Code Vein: an anime-inspired Soulslike with flexible classes, companions, and full co-op
If you love Soulslike action RPGs but want more freedom to experiment, Code Vein stands out for its unique Blood Code system. Instead of locking you into a single class, every Revenant can swap Blood Codes on the fly, reshaping their combat style at any moment. Go from heavy melee bruiser to ranged attacker or spellcaster between encounters, mix up builds to suit a boss fight, and fine-tune your loadout without starting over. It’s a playground for build-crafting and on-the-spot strategy.
You’re not forced to face the post-apocalyptic wasteland alone, either. An AI companion fights at your side, and as you progress you’ll unlock new allies with distinct weapons, abilities, and strengths. Switching companions to match your plan adds another strategic layer, whether you need a tanky partner, a damage dealer, or extra support. Prefer playing with friends? The entire campaign supports online co-op, letting you tackle tough areas and boss encounters together.
Critics highlighted what makes the game memorable: a gripping vampire narrative, a moody, ruined-world atmosphere, and tactical, timing-heavy combat that becomes even more dynamic thanks to the flexible class system. That said, the 2019 launch wasn’t without issues. Technical polish drew criticism, including dated textures, lackluster effects, and occasional clipping that could break immersion. Balance also stumbled at times: certain weapons and Blood Codes felt overtuned, regular enemies could be too easy, and some boss fights spiked in difficulty unexpectedly.
Even with those drawbacks, the overall reception has been positive. A major German gaming magazine awarded Code Vein an 83/100. On Steam, around 58,000 user reviews trend positive with roughly an 83% approval rating. Over on Metacritic, the game holds a 70 Metascore and a 7.5 User Score.
Bottom line: if you’re seeking a Soulslike that encourages experimentation, rewards build diversity, and lets you brave the ruins with a companion or a co-op partner, Code Vein delivers. If you’re sensitive to visual rough edges or uneven difficulty curves, keep those caveats in mind—but for many players, the blend of anime style, vampire lore, and flexible combat is more than enough to sink your teeth into.
