Code Vein II can be both fun and frustrating in equal measure.
Code Vein II2026
Code Vein II
2026 Bandai Namco Entertainment67Worthwhile
Playtime
LongTypically 50 hours
Playable on
- Steam MachineVerified
Available on
- $69.99
- $69.99
- $99.99
Game modes
Details
- Launch
- January 29, 2026
- Developer
- Bandai Namco Studios
- Publisher
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Themes
- Genres
Overview
Code Vein II is an action role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic world where Revenants are being transformed into hostile "Horrors." A Revenant Hunter must partner with a time-manipulating companion named Lou. Gameplay features third-person action combat and deep RPG progression, emphasizing specialized Blood-based mechanics and character customization. An evolved Partner System enhances tactical cooperation with AI companions during exploration and high-difficulty boss encounters. Success depends on mastering diverse weaponry and temporal abilities to survive a world defined by memory and ruin.
Screenshots
Reception
Press71
Players65
GoodWorthwhile- Metacritic70from 89 reviews
- OpenCritic73from 51 reviews
The sequel to Bandai Namco's 2019 Soulslike has a few elements that stand out, but the way it all comes together feels incohesive, and its close release date to Nioh 3 makes Code Vein II's faults feel so much worse when it stands next to its direct competitor.
Code Vein 2's versatile combat and build variety hold a lot of promise, and when you've settled on a good kit of weapons, it's quite enjoyable. Despite this, it's bogged down by infuriating boss mechanics, low poise, and unfulfilled potential both in its story and its open world.
And then there is the story; if I was asked to explain this game I would have nothing other than “it’s hard, and has anime vampire girl” Code Vein 2 is stylish, punishing, and unapologetically dense. It just might also be a little too closed-off for its own good, and I think a lot of returning fans will be upset with some of the changes, especially...
But Code Vein 2's shortcomings are too frequent to look past. Combat and exploration are hampered by dull enemies and wearisome environments, while technical issues only exacerbate its flaws. The soulslike genre has evolved since the original Code Vein launched in 2019, yet the forward-thinking shift to an open world hasn't prevented its sequel from...
