Code Vein captivated soulslike fans back in 2019 with its anime aesthetic, deep character customization, and vampire revenge story. Now, six years later, Bandai Namco is unleashing Code Vein 2: The One-Armed Resurgence, a full sequel that picks up where the original left off while massively expanding every system players loved.
Announced during a December 2025 Bandai Namco showcase, the game launches on December 17 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Development by Shift, the studio behind the original, promises to deliver the “true Code Vein experience” with refined combat, bigger worlds, and the return of Louis, the one-armed Revenant leader who became a fan favorite.
One-Armed Louis Returns
The story picks up after the original game’s bittersweet ending. Louis, the silver-haired Revenant who sacrificed everything to save his comrades, returns with his signature one-armed look but enhanced blood powers. Players control a customizable new protagonist who joins Louis’s resistance against the ever-encroaching forces of the Thorns, mutated horrors born from the world’s endless apocalypse.
This time, the narrative dives deeper into Revenant society with faction politics, moral choices that impact companion loyalty, and multiple endings based on your blood code alignments. The original’s post-apocalyptic cityscapes expand into ruined megastructures, underground blood veins, and thorn-infested wilderness zones that connect seamlessly.
Blood Arts Evolved
Code Vein 2’s combat system builds on the original’s Dark Gifts with an overhauled Blood Arts system. Players mix and match abilities from 25 different blood codes, each tied to specific Revenant archetypes like the berserker Queenslayer, agile Artemis, or tanky Prometheus. New to this sequel: active Blood Arts that trigger during combos, letting you chain light attacks into heavy finishers with unique properties.
Companions get smarter AI with role specialization. Assign your partner as a tank to draw aggro, a healer to keep you topped up, or a DPS to melt bosses. They now react to your playstyle, calling out enemy weaknesses and suggesting optimal gift rotations. The partner system remains central, but you can now swap between controlling your main character and AI allies mid-fight for clutch moments.
- 25 unique Blood Codes with mix-and-match abilities
- Active Blood Arts trigger during light attack combos
- Smarter companion AI with role specialization
- Mid-fight companion swapping for tactical flexibility
- New weapon types: dual katanas, blood whips, and thorn lances
Massive Bosses and Depths
Boss design gets a massive upgrade with multi-phase encounters that span entire arenas. The trailer showcased a thorn-covered colossus that transitions from melee brawls to aerial dogfights when you sever its legs. Each major boss drops unique blood codes that reshape your build, encouraging replayability.
The Depths return as randomized challenge dungeons, but now feature cooperative elements. Link up with other players’ phantoms for tough floors, or invade as a rival Revenant hunting their blood essence. Multiplayer stays asynchronous to preserve the series’ solitary atmosphere while adding light social features.
Character Creator on Steroids
Code Vein always stood out for its character creator, and the sequel pushes customization to absurd levels. Beyond the original’s face sliders and fashion options, Code Vein 2 adds dynamic blood vein tattoos that pulse during combat, customizable weapon trails, and layered armor sets that mix pieces from different blood codes.
Your protagonist’s appearance evolves based on story choices and blood code mastery. Embrace the Queenslayer path for scarred, battle-hardened looks, or follow the healer Eos route for ethereal glowing veins. Companions receive visual upgrades too, with Louis gaining modular arm prosthetics that change his moveset.
| Feature | Code Vein 1 | Code Vein 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Codes | 15 types | 25 types with hybrids |
| Companions | Basic AI patterns | Role specialization + swapping |
| Weapons | Bayonets, axes | + Dual katanas, blood whips |
| Depths | Solo challenge dungeons | + Phantom co-op elements |
| Boss Fights | Single phase arenas | Multi-phase environmental |
New Revenants and Story Beats
The trailer introduced several new companions with distinct personalities and combat roles. The berserker Raul wields massive thorn hammers that create blood pools for area denial, while the sniper Mina uses long-range ichor shots that apply status effects. Returning favorites like Io and Yakumo receive visual redesigns and expanded backstories.
Narrative choices carry more weight this time. Side with different Revenant factions to unlock unique blood arts trees, or betray allies for power at the cost of your humanity gauge. The story explores what happens when Revenants push their blood powers too far, risking mutation into the very Thorns they hunt.
Technical Leap Forward
Built for current-gen hardware, Code Vein 2 delivers 60fps combat with dynamic lighting that makes blood effects and vein patterns pop. Character models show incredible detail up close, crucial for the series’ focus on expressive anime faces during cutscenes and companion banter. Fast travel via blood altars connects the sprawling world without breaking immersion.
DLC plans include new blood codes, weapon sets, and story expansions focusing on fan-favorite characters. A New Game+ mode lets you carry over builds while facing remixed Depths and higher difficulty thorns. Cross-progression between platforms ensures your hard-earned blood codes follow you everywhere.
Why Souls Fans Should Care
Code Vein 2 arrives at the perfect time for soulslike fans hungry for fresh takes on the formula. While FromSoftware focuses on Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, Shift delivers accessible-but-deep combat wrapped in addictive character progression and anime melodrama. The one-armed Louis returning as your steadfast companion gives the sequel instant emotional resonance for series veterans.
New players get drawn in by the customization freedom and companion system that prevents pure suffering. Veterans appreciate the refined mechanics and massive content scope. In a genre increasingly dominated by ultra-realistic graphics, Code Vein 2 proudly waves the anime soulslike flag.
FAQs
When does Code Vein 2 release?
Code Vein 2: The One-Armed Resurgence launches on December 17, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Does Louis return in Code Vein 2?
Yes, Louis returns as a major character with his iconic one-armed design and enhanced blood powers. He serves as a key companion and resistance leader throughout the story.
Is character creation still deep?
Absolutely. Code Vein 2 expands the creator with dynamic blood tattoos, evolving protagonist appearances, and modular companion customization including Louis’s arm prosthetics.
Can you play co-op in Code Vein 2?
The Depths feature asynchronous phantom co-op where you summon other players’ allies or get invaded. No full direct co-op, preserving the series’ focus on partner AI.
What is the Blood Arts system?
Blood Arts let you mix abilities from 25 blood codes and trigger special combo finishers. Active arts activate during light attack chains, creating fluid, expressive combat.
Are there New Game+ and DLC plans?
Yes, New Game+ carries over builds with remixed challenges. Paid DLC will add new blood codes, weapons, and character-focused story content post-launch.
How many companions can you have?
You control one main protagonist with one AI companion at a time. New companions include berserker Raul, sniper Mina, and redesigned versions of Io and Yakumo.
Is Code Vein 2 more difficult than the original?
Combat feels tighter with smarter enemy AI and multi-phase bosses, but accessible partner mechanics prevent frustration. Multiple difficulty options cater to different skill levels.
Conclusion
Code Vein 2 proves sequels done right can take beloved formulas and make them shine brighter. Shift took the original’s promising foundation and built a sprawling anime soulslike that rivals Dark Souls in depth while staying true to its accessible roots. Louis’s return anchors the emotional core, while overhauled Blood Arts and smarter companions deliver combat variety that keeps runs fresh. For fans disappointed by soulslike fatigue or craving deep customization, The One-Armed Resurgence swings for the fences and lands every blow. The Revenants are back, their blood codes stronger than ever, ready to reclaim their world one thorn at a time.