Code Vein II is finally here, arriving on Steam on January 30, 2026 after a long seven-year wait for fans of the stylish “anime Souls-like” action RPG. Players who picked up the Deluxe or Ultimate editions were able to jump in a few days earlier, starting January 27, and the early access window helped push the game to a peak of 8,235 concurrent players.
This sequel is being built by the same core talent behind the original Code Vein and the God Eater series, but it’s not simply trying to repeat what worked in 2019. Instead, Code Vein II leans hard into a new time-travel storyline that many players are already calling the highlight of the experience. You’ll team up with a new companion named Lou, bouncing between a pre-apocalyptic past and a bleak, crumbling present as you fight to prevent humanity’s collapse and confront the looming threat known as Luna Rapacis.
On the gameplay side, Code Vein II introduces fresh systems designed to make combat feel more aggressive and hands-on than before. Blood Codes return, but the big change is the new Forma and Jail system. Special attacks, called Formae, can be assigned directly to your face buttons, pushing battles toward a more active, action-forward rhythm rather than a slower, methodical Souls-style pace. It’s a clear attempt to blend the series’ signature build variety with a combat flow that feels closer to character action games.
Exploration also expands with an open-world setup and a motorbike for getting around, though early player impressions haven’t been universally positive. Several reviews criticize the bike handling, comparing it to driving an RC car and complaining about awkward collisions and invisible walls that interrupt movement.
One of the most beloved elements of the first game, the Partner system, has also been upgraded. This time, you can “assimilate” your partner, effectively fusing with them for a major stat boost while they temporarily leave the battlefield. Partners can also help cover mistakes more directly, including saving you mid-fight when things go sideways.
Despite the strong interest and a story that’s landing well with a lot of players, Code Vein II’s Steam rating has opened in a rough spot: 53% “Mixed.” The biggest complaints aren’t aimed at the narrative, but at the PC version’s technical performance and presentation. Players report muddy-looking textures, noticeable pop-in during cutscenes, and combat animations that some feel lack the weight and impact of the previous game. Another major frustration for longtime fans is the absence of co-op at launch, especially since many players considered multiplayer one of the original Code Vein’s best features.
Performance demands are also a major talking point. Code Vein II is being described as a resource-heavy release, with requirements that include 16 GB of RAM and 70 GB of storage. An SSD is strongly recommended if you want smoother loading and fewer hiccups. Even with fairly high PC specs, some players are still reporting issues, which is fueling much of the current criticism.
Handheld players may want to temper expectations as well. On Steam Deck, the game is listed as “Playable” and controller support works properly, but performance appears shaky. Reports indicate difficulty holding 30 FPS even on Low settings, and the interface isn’t fully comfortable on a smaller screen.
Code Vein II launches with clear ambition—bigger systems, a time-travel hook, and deeper partner mechanics—but it’s also arriving with enough technical concerns to split the community. For players who can look past the rough edges, there’s a substantial action RPG with real depth underneath. For everyone else, this may be one to keep an eye on as updates roll in. The game is priced at $69.99 on Steam.
