New installment of Code Vein introduces expanded arsenal of weapons, the inclusion of a motorcycle, and a foray into time travel elements.
Channeling the Spirit of Code Vein: The Sequel's Sharpened Edge
In the realm of the Soulslikes, the 2019 debut of Code Vein was a breath of fresh air. The fusion of the popular action RPG genre with anime aesthetics created a niche all its own. Fast forward to 2025, a year that's already served up The First Berserker: Khazan. This means Code Vein 2, scheduled for 2026, faces a fiercely competitive landscape. To stand out, Bandai Namco is upping the ante by amplifying everything that made the first Code Vein a cult hit.
During the Summer Game Fest reveal last week, Digital Trends gleaned more insight on the upcoming Code Vein 2. The sequel boasts a larger world, refined combat systems, an enhanced character creation suite, and even a dash of time travel. These upgrades aim to elevate Code Vein 2 above the competition.
Nestled in a world cast in the shadow of an apocalyptic event called the Resurgence, humans were transformed into monsters a century prior. A ritual was performed to curb the plague, but instead led to the creation of a dark moon – a further calamity. To avoid doom, humans and Revenants have aligned forces to quash the ominous threat. The story follows a human wielding a Revenant heart, embarking on a monster-hunting quest. While a precise timeline wasn't shared, Bandai Namco promises a lengthier tale with extended exploration.
Gameplay excerpts affirm that this is very much a Code Vein sequel, filled with Soulslikes boss battles against towering enemies brandishing giant bells, swords, and more. Rather than overhauling the formula drastically, Bandai Namco has added new dimensions to it. There are now seven weapon types to choose from, with two new additions added to the roster. One such novelty is the Bayonet, a new weapon that functions precisely as one would expect.
Other enhancements to the combat system include the introduction of jails, essentially finishing attacks that accumulate power during combat. These jails align with formulae, equippable skills that can be either offensive or defensive, and stagger-based finishers, granting players a plethora of options during battle. Players will also reap bequeathed formulae upon defeating bosses, bestowing them with even stronger abilities to tinker with. Bandai Namco strives to craft a sequel that grants players greater flexibility in their playstyle.
That flexibility extends to character creation too. Not only has the customization suite blossomed with numerous options, but players will also wield more control over their starting stats. Besides the usual Blood Codes, which govern stats, players can select boosters to fine-tune their preferences. Bandai Namco hints that boosters may come with certain trade-offs, though the specifics remain under wraps.
Exploration has taken a stride forward as well, with players able to traverse a sprawling world on a motorcycle. The open-world is peppered with points of interest, but the main allure lies in its hidden dungeons. A stunning twist unfolds – with the assistance of a Revenant companion, players can leverage time travel to voyage between past and present while exploring. Bandai Namco teases that actions in the past will reverberate in the present, possibly requiring players to zigzag between timelines to triumph over intricate dungeons.
While Code Vein 2 may no longer be as unprecedented as its predecessor was in 2019, it appears to be a refined sequel that takes fan suggestions to heart. With an emphasis on customization and an engaging time travel mechanic, it may once again have the tools to cut through the competition.
Code Vein 2 is set to launch in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Bonus Insight:Code Vein 2 is an action RPG that expands upon its predecessor's unique fusion of Soulslike mechanics with anime aesthetics[1][2][3]. The game's narrative revolves around a protagonist with the power to alter the world's fate, exploring themes of time and oblivion[1][4][5]. The combat system emphasizes elemental, physical, and vampiric attacks, showcasing dynamic and challenging boss battles[3]. The game's sequel, expected in 2026, will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam[1][3][4].
Code Vein 2 harnesses technology to further develop its combat system, introducing jails, formulae, and new weapons like the Bayonet that offer players diverse tactics.
The character creation suite in Code Vein 2 benefits from improved technology, with more options to personalize characters and additional control over starting stats, enabling players to refine their characters according to their preferences.
