Introduction to the Thunderstone Decision in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
In the immersive world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, players are often faced with crucial decisions that can significantly impact their gameplay experience. One such decision involves the Thunderstone, a powerful item that you are tasked with retrieving for Kona, a key character in the game. The choices you make regarding the Thunderstone—whether to give it to Kona, Thomlin, or keep it for yourself—are laden with consequences that can shape your relationships, resources, and overall progression. Each option comes with its own set of rewards and drawbacks, and the decision you make should align with your playstyle and long-term goals. This guide will help you navigate the pros and cons of each choice, allowing you to make an informed decision that best suits your journey in the game.
Giving the Thunderstone to Kona
Choosing to return the Thunderstone to Kona, the character who initiates the quest, offers the most comprehensive and rewarding outcome. When you present her with the stone, you are met with a variety of benefits that can enhance your gameplay experience. Kona, who has the most at stake in this quest, rewards you with Alchemy XP, the Lethean Water Alchemy recipe, a discount at the Grund Horse Trader vendor, and 100 Groschen if you accept her offer. You can also decline the monetary reward and still receive all other benefits. The Lethean Water recipe, in particular, is a valuable asset as it can be used to create potions that aid in various aspects of the game, such as healing or increasing stamina. Additionally, the discount at the Grund Horse Trader can save you a significant amount of money in the long run, making it a practical choice for players who frequently interact with the horse trading system. If you prioritize immediate and tangible rewards, giving the Thunderstone to Kona is the best decision.
Giving the Thunderstone to Thomlin
Alternatively, you might decide to give the Thunderstone to Thomlin, who can be found at his usual spot in Horschan, a town west of Grund. Thomlin is equally grateful to receive the stone and offers you a choice between 150 Groschen or a small amount of Unarmed XP. While Thomlin’s monetary reward is higher than Kona’s, the Unarmed XP can be more valuable in certain playstyles. Unarmed XP can enhance your hand-to-hand combat skills, which might be useful if you are planning to rely on non-weapon combat techniques. However, the rewards from Thomlin are not as extensive or varied as those from Kona. Additionally, Thomlin does not follow up with you after you complete the quest, which can leave you feeling disconnected from the story’s progression. If you are not heavily invested in unarmed combat and prefer a more-rounded set of rewards, Kona remains the better choice.
Keeping the Thunderstone for Yourself
The third and perhaps most intriguing option is to keep the Thunderstone for yourself. This decision can initially seem selfish, but it comes with its own set of advantages. By holding onto the Thunderstone, you gain a significant buff that includes a 10 percent increase in stamina regeneration, a 5 percent increase in stamina regeneration while blocking and attacking, and a 10 percent reduction in stamina consumption. These benefits are universally useful, regardless of whether you are focusing on sword and shield combat, two-handed weapons, heavy weapons, or marksmanship. The stamina buff can greatly enhance your performance in battles, allowing you to endure longer and execute more powerful moves without running out of energy. If you are willing to face the potential disappointment of Kona and Thomlin, keeping the Thunderstone is a strategic choice that can significantly improve your character’s capabilities.
The Impact on Relationships
The choice you make regarding the Thunderstone also has a profound impact on your relationships with Kona and Thomlin. Giving the Thunderstone to Kona shows loyalty and respect, strengthening your bond with her and potentially leading to more favorable interactions and missions in the future. On the other hand, delivering the stone to Thomlin might create a momentary financial or combat skill boost, but it does not foster a deeper connection with him. Keeping the Thunderstone for yourself might strain your relationships with both Kona and Thomlin, but it allows you to assert your independence and make a choice that purely benefits your character. Weighing the immediate rewards against the long-term relational impact is crucial in making this decision.
Considering Your Playstyle
Ultimately, the decision of what to do with the Thunderstone should be guided by your playstyle and personal preferences. If you are a player who values immediate and tangible rewards, such as extra Groschen and useful alchemy recipes, giving the Thunderstone to Kona is the most straightforward and beneficial choice. For those who are more interested in enhancing their unarmed combat skills, Thomlin’s offer of Unarmed XP might be more appealing. However, if you are a player who enjoys maximizing your character’s potential and can deal with the potential fallout of strained relationships, keeping the Thunderstone provides a powerful and versatile buff that can significantly affect your gameplay. Each option has its merits, and the right choice depends on your individual priorities and playstyle.
Conclusion
In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, the decision of who to give the Thunderstone to is a pivotal moment that can shape your journey. Whether you choose to give it to Kona, Thomlin, or keep it for yourself, each path comes with unique rewards and consequences. Kona offers the most comprehensive and varied rewards, making her the best choice for players seeking immediate benefits. Thomlin’s offers are more modest but might appeal to those focusing on unarmed combat. Keeping the Thunderstone provides a powerful stamina buff that can enhance your combat performance across all playstyles. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and it should reflect your personal goals and the type of experience you want to have in this rich and detailed world.
