You’re riding through the Trosky region, the sun is hitting the Bohemian hills just right, and suddenly you’ve got a bounty on your hands that feels a little... different. Most of the time in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, a bandit is just another pile of groschen and some blood on your longsword.
But not this guy.
Johnny the Gob KCD2 isn't just a generic face in a camp. He’s a former right-hand man with a history that makes "just killing him" feel like a wasted opportunity.
Honestly, the game basically begs you to think twice here. If you've been doing work for Gules of Semine, you know the drill. Usually, you go in, you crack skulls, and you move on. But Gules has a soft spot for Johnny. They’ve saved each other’s hides more times than they can count.
And look, I get it. The easiest thing to do is just loose an arrow or poison the wine and call it a day. But if you want the best rewards—and a little more flavor in your story—you’ve got to play this one smart.
Where to Find Johnny the Gob and How to Handle His Camp
You’ll find Johnny and his crew hunkered down on the western shore of Rocktower Pond. If you’re coming from the Trosky region, it’s a pretty distinct spot. He’s usually sporting a bright green hunting coat, and he’s carrying a shield that honestly looks like it was painted by someone who had never seen a goblin but tried to describe one anyway.
It’s distinctive. It’s green. You can’t miss it.
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The camp itself is a bit of a headache. You’re looking at about seven bandits total. If you go in swinging, you’re going to get swarmed. The game’s combat system is great, but a seven-on-one fight is a death sentence for most Henrys unless you’re heavily armored and exceptionally skilled with a mace.
The Stealth Approach
If you’re a fan of the "cloak and dagger" lifestyle, the tall grass on the west side of the camp is your best friend.
- Wait for nightfall. Most of the crew will be sleeping or sitting by the fire.
- Pick them off one by one. There are usually two patrolling, a couple in the tents, and one guy who just loves to fish by the river.
- Do not touch the wine barrel. Seriously. If you’ve previously poisoned the camp’s food or wine while exploring, Johnny might already be dead when you show up for the actual quest. That breaks the "peaceful" option immediately.
Why You Should Spare Johnny the Gob
Gules specifically asks you to spare the man. That’s your first clue that there’s more to this than just a combat encounter. Johnny the Gob was Gules' most loyal companion back in their bandit days—a rare thing in a profession where betrayal is basically a hobby.
If you kill him, you get the shield and you finish the quest. Simple.
But if you spare him? You get more Speech XP, more Groschen from Gules, and a much better sense of Henry’s growing influence in the world. Plus, you still get the shield. Johnny just hands it over. He’s basically like, "Fine, tell the old man I’m gone." It’s a win-win.
The Mid-Fight Persuasion
This is where people get tripped up. You can’t just walk up and chat. You have to thin out the herd first. Kill every single one of his lackeys. Once it’s just you and the "Gob," engage him in combat.
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Rough him up a bit.
Once his health drops or he realizes he’s alone, a "Chat" prompt will eventually pop up. This is your window. Mention Gules. Watch the gears turn in Johnny's head as he realizes his old friend is the one who sent the "Skalitz survivor" to hunt him down.
Dealing with the Infamous Shield and Loot
Let’s talk about the gear. Johnny the Gob’s shield is the main quest item you need to bring back to Gules as "proof" that the job is done.
Is it the best shield in the game? No. Not even close.
By the time you’re deep enough into the Gules questline to find Johnny, you probably have better equipment. But it has a unique aesthetic that collectors love. If you spare him, he gives it to you. If you kill him, you loot it.
Don't Miss the Cave
Behind the camp, there’s a cave. Don't just grab the shield and run back to Semine. Inside that cave is a locked chest. Unlike the other bandit quests Gules gives you, the bandits outside don't carry the key. You’re going to need a decent Lockpicking skill to get in there.
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Your reward? A Weighted Die. For anyone who spends too much time in the taverns playing Farkle, this is a massive find. It significantly tips the odds in your favor, making those high-stakes games a lot less stressful.
Common Bugs and How to Avoid Them
Since the game's release in early 2025, players have reported a few annoying issues with this specific task.
First, the "Dead on Arrival" bug. If you’re a player who likes to clear out camps just for fun while wandering, be careful. If you kill Johnny before Gules actually gives you the quest, it can sometimes mess up the dialogue options later.
Second, if you spare him and he starts walking away, do not attack him. Some players try to "double dip" by letting him go for the XP and then shooting him in the back for extra loot. This frequently bugs out the quest completion trigger. Just let him vanish into the woods. Gules has a weird way of knowing that Johnny is safe, and the quest will update on its own after about 24 hours of in-game time.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Encounter
If you're heading toward Rocktower Pond right now, keep these points in mind to make sure you don't have to reload an old save:
- Check your arrows. If you’re using Bane or Dollmaker poison, remember that one accidental scratch on Johnny might kill him before you get the chance to talk. If you want to spare him, switch to blunt arrows or just use your fists for the final stage of the fight.
- Clear the lackeys first. Johnny won't surrender if even one of his bandits is still standing nearby. They provide him with "moral support" (and a death wish).
- The shield is proof. You don't actually have to give the shield to Gules to keep it. In the final dialogue, you can usually persuade him to let you keep it as a trophy of your "victory."
- Save before the camp. Medieval Bohemia is unpredictable. A stray dog or a pathing glitch can turn a peaceful surrender into a chaotic bloodbath in seconds.
Ultimately, Johnny the Gob represents that classic Warhorse Studios design where your choices actually color the world. You’re not just a killing machine; you’re a guy named Henry trying to navigate the messy loyalties of 15th-century outlaws. Sparing him feels right, pays better, and keeps a legendary (if slightly grimy) friendship alive.
Next Steps: After you've dealt with Johnny, head back to Gules in Semine to collect your reward. If you've been following his tasks in order, the next target on his list is Casper—and trust me, that one isn't going to be nearly as friendly as this encounter was. Make sure your armor is repaired before you head out.