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Code Vein II Hands-On: A Monumental Leap Forward Revealed

A dynamic combat scene from Code Vein II featuring a protagonist with a glowing weapon battling a large, ornate vampire-like enemy in a ruined, futuristic city setting.

Posted by In Game News - January 5, 2026 - PlayStation

The original Code Vein carved out its own bloody niche in the Souls-like landscape, a stylish, vampiric take on punishing combat and intricate character builds. Now, as we stand on the precipice of its highly anticipated sequel, I recently had the chance to plunge headfirst into the world of Code Vein II. And let me tell you, this isn't just a simple follow-up; it's a monumental leap forward, reimagining its core tenets while delivering a standalone action-RPG experience that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.

My hands-on session with Code Vein II, just weeks before its PS5 launch on January 29, 2026, revealed a game bursting with customization, a captivating time-traveling narrative, and bosses that will absolutely push your Revenant skills to their limits. If you thought you knew what to expect, think again. This sequel isn't just expanding; it's evolving.

A Symphony of Steel, Blood, and Strategy: Diving Deep into Code Vein II's Combat

At its heart, Code Vein II retains that satisfying, challenging rhythm familiar to Souls-like enthusiasts. You'll dodge, block, parry, and strike with an arsenal of diverse weaponry. But where it truly sets itself apart is in the sheer breadth of combat options available, empowering you to truly make your playstyle your own. It's not just about bigger numbers; it's about deeper tactics.

Here’s a glimpse at the expanded combat toolkit:

  • New Weapon Types: Beyond the colossal greatswords and rapid-fire bayonets, Code Vein II introduces the incredibly fluid and devastating dual blades, opening up new avenues for agile, relentless assaults.
  • Formae Abilities: Each weapon now hosts four special abilities, or Formae, mapped to your face buttons (activated by holding R1). These aren't mere buffs; they're dynamic tools for every situation. Formae are categorized into:
    • Combat: Powerful strikes, gap-closers, or area-of-effect attacks.
    • Magic: Ranged assaults, elemental effects, or protective spells.
    • Support: Utility skills like evasion maneuvers or ground-covering flames.
  • Ichor & Drain Attacks: Powering your Formae still relies on Ichor, acquired through devastatingly satisfying Drain Attacks. These powerful, slow strikes, triggered with R2, aren't just for resources; they're tactical gambles.
  • Jails: A brand-new addition to your Drain Attacks, Jails are special weapons that dramatically change how you steal Ichor. I experimented with several, each offering unique attributes to complement different Blood Codes:
    • The Ogre: A massive claw for brutal slashes.
    • The Hound: Dog-headed gauntlets that latch on and bite.
    • The Scorpion Tail: Offers impressive range for safer drains.
    • The Bat Swarm: Unleashes a horde of tiny bats to tear at foes.
  • Blood Codes: These are still the bedrock of your character's fighting style, but now they interact with Formae and Jails in even more intricate ways, offering an almost dizzying amount of build possibilities.

The synergy between weapons, Formae, Jails, and Blood Codes means the path to victory is rarely linear, offering endless experimentation for theorycrafters and action-RPG fans alike.

Rewriting History: A Time-Bending Narrative Unveiled

While the combat keeps you engaged, Code Vein II's narrative hooks you deep. The world teeters on the brink of absolute annihilation, and your only hope lies in a perilous journey through time. Team up with the enigmatic Revenant, Lou, who possesses the extraordinary ability to traverse the ages. Your mission? To journey 100 years into the past, specifically to a point just before the catastrophic "Upheaval," and alter history to avert the world-ending "Resurgence."

My preview started on the desolate MagMell Island in the present, a last bastion for humanity and Revenants alike. But upon traveling to the past, the island was vibrant, albeit under siege by ruthless bandits, forcing me to fight alongside newfound allies defending it.

The second major area, the Sunken Pylon, offered a stark contrast. This dungeon was once a bustling mall, now a ruined, flooded labyrinth infested with Horrors—corrupted former humans and Revenants twisted by the Resurgence. Like any good Souls-like, both areas were riddled with secret side paths, formidable optional fights, and invaluable hidden rewards, often circling back to an earlier checkpoint via ingeniously placed shortcuts and elevators. The environmental storytelling is as strong as ever, painting a vivid picture of a world dying, and a past worth saving.

