Release Date: June 12, 2022
Developer: Torn Banner Studios
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Price: $39.99

When Chivalry 2 first launched in June 2021, there’s no mistaking that Torn Banner Studios set out to deliver the ultimate medieval multiplayer brawler — a chaotic blend of cinematic brutality, slapstick humor, and surprisingly deep melee combat that made the original Chivalry such a bonafide hit, entertaining both players and viewers of streamers for an extremely long time. Now, tour years and eleven major updates later, the game has evolved into a richer, more polished experience that still thrives on its core appeal: the thrill of charging into battle with sword in hand, screaming at the top of your lungs, and hoping you don’t lose that hand in the process.

When Chivalry had initially come out, you couldn’t be on any section of YouTube, Twitch, or Mixer (RIP) without it being mentioned or coming up in some way or another. It was a game that - while not exactly inventive of the “rush in and go all out” approach of gameplay - was certainly one of the most entertaining ones to do so. With Chivalry 2, its core philosophy remains the same, but one of the most notable improvements over the original Chivalry: Medieval Warfare is the sheer fluidity of combat. The first game’s melee system was certainly tech-pushing for its time, but Chivalry 2 refines it with smoother animations, more responsive controls, and a wider range of attack options. Feints, drags, and ripostes feel more intuitive, while the addition of mounted combat and new weapon types — from massive two-handed mauls to throwable chickens (yes, throwable chickens) — keeps encounters unpredictable. The result is a system that’s easy for newcomers to pick up but offers enough nuance for veterans to master over hundreds of hours of its addictive gameplay loop.

The over-the-top battles wouldn’t be what they are without the maps to contain them, however. In the level design department, this is another area where Torn Banner has clearly excelled, which is saying something given the sheer fun of its predecessor. Each objective-based battlefield is part of a larger narrative chronicling the war between the Agatha Knights and the Mason Order. These sprawling environments — from castle sieges to open-field skirmishes — are not just visually striking but also cleverly designed to funnel players into moments of cinematic chaos. The addition of new maps over the years on top of its existing selection has kept the experience fresh for everyone, allowing for the tumultuous and frenetic nature of Chivalry 2 to be taken to a bunch of other locations ready for its mayhem as to not be a repetitive eyesore.

Updates haven’t just come in the form of maps, however. From a content perspective, Chivalry 2 has been rather generous with frequent free updates introducing new factions, weapons, and modes without dividing the player base between ‘base’ and ‘premium’ communities. A rather big perk is that the decision to make battle passes non-expiring is a consumer-friendly move that stands in contrast to the industry’s more predatory monetization trends, and one that continues to plague it after years of player backlash. Even now, queue times are relatively quick as cross-platform play ensures that matchmaking remains expedited even for niche modes, and the community — while smaller than at launch — remains relatively active and passionate.

Despite a multitude of improvements, Chivalry 2 still isn’t without its drawbacks, though. While the melee combat is executed extremely well, ranged combat, on the other hand, can feel inconsistent, with archery sometimes veering into frustration rather than fun. And, once again, the lack of a true single-player campaign means that players looking for a solo medieval adventure will need to look elsewhere. And while the slapstick humor is part of the charm, it can occasionally undercut the gritty atmosphere for those seeking a more serious medieval warfare simulation, given it’s a market that I still feel is underutilized despite the plethora of medieval settings in games, and while admittedly this isn’t entirely necessary for games that have a primary focus on online connectivity and hold a PVP foundation, it can still be a bit of a letdown to see a game that can obviously expand with much more potential not tap into it further.

Performance-wise, Chivalry 2 runs well on capable PCs and consoles, with stable frame rates and detailed environments that capture the grit and grandeur of medieval battlefields. Anyone who knows me knows how important sound design and engineering is to me, and the sound design especially deserves special mention, with its clash of steel, the thud of arrows, and the bloodcurdling war cries all contributing to an immersive experience. If you have headphones that support 3D Audio, you’re absolutely in for a wild ride as the battlefield comes to life before your very eyes (and in your head… even if you lose it).

There’s no denying the impact Chivalry had when it came out and that it continues, even now with a sequel, to hold onto a market of its own, but Chivalry 2 stands as a worthy successor to its predecessor, improving on nearly every aspect while carving out its own identity. It’s a game that thrives on chaos but rewards skill, where every match has the potential to build on its own narrative if you let it — sometimes heroic, sometimes ridiculous, and often both at once. For players who crave large-scale medieval combat with a perfect mix of brutality and absurdity and don’t really care much if it has a single-player option to go along with it, Chivalry 2 still remains one of the best options on the market in 2025, and likely will continue to be for the foreseeable future.

PROS:

Introduces held blocking, counters, and more nuanced mechanics like counter-feints, making fights more strategic and less punishing for newcomers.
Vastly upgraded graphics and larger, more cinematic battlefields create a more immersive medieval warfare experience.
Streamlined classes with unique roles and abilities add depth and team synergy, compared to the more chaotic free-for-all feel of Chiv 1.

CONS:

Many distinct weapons from Chiv 1 (like bardiche, billhook, halberd) are now grouped under cosmetic variants, losing their unique stats and feel.
Lacked popular modes that were present in Chiv 1, which some players miss for casual or co-op play.
Chiv 1 had more developer-led events and community engagement, which some veterans feel is lacking in Chiv 2.

Chivalry 2 — A Look Back at Medieval Mayhem