Darkness in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 can become a serious problem, especially when traveling long distances at night or exploring dangerous places. Many quests require traveling at night, and waiting for dawn is not always convenient.

Although the game has a "wait" command to speed up time until dawn, it is not always the most effective option. Instead, using the Nighthawk potion or a torch greatly simplifies exploring the world at night.

Torches – a basic and simple way to combat darkness

Torches are a simple way to illuminate the surroundings, but they have their drawbacks. They illuminate only a small radius around the character, making it difficult to recognize distant obstacles or enemies.

Moreover, torches make you noticeable, increasing the risk of becoming a target for hostile NPCs. It is also not always convenient to carry a torch when you have a two-handed weapon or a shield in hand. However, carrying a torch remains useful, especially when interacting with guards and civilians at night, as approaching them in darkness without illumination can raise suspicion.

A much better option for night travel is the Nighthawk potion. This special potion serves as a kind of medieval equivalent of night vision goggles, significantly improving visibility in the dark. Unlike torches, which illuminate only a limited area, Nighthawk lights up the entire area as if it were daytime. The effect is so powerful that you can easily forget you are traveling at night.

To use the torch, simply find it and equip it through the inventory. Then Henry (Indro) will take it in his left hand. To activate the torch, press R (default).

Nighthawk Potion – the best way to see at night and in the dark

The Nighthawk potion is a medieval equivalent of night vision goggles. By drinking it, you will completely change your perception of darkness—the night sky will become brighter, as if it were day. Unlike torches, which illuminate only a small area, the potion brightens the entire surrounding area, allowing players to travel freely and avoid threats and enemies.

NPCs do not see your night vision. If you approach them at night without a torch, they may suspect you of theft or something suspicious. To avoid unwanted confrontations with guards or residents, it's better to hold a torch while interacting with them.

One of the main drawbacks of the Nighthawk potion is that it should not be consumed during the day or before dawn. Its effect enhances brightness, making the sun seem unbearably dazzling. If you miscalculate the timing, it's better to wait or sleep until nightfall.

To drink the potion, go to the inventory, select the Nighthawk potion and hold the E button.

There are four types of Nighthawk potions, each with a different effect:

• Henry's Nighthawk: Provides night vision for 25 minutes and prevents Energy reduction.
• Weak Nighthawk: Provides night vision for 10 minutes.
• Nighthawk: Gives night vision for 15 minutes and slows Energy depletion by 25%.
• Strong Nighthawk: Allows seeing in the dark for 20 minutes and reduces Energy loss by 50%.

You can obtain the Nighthawk potion in three ways: buy, brew, or steal/find it. The easiest option is to purchase from alchemists, although not all of them sell every potion or recipe, so you will need to explore the world and various settlements.

For players who love to explore, the Nighthawk potion can sometimes be found in chests, abandoned buildings, or other hidden locations. One free potion can be found at the beginning of the game in the ruins of a cottage by the pond where you were first attacked. It lies on the planks on the table inside the building.

If you have little money, brewing the potion is a more economical option, but to do this, you need to learn the recipe. It can be purchased from Arnaki, an NPC in the nomad camp, or found at other alchemists in the game.

How to brew the Nighthawk potion

To prepare the Nighthawk potion, you will need three main ingredients — chamomile, belladonna, and eyebright. It's best to use fresh herbs, as they yield a better potion. Dried herbs will also work, but efficiency will be lower.

Brewing process:

1. Pour water into the cauldron.
2. Grind two handfuls of eyebright using a mortar and pestle, then add to the cauldron.
3. Add one belladonna.
4. Boil the mixture for three turns of the hourglass.
5. Grind one handful of chamomile and add to the cauldron.
6. After completion, pour the finished potion into a vial.

Mastering alchemy will allow you to always have a supply of Nighthawk potions for night journeys.