Code Vein 2: Everything We Know

After years of silence, Code Vein 2 is finally real. Bandai Namco dropped the first official look during Summer Game Fest 2025, and what we saw was nothing like the original. This isn’t just a direct sequel; it feels more like a full reimagining of what Code Vein was trying to be in the first place. Gone is the slower, Souls-inspired structure with tight corridors and reused assets. In its place? Faster movement, flashier combat, a mysterious new world, and of course, time travel. Here’s a full breakdown of what we know so far about Code Vein 2.

What Is Code Vein 2?

Code Vein 2 is Bandai Namco’s upcoming anime-style action RPG. The game also serves as a sequel to the 2019 game that blended Dark Souls-inspired combat with gothic anime aesthetics. However, it’s not just a continuation. It’s a rework of what the first game tried to establish. Think of it as both a sequel and a soft reboot. 

Story

Set in a broken future where humans and Revenants once lived side by side, Code Vein 2 brings in a dangerous new threat called the Luna Rapacis. Their arrival has turned many Revenants into twisted monsters known as Horrors. With the world falling apart again, someone has to stop the chaos.

You play as a Revenant hunter. You’re not alone, though, you’re joined by a mysterious girl named Lou, who can control time. With her help, players will travel into the past, change key events, and try to save the future. Along the way, players will uncover hidden truths and try to change the fate of the world.

The time-travel idea gives your choices more impact. The people who live or die may depend on your actions in the past. Conversely, don’t expect old characters to return. While there may be small references to the first game, this is a fresh cast. The red mist city and its power struggles are gone. Instead, the story now stretches across bigger locations and different points in time.

Gameplay

Gameplay is where Code Vein 2 truly separates itself from its predecessor. The original had promise, but its mechanics felt slow and stiff compared to the fast-paced anime action fans hoped for. This time? The combat looks smoother, and way more explosive. From the reveal, it’s clear they’ve taken inspiration from games like Devil May Cry. Aerial combos, fast dodges and stylish special moves, Code Vein 2 takes a new direction without giving up the Souls-like DNA entirely.

Additionally, the blood-draining mechanic is back but has been upgraded. Draining blood from enemies mid-combat lets players activate powerful new skills, and the build system is now more flexible. Players can customize their loadout freely, choosing weapons and powers that suit their playstyle. 

Furthermore, partner AI is also returning, but they’re more than just walking health potions this time. Each companion has unique abilities that tie into the story and your combat strategy. Interestingly, who you travel with could change how certain battles play out and how the story unfolds.

The environments seem much more open this time around, with hints of semi-open-world exploration. We even saw mounts during the trailer, hinting at larger spaces. Ultimately, all signs point to Code Vein 2 evolving past its Souls-like roots into something much more hybrid.

Development

The development of Code Vein 2 has been unusually quiet. After the first game release in 2019, fans were left guessing whether a sequel would ever happen. But behind the scenes, a lot was going on. 

The project is once again being led by the team responsible for both Code Vein and the God Eater series. This overlap explains a lot of what we’re seeing in the trailer, especially the more action-heavy gameplay and flashy combos. In fact, fans have been speculating for years that Bandai Namco was merging the two franchises, or at least borrowing key ideas from God Eater’s combat system to fuel Code Vein 2.

There were even posts by the director teasing strange mashups of Code Vein and God Eater branding. At the time, nobody knew what to make of it. Was it God Eater 4? A new IP? Turns out, it was Code Vein 2 all along, but this time built from the ground up with the lessons learned from both series.

On the other hand, the developers seem to have taken criticism of the original game to heart. Clunky controls, limited variety, and repetitive level design were common complaints. From what’s been shown, all those elements are being overhauled, and that’s a good thing.

Trailer

The reveal trailer for Code Vein 2 dropped during Summer Game Fest 2025, and it made a clear statement right away. The old hallways and dull colors? Gone. Instead, we saw open worlds, cinematic visuals, fast-paced action, and a story built around time travel.

The trailer showed the new main character, a few partner allies, and several different settings. Additionally, there was a bright desert highway and a city being taken over by vines. We didn’t see any menus or HUD, so we still don’t know exactly how the gameplay works. But one thing’s for sure, this isn’t the same Code Vein from 2019.

One big surprise was the bike. Yes, an actual mount you can ride. It looked fast, flashy and added a whole new way to move through the world. The music also stood out. The soundtrack rose during the end of the trailer, with strong anime-style vibes. Bandai Namco seems to be putting more effort into making the game’s audio match its emotional tone.

Release Date and Platforms

Unfortunately, there’s no set release date yet. Bandai Namco has officially labeled Code Vein 2 as “TBA,” so it’s safe to assume it won’t be landing in 2025. A 2026 release seems more likely, possibly even later depending on development progress.

What we do know is that the game will be released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. There’s no word yet on last-gen support (PS4 or Xbox One), and a Switch version seems unlikely due to how visually demanding the game appears.