Code Vein 2 release date – Everything we know about the vampire soulslike sequel

Following on from the stylish original entry, Code Vein 2 is an anime soulslike game from Bandai Namco that takes inspiration from games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, but also does its own thing. At times, the Code Vein series has more in common with games like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta than anything FromSoftware has ever released.

Code Vein 2 follows a group of vampires trying to survive after the world has ended. Not only do these anime vampires need to deal with all the usual stressors of being an immortal bloodsucker, but they also need to contend with some of the unique challenges the apocalypse throws their way. As Code Vein 2 pre-orders continue, here’s everything we know in one place.

✓ VideoGamer Summary

• Code Vein 2 is an anime soulslike that also borrows from games like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta.
• The Code Vein 2 release date is January 30th, but early access starts a few days before.
• It features a complex character creation system, letting players really flesh out their character.
• The AI partner system returns, meaning the player always has backup in combat.
• Code Vein 2 will be released on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, but no word on Switch 2.

Code Vein 2 release date

The Code Vein 2 release date is January 30, 2026, in all regions. However, early access starts on January 27, 2026, for those who purchased the deluxe or ultimate edition. 

Code Vein 2 pre-orders are currently live and available until launch. 

Code Vein 2 platforms

The Code Vein 2 platforms that the game will be released on are PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

There’s been no word on a Switch 2 release for Code Vein 2, and a version for Nintendo’s console seems unlikely. This is due to the original game never releasing for Switch 1, but never say never, afterall, the Switch 2 is much more powerful than the original console. 

Code Vein 2 collector’s edition, pre-order, and price details

Code Vein 2 pre-orders can be found on the official Xbox and PlayStation stores, and on Steam for PC. The Code Vein 2 price for the standard edition (and digital Deluxe Edition Pre-Order) will be $70 (£55).

However, Code Vein 2 Ultimate Edition can be pre-ordered for $89.99 (£84.99) and includes a digital mini artbook and soundtrack as well as the base game.

Code Vein 2 trailer and gameplay analysis

The original Code Vein 2 announcement trailer reintroduced us to the vampire apocalypse:

Later, the overview trailer showed us much more gameplay and gave us a few clues to the direction the story will go:

The Code Vein 2 trailer shows the main character battling a dark entity made of wax, which is later revealed to be a vampire. The two characters then seemingly ally and continue on their adventure together. 

This is Bandai Namco’s way of reintroducing the player to their AI ally, who’s a bigger deal in this game than they were in the first entry. Having an AI ally makes the Code Vein series less punishing than other soulslikes. It’s still tough, but you’ll never have to solo a boss when you have your ally next to you.

This isn’t cheating, as some soulslike purists would see it; it’s simply a legitimate part of the game’s mechanics, and Code Vein 2 especially is built around managing your AI partner as well as your own character. So it’ll be fun to see how else this is used. 

Code Vein 2’s story also heavily implies that time travel will be involved in some way. This could help the vampires avoid the apocalypse and fix it – or it could mean they remold the world into one that suits vampires the most. Currently, it’s unknown how any time travel mechanics could factor into gameplay. 

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