CODE VEIN II Brings Time-Bending Vampire Action to PS5, Xbox, and PC This January

Bandai Namco Entertainment has unveiled CODE VEIN II, the highly anticipated sequel to their 2019 vampire action RPG. The game launches on January 29, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with the PC version following on Steam just one day later on January 30.

A Journey Through Two Eras

The sequel introduces a time-traveling narrative that spans two distinct periods. Players take on the role of a deceased vampire hunter who awakens in a crimson coffin, resurrected by Rue Magmell, a mysterious vampire with the ability to manipulate time itself. Together, they embark on a desperate journey to the past, traveling between a relatively peaceful era from 100 years ago and a crumbling present day on the verge of total collapse.

The central conflict forces players to confront former allies who have been corrupted by destructive forces, creating morally difficult choices throughout the campaign.

An Expanded World

CODE VEIN II dramatically expands upon its predecessor's world structure. Where the original game focused primarily on dungeon-style environments, the sequel features seamlessly connected vast worlds that players can explore more freely. While the game maintains a linear progression rather than adopting a full open-world design, the environments feel significantly more expansive and interconnected.

The apocalyptic setting alternates between the devastated present and locations from a century past, each rendered with the series' signature anime-inspired visual style.

Meet the Cast

The game introduces several striking new characters alongside returning faces. Lavinia stands out as a particularly imposing figure, described as an ultra-giant female vampire whose presence dominates every scene she appears in. Her role in the story promises to be significant.

The protagonist sports a distinctive look with their military-style coat and signature beret, while companion characters provide crucial support during combat, including resurrection abilities and status-afflicting attacks.

Evolved Combat System

Combat in CODE VEIN II builds upon the original's foundation while introducing new mechanics. The blood gauge, known as Ichor, powers special abilities called techniques. The attack flow follows a deliberate pattern: standard strikes build up the gauge, enabling powerful vampire attacks, which then unlock devastating technique execution.

Defensive options have also evolved, with selectable defensive actions replacing universal blocking. Players can choose between guard, various dodge options, and parry mechanics, adding strategic depth to encounters.

Two new weapon types join the arsenal: twin swords for rapid, aggressive dual-wielding strikes and Rune Blades that summon floating swords synchronized with your movements for magic-focused combat.

The developers have warned that the sequel presents a significantly harder challenge than the original. Boss fights in particular require a trial-and-error approach, with heightened difficulty throughout the entire experience.

Character Creator Demo

Bandai Namco will release a free character creator demo on January 23, 2026, giving players the chance to design their ideal vampire hunter before launch. The demo includes enhanced customization options building upon the first game's system, along with access to Magmell Island's base location for photo mode sessions. Characters created in the demo will carry over to the full game on the same platform and account.

Game Information