Kingdom Come: Deliverance, a sprawling RPG renowned for its historical accuracy and challenging gameplay, presents a unique medieval Bohemia experience. While the game focuses primarily on Henry’s journey through war and intrigue, a seemingly minor yet persistent question arises for many players: “Can I get a dog companion and, if so, how do I call it?” This guide will delve into the truth about dogs in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, exploring what role they play in the game and what methods (if any) exist for interaction, including the possibility of calling a canine companion.
The Reality of Dogs in Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Let’s address the core question upfront. Unlike some other RPGs, Kingdom Come: Deliverance does not allow you to acquire a dog companion in the traditional sense. There’s no questline to unlock a furry friend, no whistle to summon them, and no inventory slot for dog treats. Dogs exist within the game world, but they are largely ambient creatures, contributing to the atmosphere and realism. They are part of the environment, adding life to towns and villages.
These dogs can be found roaming the streets, guarding properties, or even scavenging for scraps. They’re a visual representation of the medieval setting, and while you can interact with them to a certain extent, don’t expect a loyal companion to follow you into battle. Henry will never be able to pet them.
Interacting with Dogs in the Game
While you can’t call a dog to your side, you can still interact with them. The interaction is limited. You can get close to them, and they will react to your presence. This interaction is dependent on your approach. Approaching a dog stealthily may cause it to bark or growl, alerting nearby NPCs to your presence.
On the other hand, a confident or non-threatening approach might allow you to get closer without alarming the canine. The dog’s demeanor will depend on its breed, location, and your own actions. Some dogs might be naturally more skittish than others, and some might be specifically trained to guard an area.
It is important to know that attacking a dog can have serious consequences. Not only is it morally questionable, but it will also likely draw the ire of nearby villagers or guards. This can lead to fines, imprisonment, or even a full-blown fight.
Why No Dog Companions? A Design Perspective
The absence of dog companions in Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a deliberate design choice that aligns with the game’s focus on realism and historical accuracy. While having a loyal hound by your side might seem like a natural fit for a medieval RPG, the developers at Warhorse Studios prioritized authenticity over fantasy tropes.
The inclusion of a dog companion would have required significant development resources, including creating new animations, AI behaviors, and questlines. It also would have added complexities to the game’s combat and stealth systems. A dog running around would inevitably alert enemies and impact stealth mechanics.
Moreover, adding a canine companion could have detracted from the game’s overall tone. Kingdom Come: Deliverance aims to portray the harsh realities of medieval life, and the unconditional loyalty of a dog might have felt out of place in a world filled with betrayal, violence, and scarcity. The game intentionally avoids romanticizing medieval life, and the absence of dog companions is a reflection of this design philosophy.
Mods and the Potential for Dog Companions
While the base game doesn’t offer dog companions, the modding community has stepped in to fill this void. Numerous mods have been created to enhance and expand the Kingdom Come: Deliverance experience, and some of these mods introduce new ways to interact with animals, including dogs.
These mods vary in scope and complexity. Some simply add new dog breeds to the game, while others allow you to tame and train dogs, turning them into actual companions. Some mods change the existing ones into companions.
It’s crucial to understand that using mods can potentially introduce instability to your game. Always download mods from reputable sources and carefully read the installation instructions. Before installing any mod, back up your save files to avoid losing your progress.
A Look at Notable Dog-Related Mods
Several mods offer interesting takes on how dogs could function in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. These can give you an idea of what’s possible with modding, even if you don’t end up installing them.
One type of mod focuses on improving the AI of existing dogs. These mods make dogs more realistic and responsive to their environment. They might bark at strangers, chase rabbits, or even follow NPCs around town. While these mods don’t turn dogs into companions, they add to the immersion of the game.
Another category of mods allows you to interact with dogs in more meaningful ways. This may involve feeding dogs, petting them, or even giving them commands. However, these mods are still limited compared to the dog companion systems found in other RPGs.
Finally, there are mods that introduce entirely new dog companion systems. These mods allow you to adopt a dog, train it, and take it with you on your adventures. These dogs can help you in combat, sniff out hidden treasures, and even carry items for you.
How to Install and Use Mods
Installing mods for Kingdom Come: Deliverance generally involves placing the mod files into the game’s data directory. The exact location of this directory may vary depending on your operating system and installation method. Consult the mod’s documentation for specific instructions.
Once the mod is installed, you may need to activate it through the game’s mod management menu or by editing the game’s configuration files. Again, refer to the mod’s documentation for details.
Remember that not all mods are compatible with each other. Installing conflicting mods can lead to crashes or other issues. Carefully read the mod descriptions to check for compatibility information. Start with one mod at a time to see how it affects your game.
Alternatives: Finding Companions in Other Ways
While you can’t have a dog companion, Kingdom Come: Deliverance does offer other forms of companionship. Throughout your journey, you will encounter various NPCs who can join you on quests or provide assistance in combat. These companions may not be as furry or loyal as a dog, but they can still be valuable allies.
These NPC companions have their own personalities, skills, and backstories. Some are skilled warriors, while others are knowledgeable scholars or cunning merchants. Recruiting these companions can add depth to your gameplay experience and provide you with new perspectives on the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance.
Some companions are acquired through main story quests. Others can be recruited by completing side quests or fulfilling certain requirements. Keep an eye out for NPCs who seem to need your help or offer unique skills. Talking to everyone and exploring all dialogue options can uncover potential companions.
The Importance of Immersion in Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Ultimately, the absence of dog companions in Kingdom Come: Deliverance serves to enhance the game’s overall immersion. By focusing on historical accuracy and realism, the developers have created a world that feels authentic and believable. While the lack of canine companions might disappoint some players, it’s a conscious design choice that contributes to the game’s unique atmosphere.
