After a seven-year wait, Bandai Namco is finally ready to unleash the sequel to its acclaimed anime-infused soulslike. Following a three-hour hands-on preview, Code Vein 2 is shaping up to be a worthy successor that prioritises honing its distinctive identity over radical reinvention.
Refining a Proven Formula
The core appeals that defined the 2019 original return in full force. Players once again step into a dark, post-apocalyptic world as a powerful Revenant, with the game's signature anime art style and constant NPC companion system firmly intact. However, this sequel spins up a completely new, standalone narrative.
You play as a customisable Revenant Hunter who shares half their heart with a revenant named Lou. The story involves jumping into the past to prevent a cataclysmic event known as 'the Resurgence'. While the lore-dense setup can feel overwhelming initially, it provides ample substance for players who enjoy deep world-building.
Unprecedented Flexibility in Combat and Customisation
Where Code Vein 2 truly shines is in its commitment to player agency. The game promises to be one of the most flexible modern soulslikes, thanks to an extensive suite of customisation tools.
The combat system retains its clever, cyclical nature. Standard weapon attacks build Blood, which powers Drain attacks. These, in turn, generate Ichor to fuel powerful Formae abilities. This interlinked system encourages strategic play and becomes intuitive with practice.
Beyond combat, customisation is king. Players have access to:
- A deep character creation tool.
- Multiple new weapon types, including Twin Blades and Longswords.
- Various gear slots.
- The ability to save numerous builds via the returning Blood Codes.
The Partner System and First Impressions
The defining partner system returns, allowing you to either have your ally fight alongside you or assimilate them for a personal power boost. This choice tailors the difficulty and is a standout feature that continues to set the series apart from its often-isolating genre peers.
The preview session included an early underground prologue and a mid-game area called the Sunken Pylon. While this watery dungeon's visuals could feel repetitive, it served as an excellent playground to test the refined mechanics. The preview culminated in a boss fight against a giant Metagen Remnant—a challenging, epic encounter that tested all learned skills.
Code Vein 2 is scheduled for release on 29 January 2026. Based on this substantial preview, Bandai Namco appears to have a confident sequel on its hands, one that respects its foundations while thoughtfully expanding upon them with more options and a grander story. The promise of a new open world and a rideable motorcycle still waits to be fully revealed.
