Warhorse Studios has announced that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 will receive a significant update on March 13, bringing modding tools and a range of improvements to the gritty medieval RPG. Among these additions is the intriguingly named “Barber Mode,” though details remain scarce. For now, speculation points to new customization options for protagonist Henry, including beards and haircuts—but what if there’s more to it than that?
A Patch Packed with Features
Updates for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 don’t come lightly. Warhorse Studios has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, historically rich experiences, and this latest patch promises to expand upon that.
- Modding tools are at the heart of the update, giving players more freedom to tweak, enhance, and overhaul the game. The first Kingdom Come already had a small but dedicated modding scene, and the official support could open the floodgates for community-driven content.
- A “trove of updates” suggests more than just bug fixes. Performance improvements, quality-of-life tweaks, and perhaps even new gameplay mechanics could be on the way.
- Barber Mode remains the biggest mystery. The promotional image teases hair and beard options, but could this be a fully-fledged feature that expands the game’s professions?
The Strange, Untapped Potential of the Barber Sim
Hairdressing in video games has always been a side feature at best—character customization, a minor RPG element, or a lighthearted joke. But what if Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 took it further? Imagine Henry stepping into the role of a traveling medieval barber, scissors in one hand, straight razor in the other.
A quick glance at Steam reveals that barber-themed games do exist, though they’re few and far between:
- Barber Party is an upcoming co-op game in the style of Overcooked, where players frantically manage a barbershop.
- Bizarre Barber is a VR game that throws hallucinatory fish into the mix, for reasons that remain unclear.
- The Midnight Barber is a visual novel about styling werewolves, with an unexpected political revolution subplot.
Clearly, there’s something compelling about cutting hair in games. But in Deliverance 2, it could be more than just a gimmick.
Barbering in Medieval Bohemia—A Natural Fit
Warhorse Studios prides itself on authenticity. The first Kingdom Come gave players the chance to brew potions, cook meals, work a forge, and even skin animals. Adding barbering wouldn’t be a stretch—it was a real medieval profession, often combined with surgery (hence the red-and-white barber pole).
Here’s how it could work in the game:
- Customization – Players could offer haircuts to NPCs, influencing their appearance and perhaps even their social status. A well-groomed noble might get better treatment at court, while a scruffy bandit might find it easier to blend in.
- Side Quests – Imagine a questline where Henry becomes the personal barber of a high-ranking noble, cutting deals along with hair. Maybe even a secret society of barbers plotting behind the scenes?
- Combat Buffs – Certain hairstyles could provide minor stat boosts. A closely shaved head might intimidate opponents, while a thick beard could protect against the cold.
- Historical Accuracy – The game already adheres to a strict timeline. What if choosing an anachronistic haircut—like a Pompadour centuries too early—led to ridicule from NPCs?
Will Warhorse Take the Leap?
Realistically, Barber Mode might just be a simple customization feature. But Warhorse has a track record of surprising players with depth in the smallest details. The game’s commitment to historical accuracy makes it possible that barbering could be woven into the experience in unexpected ways.
As March 13 approaches, fans can only wait and see what the update truly holds. Will Henry’s haircuts change history? Or will this simply be a fun addition to an already detailed world? One thing’s for sure—whatever Warhorse has planned, it’s got players buzzing.
