I'm only on Chapter 2 in Risen 1 but I would like to try out Risen 2.

Can I start Risen 2 before before completing Risen 1 or will I be missing too much information to enjoy the story?

As the subject line indicates, I do have a second question.

Does a community patch exist for Risen 2? If so, where can I find it and does using it affect the balancing of the game?

Thank you in advance for your help.

I don't personally feel you'll be missing too much information to enjoy the story - it's easy to pick up where things are at. However, you may find the changes in combat techniques awkward as the styling of how you fight is completely different. It's fine once you get the hang of it, but going straight from Risen 1 combat and adjusting to that of Risen 2 tends to be quite hard.

I'm sorry, but I don't know of any community patch for Risen 2.

Thank you both for your answers. Since you each answered one of my questions I don't feel right marking only one of your posts as the solution. +1 Rep. to both of you.

Thank you :)

It's better that the question gets marked as solved. Just pick one.