Beyond Solo: Strategic Partnerships and Second Chances

Partners were a cornerstone of the original Code Vein, offering essential support in its grueling battles. Code Vein II elevates this system, making your AI companions not just helpful, but integral to strategic depth. They're excellent for drawing aggro or giving you precious seconds to heal, but the new mechanics truly shine:

  • Assimilation: This is a game-changer. You can "assimilate" with your partner, fusing your beings together to gain a temporary stat boost while your partner is off the field. It’s perfect for bursting down a boss or surviving a tough phase, then releasing them back into the fray when the situation demands.
  • Second Chance: Your partner literally offers you an extra life! If your health bar hits zero, your partner will revive you, temporarily disappearing from the fight. Survive long enough, and a timer will bring them back, ready to rejoin the battle. It's a fantastic safety net that encourages bolder play.

The story itself is deeply intertwined with these partners. The Sunken Pylon segment, for instance, focused on Josée, a valiant Revenant hero burdened by the tragic death of her twin sister. By channeling Josée's fragmented memories, we unlocked her past, culminating in a harrowing battle against the very Horror responsible for her sister's demise. These personal stakes make the partnerships feel incredibly meaningful.

Boss Battles That Demand Mastery (and Maybe a Little Blood)

No Souls-like is complete without its roster of brutally tough, screen-filling bosses, and Code Vein II absolutely delivers. My preview offered a taste of the colossal challenges awaiting players:

  1. The Metagen Remnant: Found at the depths of the Sunken Pylon, this towering monstrosity was a pure test of endurance and positioning. Its enormous, burly arms swiped with devastating force, requiring precise dodges to get in close and strike its vulnerable face. Over-committing meant instant pulverization. Like other enemies, bosses can be staggered after enough punishment, opening them up for a devastating Special Drain Attack that deals massive damage – a crucial mechanic for turning the tide.
  2. Corrupted Josée: In the final act of my preview, Lou and I returned to the present to confront the weakened seals of the Resurgence. This meant facing the very heroes who originally sacrificed their lives to seal the calamity – now twisted into monstrous forms. Josée, no longer the guilt-ridden ally we knew, stood before us as a towering, katana-wielding armored warrior. Her fighting style was a whirlwind of fast, sweeping attacks, often inflicting a debilitating status effect that could root me to the ground, leaving me utterly exposed. Speed and agility were my allies here, pummeling her with quick strikes and staying light on my feet.

Both encounters made it abundantly clear: Code Vein II is going to demand everything you've got. Souls-like veterans will find their skills truly put to the test, needing to master their build, their partner's abilities, and their own reflexes to emerge victorious.

The Verdict: A Future Forged in Blood and Choice

The boss fight against corrupted Josée was a deeply tragic moment, a stark reminder of the sacrifices made. But Director Hiroshi Yoshimura hinted at something truly profound: after defeating her, players might have the option to return to the past and alter her fate. Saving her could risk the entire mission, creating a compelling moral dilemma that suggests Code Vein II's time-traveling narrative isn't just a backdrop but a dynamic system of meaningful player choice.

Code Vein II is more than just a sequel; it's a bold evolution. It builds upon its predecessor's strong foundations, expanding on every front from its versatile combat customization and strategic partner mechanics to its epic, choice-driven narrative. The promise of shaping history, combined with incredibly challenging gameplay and an undeniable sense of style, makes this one of the most exciting action-RPGs on the horizon. Get ready to carve your path, because the future of this world, and its past, rests in your hands.

Don't forget, a Code Vein II Character Creator Demo drops on January 23rd on the PlayStation Store! You can explore the central hub, MagMell Institute, experiment with the Photo Mode, and craft your perfect Revenant – and yes, you can transfer your custom character directly into the full game!

When does Code Vein II release?

Code Vein II is scheduled to launch for PlayStation 5 on January 29, 2026.

What's new in Code Vein II's combat?

Combat in Code Vein II has been greatly expanded with new dual blade weapons, specialized Formae abilities (Combat, Magic, Support), and unique Drain Attack weapons called Jails (like the Ogre or Hound) that offer immense customization.

Is there a demo for Code Vein II?

Yes, a Code Vein II Character Creator Demo will be available on January 23, 2026, on the PlayStation Store. It allows players to explore the MagMell Institute, use Photo Mode, and design a custom character transferable to the full game.

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