CODE VEIN

CODE VEIN is an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world, where Revenants depend on blood. They search for their past and for a way to avoid becoming mindless Lost. The focus is on exploring dangerous areas, tough boss battles and developing a custom-built character.

The game combines combat from an over-the-shoulder perspective with anime-inspired presentation. Allies help with exploration and in battles.

CODE VEIN was released on Sep 27, 2019 for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Bandai Namco Studios developed the game, and Bandai Namco Entertainment published it.

In 2020, three expansions followed with additional bosses, areas and abilities.

CODE VEIN was released natively for Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The PC version is sold through Steam. On newer consoles, the respective older version may be playable via backward compatibility. Dedicated PS5 or Xbox Series versions are not part of the original releases.

German on-screen text and subtitles are available on Steam. Full voice acting is offered in English and Japanese, among others.

Combat demands precise dodging, targeted weapon use and careful management of stamina. One-handed swords, two-handed weapons, halberds, hammers and bayonets let you develop different playstyles. Defeated enemies leave behind haze, which among other things is used for leveling up.

The game world holds branching paths, hidden items and powerful bosses. Rest points called Mistletoes serve as important landmarks and let you level up your character.

Hellfire Knight adds the Fiery Oblivion area, another boss and extra gear. Frozen Empress focuses on an ice-based enemy whose crystals trigger supporting effects. Lord of Thunder takes you into the Eternal Abyss and adds lightning weapons and blood codes.

All three expansions are available individually or in the Season Pass. They expand the original game and are not standalone sequels.

For Windows, Steam requires at least an Intel Core i5-2300, 6 GB RAM, a GeForce GTX 760 or Radeon HD 7850 and 35 GB of free storage. Recommended are, among others, an Intel Core i5-7400 or Ryzen 3 2200G, 8 GB RAM and a GeForce GTX 960 or Radeon R9 380X.

The Steam client has only supported Windows 10 or newer since 2024. The older OS information on the product page should be distinguished from this.

Blood Codes determine the focus of your abilities, such as melee combat, range or the use of special powers. Codes can be switched rather than permanently fixing a character class. Individual Gifts can be learned and combined with other playstyles.

Blood Mantles enable special drain attacks. This gives the character Ichor, which is needed for powerful Gifts. Weapons, Blood Codes and Blood Mantles interlock in the combat system.

After a catastrophe, civilisation has largely collapsed. The surviving Revenants possess supernatural powers but have lost their memories and must control their bloodlust. Without enough blood, they risk transforming into the Lost.

The search for Blood Pearls and the origin of the catastrophe leads through destroyed city districts, underground facilities and other dangerous regions.

Different allies support the player character in their own way. Louis relies on fast sword attacks, Yakumo on heavy weapons and sturdy defence. Mia combines bayonets with ranged abilities, while Io has numerous supportive Gifts.

Choosing a companion also changes the rhythm of battles against tougher enemies.

CODE VEIN can be played alone with a computer-controlled companion or online with the support of one other player. A rescue signal can be used to call for help in an area not yet completed. Players who help others join their ongoing exploration.

Co-op mode supports exploring and fighting together, but does not replace a local split-screen campaign.

The player character can be customised with numerous options for looks, hair, clothing and other details. Appearance does not permanently determine weapon type or Blood Code.

Because appearance and gameplay abilities are separate, new combat combinations can be tried without a full restart.

The story has several endings, influenced by decisions and discoveries made while exploring. After finishing, weapons, Blood Codes, Gifts and character levels can be carried over into another playthrough, among other things.

On request, tougher enemies can be enabled for the next run. Players who mainly want to see more story paths can keep their existing gear.

The original CODE VEIN was developed by Bandai Namco Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Blood Codes and teaming up with companions are key features of the action RPG.