Code Vein II, the sequel to Bandai Namco’s 2019 anime Soulslike, is here. While it’s pretty easy compared to other games in the genre, the bosses can still be challenging if you’re careless or don’t level up properly. Code Vein II adds a new open world for you to explore, giving you more options to progress throughout the game. Here are some useful tips to surviving its post-apocalyptic vampiric world.
1. Ride your bike
In the opening hours of Code Vein II, you’ll obtain your bike/motorcycle that can be whipped out at almost any time when you’re out traversing the open world. It’s obviously much faster than running around, but it also has some utility. If you’re fast enough, you can ram straight through enemies, dealing a small amount of damage to them. So if you’re in an area where you just want to skip all the enemies, just hop on your bike and charge through. It also makes for a great getaway vehicle. There were some moments where I had run out of healing items and was about to die, so I pulled out the bike and simply drove away to recoup.
2. If you’re overwhelmed by a story boss, come back later
Code Vein II may be an easier Soulslike, but the bosses can still wreck you if you’re not prepared. However, because of Code Vein II’s open-world design, if one boss is giving you a good deal of trouble, you’re free to explore other areas and tackle different bosses. Additionally, unlike in some Soulslikes that have you manually putting points into the attributes you want to strengthen, here your character gets predetermined, across-the-board stat increases as you level up. So if a boss is continually wiping the floor with you, just come back when you’re stronger, as those additional levels you’ve acquired will definitely make a difference.
3. Find health upgrades as soon as possible
There are two different health upgrades: Golden Blood Beads and Golden Nectar. The former increases the amount of health recovered when using a potion, while the latter increases how many you can carry at one time. You can find them in the open world and they’re actually indicated on the map as blue dots. Seek those out, as better recovery obviously means more survivability.
4. Uncover as much of the map as possible
When you first start playing Code Vein II your map will be obscured, a result of these small red trees that act as map jammers. They’re indicated on your map as pink circles, so you can track them down and destroy them. This’ll help you get more clarity out in the world and know where to head next.
5. Do the side content
Doing the side content can be extremely helpful in your progression. Not only will you get stronger by defeating additional enemies, but you’ll also find new weapons, skills, and Blood Codes to experiment with. This’ll help you flesh out your builds, giving you more ways to fight enemies. Plus, if you’re looking to get all three of the game’s endings, you’ll need to finish each of the heroes’ Timeline Decision side missions.
6. Constantly swap out Blood Codes
Blood Codes act as sort of “character classes” in Code Vein II, and offer a variety of different stat bonuses and abilities tailored to specific playstyles. For example, if you like to heal, then you might gravitate toward using Holly’s Blood Code more. When you defeat enemies with a Blood Code equipped, you’ll earn EXP toward them and eventually max them out. If you take one you’ve maxed out to Lavinia in MagMell, she can extract a Booster from it, a passive skill that can further enhance your builds. So keep switching out Blood Codes to obtain even more Boosters.
7. Upgrade your Weapons, Bequeathed Forma, and Jail
Throughout the game, you’ll come across materials that can help strengthen your equipment, and it’s imperative that you do so. By upgrading your weapons, Forma, and Jail, you’ll increase their effectiveness, letting you deal more damage per hit. If you’re finding that you’re not dealing enough damage, it might be time to head back to the shopkeepers in MagMell (and across the open world) to level up your gear. The max level for your weapons and Jails is +20, while it’s +5 for you Bequeathed Forma. There are separate achievements to unlock for all three.
8. Take advantage of Item Synthesis
Materials can also be used to create helpful items outside of the typical healing potions, such as ammo for rifles and bayonets, as well as food to temporarily increase stats like defense and maximum Ichor. These items can be very helpful in a pinch during the middle of a fight, so be prepared! The game gives you eight shortcuts you can equip items to so you can use them on the fly; don’t neglect them.
9. Keep an eye on your Ichor reserves
Ichor is Code Vein II’s magic point system, which can be used to execute flashy attacks called Weapon Fromae. It’s easy to get carried away and not realize that your Ichor levels are dry and you can’t use any more Formae attacks. But don’t worry! Use your Jail attack to drain enemies and replenish your Ichor. Just monitor your reserves so you don’t suddenly find yourself wondering why you can use your Formae anymore and waste precious seconds potentially getting killed.
10. Let your ally take the hit
One of the main reasons why Code Vein II is easier than many other games in the genre is its NPC companion system. You’ll have a companion at all times, unless dictated otherwise by story reasons. These allies don’t cost anything and cannot be killed. This makes them perfect distractions for enemies and bosses. If your companion can draw an opponent’s aggro, that gives you the chance to heal or team up to deliver some killer blows. Don’t take your friend for granted!