Unlocking The Hermit Quest in KCD2

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 immerses players in a gritty medieval world filled with moral ambiguities and challenging quests. Among its standout side adventures is The Hermit, a task tied to the blacksmith storyline in Tachov that reveals deep lore, tough decisions, and valuable loot like a unique sword. This guide breaks down every step, from activation to completion, including optional paths and combat strategies, ensuring you don’t miss hidden elements.

Quest Prerequisites and Activation

The Hermit doesn’t appear randomly; it’s locked behind specific main story progress. You must first align with Radovan, the blacksmith in Tachov, during preparations for a major wedding event. Complete his initial task, known as The Jaunt, which involves errands around town. Once done, speak to Radovan again and inquire about crafting a special sword. He’ll reveal the blade’s origin lies with a reclusive figure in the Apollonia region, marked by rumors of devilish pacts.

• Key Trigger: Exhaust all dialogue with Radovan post-Jaunt, selecting options about the wedding gift sword.
• Location: Tachov blacksmith forge – fast travel here if available.
• Level Recommendation: Mid-early game (level 10+), with basic combat and speech skills.

This setup weaves the quest into the broader narrative, rewarding players who invest in side character relationships early.

Initial Investigation: Gathering Whispers

Head to Troskowitz, a nearby village buzzing with gossip. Speak to villagers about the hermit – most are tight-lipped, fearing supernatural tales of demonic deals. Persistence pays off; select probing dialogue like “What’s the truth behind the devil rumors?” to unlock map markers for Apollonia.

These interactions build suspicion: the hermit, Ambrose, is shunned for supposed witchcraft. Note any green icons on your compass for the next phase.

Exploring Apollonia: The Cross and Beyond

Travel to the quest marker in Apollonia’s rugged terrain. Investigate a prominent cross etched with clues – interact to examine it closely. This reveals a nearby grave; you’ll need a spade (craft or buy one if missing). Dig it up to loot the “Conciliatory Appina,” a journal fragment hinting at hidden sins.

• Grave Location Tip: Follow the compass east from the cross; look for disturbed earth under rocky outcrops.
• Reward: Diary page advancing the plot.

Press on to the main hermitage, a cave-like dwelling across a stream. Approach cautiously – the figure inside is guarded and suspicious.

Confronting the Figure: Truth Unveiled

Engage the hermit with evidence from your findings. Key dialogue branches here determine sub-quest access:

1. Select “I know about the cross and grave.”
2. Present the Appina journal.
3. Accuse him of deception.

He confesses: he’s not Ambrose but Knight Konrad, a comrade who assumed the role after Ambrose’s death. The real hermit tasked Konrad with unfinished business, including a sinful secret. This unlocks “A Sinful Soul,” a missable side path.

Search Konrad’s home thoroughly: upstairs, shift two sacks in the loft to find Knight Konrad’s full diary. Reading it exposes Konrad’s guilt-ridden past and pinpoints Ambrose’s true grave – under two entwined birch trees at the meadow’s edge.

The Sinful Soul Sub-Quest: Redemption Path

Only accessible via the hermit dialogue chain. Head to Troskowitz graveyard and speak to a mourning widow. Choose empathetic options like “How can I help with your loss?” She reveals her husband’s restless spirit ties into Ambrose’s unresolved sins.

• Tasks:
• Retrieve remains from a marked dead man’s grave.
• Dig a proper burial site nearby.
• Deliver a message of forgiveness to the widow.
• Rewards: Reputation gain, minor groschen, deeper lore tying into main story.

This branch emphasizes KCD2’s theme of atonement, offering peaceful resolution options.

Critical Choice: Ally or Betray?

Back at the hermitage, Konrad faces pursuing guards accusing him of heresy. Burn the haystack to signal betrayal (sides with guards, fight Konrad) or defend him. Helping Konrad triggers a skirmish against three knights in tight quarters.

Fight Tips: Use Mutt for distractions – whistle him to flank. Draw enemies to open clearings; tight tunnels favor archers. Attack from behind while Konrad engages frontally. Low-level players: wait for green shield initiative.

Locating the True Grave and Sword

Post-battle, Konrad (if alive) discloses: “Edge of the meadow, two entangled birch trees.” Fast travel to Appina, trek west uphill. The grave is marked by a broken sword protruding – pull it free. No spade needed for extraction, but digging yields extra items.

• Exact Spot: Hilltop, birch cluster overlooking valley.
• Item: Broken Hermit Sword (key quest item).

Return to Radovan in Tachov. Repair the sword at the forge (requires prior smithing knowledge from The Jaunt). Select longsword category, use provided materials. Hand it over to complete the quest.

Additional Rewards and Secrets

Beyond the sword, scour for extras:

• Broadsword Sketch: Hidden in hermitage or graveyard – boosts smithing perks.
• Mutt Utility: Essential for combat; feed/upgrade him beforehand.
• Reputation: Helping Konrad or widow yields villager favor, unlocking future quests.

Konrad’s diary provides backstory on regional knights, enriching world immersion.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips

Avoid skipping Troskowitz gossip – it locks sub-quests. Stock potions for fights; high speech (12+) eases dialogues. If stuck, check journal for missed markers. Reload saves before choices – outcomes branch significantly.

• Missable: A Sinful Soul without proper hermit talk.
• Bug Fix: If grave invisible, dig nearby dirt piles.

Why The Hermit Matters in KCD2

This quest exemplifies the game’s RPG depth: player agency shapes stories, combat demands strategy, and exploration rewards curiosity. It ties blacksmithing skill tree progression, prepping for advanced weapons. Completing it unlocks wedding access, advancing mains.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a spade for the Hermit sword?

No, just pull it from the grave; spade optional for full loot.

Can I kill Konrad without consequences?

Yes, but you miss the grave hint and sub-quest rewards.

What’s the best combat setup for the knight fight?

Mutt + backstabs; level 12+ sword skill recommended.

Is A Sinful Soul required for main completion?

No, but it adds lore and reputation.

Where’s the Broadsword Sketch exactly?

In hermitage loft or Troskowitz grave – search sacks/altars.