If you’ve spent any time in the muddy, hyper-realistic ditches of medieval Bohemia, you know that looking like a peasant isn't just a fashion choice. It’s a death sentence. People treat you like dirt because, well, you’re covered in it. So when Warhorse Studios announced the kingdom come 2 pre order bonus, fans immediately zoomed in on the shiny bits.
We’re talking about "The Lion’s Crest."
It’s not just a digital trinket you find in your inventory five minutes after the opening cinematic. It’s an entire questline. Honestly, in an era where most bonuses are just "gold skins" or a 10% XP boost, getting a narrative chunk of the game for clicking "buy" early is kinda refreshing. But is it essential? Or are you just paying for the privilege of being a walking target for Cuman arrows?
What exactly is the Kingdom Come 2 Pre Order Bonus?
Basically, every single person who pre-orders the game—regardless of whether they grab the Standard, Gold, or that massive Collector’s Edition—gets access to The Lion's Crest quest.
This isn't some fetch quest where you go find a lost goat. You're tracking down the legacy of the famous Knight Brunswick. Once you wrap up the mission, you’re rewarded with his legendary gear. This includes a full set of plate armor, a polearm, a dagger, and a caparison for your horse.
The drip is real.
The armor is a mix of burgundy and gold trim, featuring the Bohemian coat of arms. It makes Henry look less like a blacksmith's boy and more like someone who could actually hold a conversation with a lord without being thrown in the stocks.
Breaking down the gear
- Brunswick’s Plate Set: Sleeves, bascinet, chainmail coif, brigandine, leg armor, and gauntlets.
- The Weapons: A specialized poleaxe for keeping people at a distance and a dagger for when things get... personal.
- Horse Gear: A matching caparison so your steed doesn't look like a rental.
One thing to keep in mind: you can't just jump into this from the main menu. You actually have to play the game. Specifically, you need to finish the introductory quests (up to a mission called "Laboratores"). Once the world opens up, you find a scribe near Trosky Castle to start the hunt.
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The "Should I Pre-Order" Dilemma
Look, I get it. Pre-ordering in 2026 feels like a gamble. We've all been burned by games that launched with more bugs than a medieval mattress.
But Warhorse has a track record of supporting their games. If you’re a die-hard fan of the first KCD, you probably already know if you're buying this. If you're on the fence, remember that the Lion’s Crest quest was eventually made available as a separate $5 DLC for those who missed the pre-order window. So, if you're the "wait for reviews" type, you won't be locked out of the content forever. You just might have to pay a few extra bucks later.
Then there’s the Gold Edition.
If you go that route, you’re not just getting the pre-order quest. You get the Expansion Pass, which covers three future DLCs: Brushes with Death, Legacy of the Forge, and Mysteria Ecclesiae. You also get the Gallant Huntsman’s Kit (St. Hubert’s cap and Artemis’ crossbow) and some season-themed shield designs.
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A Realistic Look at the Stats
Don't expect Brunswick’s armor to make you invincible. In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, weight matters. Stamina matters. If you strap on a full set of heavy plate armor early in the game without leveling your strength or agility, Henry is going to move like he’s wading through knee-deep honey.
The armor is high-tier, sure. But it’s also loud. If you’re planning on playing a stealthy Henry who slinks through shadows and steals bread, this pre-order bonus is going to actively work against you. Guards will hear you clanking from three streets away.
It’s specialized gear for a specialized playstyle.
Why This Matters for the Sequel
The original game was famous—or infamous—for its brutal learning curve. You weren't a hero; you were a nobody. The sequel keeps that DNA but expands the scale. Having a solid set of armor like the Lion’s Crest early on can take some of the "I just got killed by a peasant with a stick" frustration out of the early game.
It provides a safety net.
However, some purists argue that the "rags to riches" journey is the whole point of the series. If you show up to Kuttenberg looking like a knight in the first five hours, do you lose that sense of progression? Maybe. But considering how much bigger the world is this time around, having a decent poleaxe and a horse that isn't naked feels like a fair trade-off for the sheer amount of danger you'll face.
Final Verdict on the Bonus
If you're already planning to play on day one, pre-ordering is a no-brainer just for the extra quest content. The Lion's Crest adds actual narrative value, which is rare. If you're cautious, just wait. The gear is beautiful, but it's not "game-breakingly" powerful. You'll find other plate armor. You'll find other horses.
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The real value is in the Knight Brunswick story and that specific Bohemian aesthetic.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your platform: The bonus is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. No last-gen versions are planned.
- Decide on the "Gold": If you plan on playing the DLC anyway, the Gold Edition is usually the better value than buying the Expansion Pass later.
- Manage your expectations: It’s a quest, not a shortcut. You still have to play through the intro to access the gear.
- Save your Groschen: If you use the pre-order armor, you can save your in-game money for things like better weapons or, you know, a bath. You're going to need it.