TL;DR
- Grey stealth icons indicate environmental limitations, not impossible takedowns
- NPCs have four distinct protection levels: Untouchable, Immortal, Respawning, and Mortal
- Use distraction techniques and alternative weapons to bypass stealth restrictions
- Key story characters cannot be permanently eliminated due to plot requirements
- Mastering stealth positioning and timing is crucial for successful takedowns
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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 features complex stealth systems that the game doesn’t fully explain to players. The stealth takedown mechanics often present confusing situations where actions that should work simply don’t activate properly. This guide breaks down exactly why certain non-player characters remain protected and how to work around these limitations effectively.
When attempting to eliminate a target covertly, you might notice the stealth execution indicator changing to a faded grey color. This visual cue doesn’t mean the character is permanently immune to stealth attacks, but rather indicates temporary environmental or mechanical restrictions preventing the action. In most cases, the issue stems from insufficient clearance for Henry to properly position himself behind the intended target, even when it visually appears adequate. A classic illustration involves the persistently vigilant sentry stationed near your quarters in Trosky castle, who typically cannot be easily neutralized through stealth means.
Players have multiple strategic approaches to overcome grey icon limitations. The primary method involves relocating the problematic character from their current position. You can employ various distraction techniques including throwing stones to redirect their attention, commanding Mutt to create audible disturbances, or using the whistle function (activated by crouching and pressing X) to draw them toward your concealed location. Alternatively, waiting for natural patrol pattern changes by advancing time one hour (using the T key) often creates new opportunities for stealth engagement.
The secondary elimination strategy involves employing ranged weaponry for targeted removal. Equip a powerful crossbow and aim precisely for vulnerable areas like the neck or cranium, focusing on unprotected body sections to ensure effectiveness. Under optimal lighting conditions with sufficient stealth proficiency, this approach can function as a silent elimination method even from standing positions. In documented scenarios, nearby characters like blacksmiths positioned mere meters away remained completely unaware of the action.
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Beyond situational limitations, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 implements a sophisticated four-tier character protection system with varying degrees of narrative armor. Understanding these classifications helps players avoid frustration and plan their approaches more strategically.
- Untouchable Characters — No interaction prompts appear whatsoever. These NPCs cannot be robbed, incapacitated, or eliminated through any available means. Example: Lord Otto von Bergow of Trosky castle maintains complete immunity throughout the game narrative.
- Immortal NPCs — Only Theft and Subdue options display. These individuals can only be temporarily choked into unconsciousness. During standard combat encounters, they collapse into temporary incapacitation rather than permanent death. The execution icon displays as grey when targeting these protected characters. Example: The Bailiff of Troskowitz falls into this category.
- Respawning Entities — All standard interactions function normally. When eliminated, these characters reappear later in the game, essentially replaced by identical-looking substitutes. Typically these are generic characters without specific names or major quest involvement, though they may participate in minor missions.
- Mortal Individuals — Every possible interaction works as intended. These characters never regenerate after being permanently removed from the game world. Example: Bath attendant Dorotha at the Zhelejov inn represents this vulnerable category.
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Action Checklist
- Check environmental spacing before attempting stealth takedowns – ensure adequate clearance behind target
- Use distraction methods (stones, Mutt, whistling) to reposition difficult NPCs
- Employ crossbow attacks targeting unarmored head/neck areas when stealth fails
- Verify NPC classification by checking available interaction options before engagement
- Advance time using T key to exploit patrol pattern changes
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides » Why you cannot knock out or stealth kill some NPCs in KCD2. Which NPCs are invincible in Kingdom Come 2 Master stealth mechanics and understand NPC invincibility in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 with expert strategies