barbers offered haircuts and shaves, noticed this gap immediately, and modders quickly stepped in with hairstyle tweaks. Now, Warhorse is addressing the clamor with Patch 1.2, a massive update slated for mid-March that introduces the free Barber Mode DLC, alongside bug fixes and modding support. Here’s everything we know about this anticipated addition, pieced together from official announcements, streams, and online buzz.

Henry Can Fight In Style

The Barber Mode DLC, spotlighted in a March 4 Twitch stream by Warhorse Studios, promises to bring customization back to Bohemia. Unlike the base game, where Henry’s scruffy locks and clean-shaven face were fixed, this update lets players visit barbers in towns like Zhelejov and Kuttenberg. For a handful of Groschen—Bohemia’s silver currency—you can reshape Henry’s look with a variety of hairstyles and facial hair options. Screenshots shared on Reddit by fans who caught the stream reveal a range of styles, from subtle trims to bold mullets and bushy beards. Warhorse hasn’t dropped a full list yet, but the glimpse suggests a mix of practical medieval cuts and a few playful flourishes. X posts from @WarhorseStudios tease the feature with flair: “A sharp blade is one thing, but a sharp look? That’s a statement.” Players on forums speculate it might even tie into gameplay, with a rumored “Freshly Trimmed” buff boosting Charisma by 2 for a short time post-haircut—a nod to the original game’s grooming perks.

Patch 1.2’s release date is pinned to March 13, 2025, barring delays, aligning with Warhorse’s spring roadmap unveiled in January. This roadmap, hyped on X by @KingdomComeRPG, outlines three free updates—Barber Mode, Hardcore Mode, and Horse Racing—followed by paid DLCs like Brushes with Death. The March 13 drop, confirmed via Instagram and echoed by outlets like GameRant, comes just six weeks after launch, a swift response to player feedback. Warhorse PR manager Sir Tobi hinted on X that the patch notes span 34 pages, suggesting a hefty overhaul beyond just barbers. While the Barber Mode steals the spotlight, the update also packs official Steamworks mod support—a boon for PC players itching to expand the game—and a slew of fixes. Combat tweaks, NPC behavior refinements, and possibly a stab at the infamous indoor rain glitch (a sore spot blasted across X) are on the table, though specifics remain under wraps until the notes drop.

It’s Not Far Away

So, how does Barber Mode work? Based on the original game and Warhorse’s teases, it’s likely a straightforward system. You’ll stumble upon barbers in key settlements, marked on your map or found through exploration. Step up, pay your coin, and choose from a menu of styles—think short crops, long braids, or rugged beards fit for a 15th-century warrior. The Twitch stream showed off a clean interface, with Henry’s model updating in real-time as options are previewed. Unlike the first game, where barbers doubled as healers, this seems focused purely on aesthetics—no word yet on hair regrowth mechanics or hygiene tie-ins, though fans on Steam forums hope for such depth. X users like @playswave_com cheered the news, noting it’s a free perk for all players, not locked behind the $89.99 Gold Edition (which includes the three upcoming DLCs). It’s a small but meaningful nod to customization-starved RPG fans, especially in a game where Henry’s set protagonist status limits broader character creation.

The Barber Mode’s arrival isn’t without context—or controversy. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 launched to acclaim, with critics praising its immersive world and narrative heft (2.2 million words, topping Baldur’s Gate 3’s script). But it wasn’t flawless. Players on X and Reddit have griped about bugs—rain indoors, lightning in caves—and a lack of launch features like hardcore difficulty, staples of the first game. The barber omission, in particular, stung fans who loved tweaking Henry’s look in the original, a feature Warhorse curiously cut from the sequel’s debut. Modders filled the gap within days, a testament to the community’s passion, but it left some questioning why such a basic option wasn’t included from day one. Warhorse’s quick pivot with Patch 1.2 suggests they’re listening, though X posts show a split: some hail it as a win, others scoff it’s “too little, too late” for a game already demanding 80-100 hours.

What’s Next For Kingdom Come Deliverance 2?

An Exciting Roadmap From Warhorse Studios

Beyond barbers, Patch 1.2 sets the stage for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s future. Hardcore Mode, teased in the same stream, promises a brutal twist—disabled UI, no fast travel, and negative perks like fragility or navigation woes. Horse Racing, another free spring update, hints at competitive fun, though details are scarce. Then there’s the paid DLC trio: Brushes with Death (summer), Legacy of the Forge (autumn), and Mysteria Ecclesiae (winter), each expanding Henry’s tale with new quests and mechanics like blacksmithing. The Barber Mode, then, is a warm-up—a freebie to keep players engaged while Warhorse polishes the rough edges and builds toward bigger things. Steam reviews, hovering at 84% positive, suggest there’s goodwill to burn, but the patch’s fixes will be key to sustaining momentum.

What’s the big deal about a haircut, anyway? In Kingdom Come, it’s more than vanity. The original tied grooming to social stats—clean-shaven Henry charmed NPCs better than a scruffy one. If the “Freshly Trimmed” buff pans out, Barber Mode could nudge gameplay, not just visuals. Plus, in a game lauded for realism—down to Kuttenberg’s historically accurate streets—a barber fits the vibe. Players on X dream of roleplaying a polished knight or a rugged outlaw, and this delivers. Still, some argue it’s a distraction when bugs linger. A Steam thread quipped, “Great, Henry looks good while it rains in my tavern.” Warhorse’s challenge is balancing flair with function—Barber Mode might win hearts, but only if the patch tackles the messier stuff too.

As March 13 nears, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stands at a crossroads. The Barber Mode DLC, free and flashy, is a crowd-pleaser, tapping into the RPG urge to personalize your hero. With mod support and fixes in tow, Patch 1.2 could solidify the game’s stellar launch—or stumble if it sidesteps bigger issues. Warhorse’s track record—patching the first game into a gem—breeds cautious optimism. For now, sharpen your blade and your scissors, Henry. Bohemia’s barbershops are almost open, and the wilds await a freshly trimmed conqueror.