Game Guides
Essential tips and strategies for CODE VEIN II
Beginner's Guide
Getting Started
Learn the basics of CODE VEIN II combat, exploration, and progression systems.
CODE VEIN II is an action RPG featuring challenging souls-like combat with a unique Blood Code system. Master dodging (quick step vs heavy roll based on Burden), blood draining attacks, and partner coordination to survive.
- Always equip at least one projectile Gift for ranged attacks and enemy luring
- Use magic liberally - Ichor regenerates through combat
- Watch for ambushes from above, below, and behind
- Break destructible objects to find secret paths and loot
- Revisit old areas after major bosses for new NPCs and items
Understanding Blood Codes
Master the core build customization system.
Blood Codes represent Revenant powers and define your playstyle. They determine base stats, preferred weapons, usable formae (skills), and come with unique Traits. Blood Codes can be swapped freely like equipment.
- Each Blood Code has 6 Attributes: Strength, Dexterity, Mind, Determination, Vitality, Fortitude
- Switch Blood Codes frequently to master different Gifts (skills)
- Traits activate under specific conditions for special effects
- Link Traits activate when fighting with specific Partners
Combat Fundamentals
Core mechanics for surviving intense battles.
Combat emphasizes reading enemy patterns, managing stamina, and utilizing the blood drain system effectively.
- Combo into modified drain attacks to regain Ichor (magic resource)
- Stack wounds with hits to maximize Ichor from blood drains
- Dodge type changes based on Burden: Quick step when under half Burden limit, heavy roll when Overburdened
- Partner System: Seamlessly switch between solo combat and partner-enhanced abilities
Advanced Strategies
Burden System Explained
Optimize equipment weight for your playstyle.
When equipping weapons, Jails, and defensive formae, Burden is applied to Attributes. Exceeding an Attribute's value causes Overburdened state with both Benefits and Penalties.
- Stay under half Burden on all Attributes for quick step dodging
- Accept Overburdened on 1 Attribute for specific Benefits
- Use Boosters to increase Attributes and manage Burden
- Balance mobility vs power based on boss patterns
Partner System Mastery
Maximize ally effectiveness in combat.
CODE VEIN II features only one companion per journey, creating unique bonds. Partners can fight alongside you or merge to enhance your abilities through the new Forma system.
- Build trust with your partner through combat cooperation
- Unlock Link Traits by fighting with specific Partners
- Learn when to fight separately vs use combined Forma abilities
- Each partner has unique combat styles and story connections
Progression & Exploration
Efficient Leveling
Optimize your character growth.
Focus on mastering Gifts from various Blood Codes between boss fights to build a versatile skill pool.
- Master Gifts from different Blood Codes for cross-compatibility
- Don't hoard upgrade materials - enhance equipment regularly
- Use passive stat-boosting Gifts to access powerful abilities normally locked to other Blood Codes
- Carry lightweight Blood Veils for better mobility and magic scaling
Exploration Tips
Find every secret and item.
CODE VEIN II features a gigantic interconnected map with many hidden areas.
- Check above, below, and behind for ambushes and secrets
- Drop down from cliffs - fall damage is forgiving
- Smash all destructible crates and debris for hidden paths
- Return to previous areas after story progress for new content