The following contains spoilers for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
In any RPG, the characters are just as important as the story, as they help drive that story forward and give it more emotional depth. When it comes to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's most important characters, many of them are based on real people from medieval Bohemian history. However, the game still takes plenty of liberties in making these historical figures into compelling, memorable characters for the sake of its story. One such character is Jan Zizka, who is based on a real Czech military leader and Knight, but has been reimagined with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's story and its protagonist, Henry, in mind.
Of all the new characters introduced in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Jan Zizka is undoubtedly the breakout star. His history still precedes him in the game, even down to him eventually wearing a bandage over his left eye — a reference to the real figure, who lost an eye and was called "One-eyed Zizka" as a result. Despite Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's willingness to honor Zizka's history, however, its portrayal of the character is one of the game's most memorable, offering Henry an incredibly sturdy yet soft-natured companion whose complex arc leaves a lasting impact on the story.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Review
With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Warhorse Studios delivers one of the first great games of 2025.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Jan Zizka Is the Sequel's Best New Character
Jan Zizka's Transformation From Villain to Ally Increases His Complexity
What's most interesting about Jan Zizka's character arc in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is his transformation from villain to ally. While he isn't a villain for very long in the game's story, he is initially portrayed as heartless, cocky, and cunning, before battling Henry in combat, losing, and shortly after becoming one of his closest and most trustworthy friends. While the real figure's history doesn't say anything about him losing an eye in a duel with one Henry of Skalitz, it is, in fact, Henry who strikes Zizka's eye, connecting Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's protagonist to "One-eyes Zizka" in a very unique way.
Of all the new characters introduced in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Jan Zizka is undoubtedly the breakout star.
It is Zizka's rapid transformation from antagonist to ally in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 that increases both the complexity of his arc and his impact on Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's narrative and protagonist. After learning that the one he initially chose to side with has not been trustworthy, Zizka joins Henry's cause, and their lighthearted companionship only further exemplifies Zizka's transformation. It is in his friendship with Henry that Zizka's true nature is exposed, which just so happens to be rather soft, despite his rugged, sturdy exterior and disposition.
Jan Zizka's Softhearted But Sturdy Nature Makes Him a Lovable Character
It is ultimately this, Jan Zizka's softhearted but sturdy nature, that makes him a lovable and memorable character. Zizka treats Henry with the respect that he often doesn't get from other characters in the game, even after the altercation that occurs between the two characters during the game's story. Zizka is very softspoken and professional toward others, and it is especially nice to see him treating Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Henry with such dignity and respect. Zizka isn't all soft, however, as he is still one of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's strongest and most capable characters, and he can show his grit when the situation calls for it.
Jan Zizka's character in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is proof of the game's ability to blend history with a compelling, original narrative. His transition from enemy to ally is not just a brilliant narrative turn, but also a reflection of the game's nuanced approach to character development. Zizka's honorable disposition, undeniable strength, and genuine respect for Henry make him one of the most memorable and beloved characters in the game, proving that even one who seems to be sold out for the enemy can turn into one of the most loyal companions a protagonist could have.
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- Top Critic Rating: 89/100 Critics Recommend: 96%
- Released
- February 4, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity
- Developer(s)
- Warhorse Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Deep Silver
