First Look at Code Vein II: Time Travel, Vampires, and a Stylish Return

What is Code Vein II?

During Summer Game Fest 2025, Bandai Namco dropped a surprise announcement: Code Vein II is in development. As the sequel to the beloved 2019 anime-inspired soulslike, the game is looking to build upon its predecessor with a darker story, dual timelines, and a fresh combat twist.

We were lucky enough to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look through a hands-off presentation. Although we didn’t get to play, what we saw offered a glimpse into the ambitious direction Code Vein II is taking.

A Story Told Across Two Timelines

One of the biggest reveals was that Code Vein II unfolds across two distinct time periods:

• The present — continuing the world of the first game, where Revenants have turned into grotesque, horror-like creatures.
• The past — set 100 years earlier, where Revenants still serve humanity as protectors and warriors.

You’ll travel back and forth between these two timelines, and your actions in the past will impact the present. Think ripple effects, time-sensitive puzzles, and storyline branches triggered by decisions made across centuries. The game seems to lean into the cause-and-effect narrative style, which could add significant depth to its world-building.

Gothic Meets Dystopian Design

The dual-time concept doesn’t just affect the story — it changes everything about the game’s visual and environmental design. Expect moody gothic cathedrals and medieval castles in the past, contrasted with dystopian skyscrapers and crumbling modern ruins in the present.

Each era features distinct enemies, architecture, and atmosphere. It's a visually compelling setup that feels like Bloodborne collided with NieR: Automata, with anime flair.

The New Gameplay Mechanic: The "Jail"

One major addition is the introduction of a biomechanical device called the Jail, attached to your character’s back. It appears to be the new heart of combat, enhancing your abilities through blood and parasitic energy — very in-theme for a Revenant-based narrative.

The Jail lets you unlock powerful attacks and abilities. During the demo, we saw stylish finishers and combo chains that activate when enemies are staggered or exposed. It’s too early to gauge how deep this system goes, but it certainly looks promising and fits the over-the-top aesthetic fans expect from the series.

What We Still Don’t Know

While the preview showed a lot of promise, there are still big questions that remain unanswered:

• Combat feel: Will it lean more toward fast-paced Nioh-style action or the deliberate weight of Dark Souls?
• World design: Is the game semi-open world, metroidvania-style, or more linear and story-driven?
• Co-op or multiplayer: Will the companion system or online co-op from the first game return?

We’ll likely have to wait for future trailers or hands-on previews to get answers.

Why Code Vein II Matters

The original Code Vein was a cult hit — not perfect, but full of personality. It offered a unique blend of vampire lore, post-apocalyptic anime vibes, and Soulslike gameplay that carved out a loyal fanbase.

With Code Vein II, Bandai Namco clearly wants to level up the franchise. The dual timelines could be a game-changer, not just in terms of narrative but also exploration and puzzle-solving. If executed well, it could push Code Vein II into the upper tier of action RPGs.

Release Date and Platforms

Code Vein II is slated for a 2026 release, and it’s coming to:

• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X|S
• PC (Steam)

No last-gen versions have been announced, reinforcing the focus on modern hardware and visuals.

Our Early Verdict

From what we’ve seen, Code Vein II has serious potential. The timeline-hopping mechanic, eerie gothic-dystopian blend, and revamped combat system could give the series new life — pun fully intended.

Whether these ideas turn out to be bold innovations or gimmicks will depend on how they play out in practice. But we’re definitely excited to find out. One thing’s for sure: if you’re a fan of action RPGs with rich atmosphere and deep lore, Code Vein II should be on your radar.

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