The game is focused on realistic combat. Swords, arrows, and survival are the focus. A dog companion does not align with this view.
By accepting the limitations of the game and embracing its realism, players can fully appreciate the immersive world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Every aspect of the game, from the detailed environments to the challenging combat, is designed to transport you back to medieval Bohemia.
Looking Ahead: Future Possibilities
While Kingdom Come: Deliverance currently lacks official dog companions, the future remains uncertain. Warhorse Studios has expressed interest in expanding the game’s content and features, and it’s possible that dog companions could be added in a future update or expansion.
The modding community will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. The community continually works to create new content and improve the existing game. It is important to engage with the community to get the latest information.
Ultimately, the question of whether or not you can call a dog in Kingdom Come: Deliverance is complex and evolving. While the base game doesn’t offer this feature, mods and future updates may change the landscape. For now, players must content themselves with admiring the ambient dogs of Bohemia from afar.
Conclusion:
While the dream of commanding a faithful canine companion in Kingdom Come: Deliverance remains unfulfilled in the base game, hope persists through the modding community and potential future updates. For now, understanding the game’s design choices and embracing its focus on realism will allow you to fully appreciate the immersive world it offers. Remember to explore, interact with the environment, and perhaps one day, you’ll hear the bark of a loyal friend echoing through the Bohemian forests. Until then, enjoy the journey!
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Why can’t I call Mutt initially in Kingdom Come: Deliverance?
Mutt isn’t available to you from the very beginning of the game. You need to progress through the main story questline until you complete the “A Man of the Cloth” quest and then begin the “Ginger in a Pickle” quest. After starting this quest, you’ll encounter and rescue Mutt during the investigation, effectively adding him as a companion.
Until that point, attempting to use the command to call a dog will result in no action. Mutt only becomes responsive to your commands and present in the game world after he officially joins you as a companion. Therefore, ensure you’ve advanced far enough in the main storyline to unlock him.
How do I actually call Mutt once he’s available?
Calling Mutt is context-dependent. Typically, you’ll use a whistle command, which is bound to a specific key on your keyboard or a button on your controller. The exact key/button varies depending on your platform (PC, PlayStation, or Xbox) and your custom keybindings. Check your control settings in the game’s options menu to identify the correct key/button assigned to the “Call Dog” or a similar function.
Once you know the correct command, simply press the assigned key/button while within a reasonable distance of where you expect Mutt to be. He will then respond and follow you. Keep in mind that Mutt may not always appear instantly, especially if he is engaged in combat, exploring, or if the terrain is particularly difficult for him to navigate.
What if Mutt isn’t responding to my calls?
Several factors could prevent Mutt from responding. First, ensure he hasn’t been left behind or is too far away. He has a limited following range, so if you’ve traveled a considerable distance without him, he won’t hear your call. Try retracing your steps slightly to see if he’s caught in the environment or engaged in combat.
Another potential issue is his health. If Mutt has taken significant damage, he might be incapacitated or unwilling to move far. Check his health status on the character screen. Providing healing herbs or allowing him time to recover can often resolve this. Finally, a rare glitch can sometimes cause Mutt to become unresponsive, in which case reloading a previous save might be necessary.
Can Mutt die permanently? What happens if he gets hurt in combat?
Yes, Mutt can be killed in combat, and his death is permanent. This means that if Mutt’s health reaches zero during a fight, he will die, and you won’t be able to revive or replace him. This creates a real sense of risk and encourages cautious gameplay when Mutt is involved in dangerous situations.
If Mutt gets hurt, it’s crucial to heal him promptly. His health is displayed on your character screen. You can use healing herbs like Comfrey or Bandages on him, similar to how you would heal yourself. Keep a close eye on his health during battles and prioritize his safety to avoid losing him permanently.
Does Mutt help with combat and hunting? What are his capabilities?
Mutt is a valuable companion who contributes in several ways. In combat, he can distract enemies, allowing you to gain an advantage. He can also bite and harass opponents, weakening them or disrupting their attacks. While not a replacement for your own combat skills, he’s a useful support asset.
Beyond combat, Mutt is excellent at hunting and tracking. He can sniff out animals and lead you to their location, making hunting expeditions more efficient. He can also alert you to nearby dangers, like bandits or Cumans, giving you time to prepare or avoid a confrontation. His tracking abilities are particularly helpful for quests involving finding specific individuals or objects.
Are there any skills or perks that enhance Mutt’s abilities?
While you don’t directly level up Mutt’s stats or skills, there are perks you can unlock that indirectly enhance his capabilities. Certain perks in the “Houndmaster” skill tree, for example, will improve his combat prowess, increase his carrying capacity, or make him more resistant to damage. These perks significantly improve Mutt’s overall usefulness.
Investing in these perks allows you to customize Mutt’s role to better suit your playstyle. If you prefer a more aggressive approach, focus on combat-related perks. If you prioritize exploration and tracking, perks that enhance his sniffing and carrying abilities will be more beneficial. Consider them to improve his effectiveness and survivability.
Can I lose Mutt permanently if he wanders off or gets lost?
While Mutt can wander off if you’re not paying attention, he usually doesn’t get permanently lost due to wandering. If he gets too far away, he’ll eventually despawn and then respawn near you when you transition to a new area or rest. However, he can become “lost” in the sense that he is stuck somewhere and won’t respond to your calls.
If you suspect Mutt is stuck, try retracing your steps and thoroughly searching the area where you last saw him. If you still can’t find him, fast traveling to a different location often resolves the issue, forcing him to respawn near you. As a last resort, reloading a recent save will bring him back to your side.
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