It has been nearly seven years since the original Code Vein surprised the gaming world by successfully blending the punishing difficulty of Dark Souls with a distinctively edgy anime aesthetic. Now, Bandai Namco has finally unleashed Code Vein 2, a sequel that not only refines the "Anime Souls" formula but aggressively expands it. Released on January 29, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, this ambitious follow-up takes players on a time-bending journey that—despite some technical hiccups—ultimately sets a new high bar for the genre in 2026. Whether you're a veteran Revenant or a newcomer, our Code Vein 2 review breaks down why this blood-soaked adventure is essential playing.

A Time-Bending Narrative with High Stakes

The narrative stakes in Code Vein 2 are immediately higher than its predecessor. Set in a world where humanity and Revenants uneasily coexist, the sudden appearance of the Luna Rapacis threatens to turn all Revenants into mindless Horrors. The story centers on your partnership with Lou, a mysterious girl capable of manipulating time. This mechanic isn't just a plot device; it fundamentally changes how you approach the game's lore. Traveling to the past to prevent the world's inevitable collapse adds a layer of tragic urgency that the first game lacked. The addition of new characters like the stoic Revenant Josée fleshes out a cast that feels more mature and emotionally resonant, grounding the fantastical horror in genuine character drama.

Gameplay Evolution: Jails, Assimilation, and Combat Fluidity

The core Code Vein 2 gameplay loop remains familiar—explore, fight, die, repeat—but the combat fluidity has seen a massive overhaul. The stiff animations of 2019 are gone, replaced by a responsiveness that rivals the best in the genre. The biggest innovation is the new "Jails" system—unique equipment artifacts embedded in your character that allow for unprecedented build variety. These artifacts replace the standard Blood Veils for some builds, offering offensive capabilities that feel distinct from the traditional drain attacks.

Furthermore, the partner AI, a staple of the series, has evolved with the new Assimilation mechanic. Instead of just fighting alongside you, partners can now temporarily fuse with your character, granting massive stat boosts and unique "Forma" abilities at the cost of your combined Ichor. This risk-reward system solves the issue of partners sometimes making the game too easy; now, you must strategically decide when to fight as a duo and when to merge for a burst of singular power. It’s a brilliant twist that separates Code Vein 2 vs Elden Ring, emphasizing synergy over isolation.

The Ultimate Anime Character Creator

For many, the true endgame is fashion, and the Code Vein 2 character creator is simply unmatched. Bandai Namco has doubled the accessory limit and introduced a layered clothing system that allows for granular customization of fabrics and textures. The lighting engine update means your creation looks just as good in cutscenes as they do in the menu. From heterochromia options to specific material shaders for your Revenant's mask, the level of detail is staggering. It is easily the best anime souls-like 2026 has to offer in terms of player expression.

Performance Analysis: Code Vein 2 on PS5

Visually, the shift to Unreal Engine 5 provides a stark upgrade. The post-apocalyptic cityscapes are bathed in volumetric fog and neon lighting that screams cyber-gothic horror. In our testing of Code Vein 2 performance on PS5, the game targets 60fps and mostly holds it during exploration. However, heavy combat sequences with multiple particle effects from Assimilation attacks can cause minor frame drops. While not game-breaking, these dips are noticeable in the frantic boss battles against the Luna Rapacis horrors. Load times, thankfully, are instantaneous, keeping the momentum of "death and rebirth" snappy.

Verdict: A Worthy Successor

Despite a "Mixed" reception on Steam during its Early Access period—mostly due to PC optimization complaints—the console version is a polished, stylish, and deeply engaging experience. Code Vein 2 successfully carves out its own identity, moving beyond the shadow of FromSoftware's giants. Among the crowded slate of Bandai Namco January 2026 releases, this stands out as a stylish triumph that rewards patience with spectacle.

Pros

  • Deep, rewarding combat with the new Assimilation system
  • Best-in-class character creator
  • Engaging time-travel narrative with memorable cast
  • Stunning art direction and music

Cons

  • Occasional frame rate dips on PS5 during busy effects
  • Difficulty spikes in the "past" timeline can be jarring