Code Vein II is the upcoming sequel to the 2019 soulslike action-RPG by Bandai Namco Studios. Announced late last year, it’s coming out in a month’s time, and for those who are looking to find out what’s new and changed for Code Vein II compared to the sequel, here’s what we know so far.
The Story
Code Vein II’s story is set at least 100 years after the events of the original Code Vein.
As per the recently-revealed Prologue trailer, the events of Code Vein are described by a new term, the “Resurgence,” when it was referred in Code Vein itself as “The Great Collapse.” Both describes the collapse of society due to the advent of monsters made out of humans and animals, and the appearance of Revenants.
The events set 100 years from the time of Code Vein II is a whole new story, which are separated enough from the events of Code Vein. The Upheaval and the emergence of Heroes are new story beats introduced by the sequel.
Code Vein II features time-travel as its big story hook, and players are expected to make some big choices that will alter the course of history.
Also, the player isn’t a Revenant, the vampire-ish immortal beings, this time. Instead, you’re a Revenant Hunter, a human who hunts Revenants. But through the power of your Revenant companion Lou, you’re alive and can die and respawn like Revenants do.
No Real Connection To Code Vein, Intentionally So
What this means that you don’t need to play Code Vein to understand what’s going on in Code Vein II. Code Vein II is designed to be its own story that won’t retcon or having to be tied to the events of the original game.
“Although the theme of altering history is undeniably thrilling, it carries the risk of conflicting with the narrative established in the previous game,” said Code Vein II game director Hiroshi Yoshimura in a developer interview. “Therefore, Code Vein II has been constructed as a newly envisioned world while retaining elements common to the predecessor.”
The Cast
As Code Vein II is far removed from the events of the original, the game features a new cast of characters, none revealed to share a surname with any of the characters seen in Code Vein.
No returning waifus and husbandos, but we’re getting all-new ones instead.
The Revenants you meet have more elaborate designs that makes them appear less like humans. Some are tall, body parts missing being replaced with their power inspired by the art of kintsugi (which explains the gold motif).
Code Vein II will continue to let you assign a Partner, an NPC companion that accompanies you throughout the game (not just boss fights). There will be more available in Code Vein II compared to its predecessor, which had 6.
Returning Features
Code Vein II will retain these features as seen in Code Vein:
- Blood Code: class system that determines your stat parameters, switchable at any time
- Partner system: bring one NPC companion to accompany you in exploration and fights
- Character customisation
- Home base: Hub world with shops, Hot Spring, Training Grounds and where you can interact with partners and other characters
- Giving presents to partners to improve bond (and claim items)
Gameplay Mechanics Changes And Improvements
The big new story feature in Code Vein II is altering historical events. You can go back in time with the option to intervene with history or let events go on. The choice made here have consequences, likely will determine the ending should Code Vein II also have multiple endings.
Code Vein II should be less linear with more path branches to progress. Attempt a different dungeon to level up should you get stuck on one.
Also, there are rideable motorcycles, suggesting a bigger world size.
Shops don’t only exist back at the home base. Jadwiga, the Code Vein II’s shopkeeper, also has minions posted in “various parts of the Frontier” where you can by items, equipment and also access the workshop to upgrade and transform weapons.
Code Vein II now has seven weapon types, two being added to the sequel. The weapon types are:
- One-handed swords
- Two-handed swords
- Twinblades (new): high mobility that syncs well with blood drain attacks
- Bayonets
- Halbreds
- Hammers
- Rune blades (new): two floating swords that syncs well with long-range attacks and “ability-enhancing incantations”
Expect boss fights with phases that also changes moveset over the course of battle, just like the previous game. Code Vein II is expected to have more challenging boss fights. The time-altering mechanic can also lead to changes to the boss fights.
You can “assimilate” your partner as an option. Instead of having an extra hand to distract the enemy, you can opt to run solo but have “powerful status upgrades” provided by your partner of choice.
Formae (formerly Gifts) can also come in the form of Bequeathed Formae, which lets you conjure a unique weapon for a special attack.
Character customisation has been enhanced with more features including more sliders to adjust body shapes, nail colouring, more hair customisation (add curls), more base costumes.
The home base is now a shared space with other players online.
Changes In Nomenclature
While most of the gameplay mechanics are carried over with additional improvements, some of the naming schemes for specific items have been changed for Code Vein II. Here are some of them.
- Gifts (active and passive skills) = Formae
- Blood Veil (equippable armour) = Jail
Code Vein II releases on January 29 for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and on PC (Steam) one day later in Asia.