Code Vein II Launch Guide: Timings, Prices, and Early Reviews

Code Vein II is officially set to launch on January 29, 2026, marking the return of Bandai Namco’s anime-inspired Soulslike series.

The sequel builds on the foundations of the 2019 original, offering a brand-new storyline, expanded mechanics, and next-gen performance.

The original Code Vein may not have been universally praised by critics, but its unique style and loyal fanbase helped it sell millions of copies. That success made a sequel inevitable, and now Code Vein II is here with a more ambitious scope.

This time, players are taken on a time-bending journey, traveling 100 years into the past to prevent an apocalyptic future. According to Bandai Namco, the game introduces a more open world, complete with motorcycle traversal, deeper companion systems, and a fresh narrative that stands independently from the first title.

Image credit: Code Vein II

Release Times

The game will launch globally at the same time. Here’s the breakdown of release timings:

• PT (Los Angeles): 3:00 PM, Jan 29

• MT (Denver): 4:00 PM, Jan 29

• CT (Chicago): 5:00 PM, Jan 29

• ET (New York): 6:00 PM, Jan 29

• BRT (Brazil): 8:00 PM, Jan 29

• GMT (London): 11:00 PM, Jan 29

• Central Europe CET (Paris/Berlin): 12:00 AM, Jan 30

• Dubai (GST): 3:00 AM, Jan 30

• SGT (Singapore): 7 AM, Jan 30 for PC; 12:00 AM, Jan 29 for Consoles

• UTC+8 (China): 7 AM, Jan 30 for PC; 12:00 AM, Jan 29 for Consoles

• JST/KST (Japan and Korea): 8:00 AM, Jan 30 for PC; 12:00 AM, Jan 29 for Consoles

• AEST (Sydney, Australia): 8:00 AM, Jan 30

Players who purchased the Deluxe or Ultimate editions gained early access on January 26/27, giving them a three-day head start.

Editions and Prices

• Standard Edition: $69.99

• Deluxe Edition: $89.99: Base game + Custom Outfit Pack (3 costumes + 1 weapon) + Expansion DLC "Mask of Idris" (releasing by January 2027) + Early access.

• Ultimate Edition: $99.99: Everything in Deluxe + 6 costumes from the original Code Vein + Digital mini artbook & soundtrack.

• Collector’s Edition: $199.99: Physical release with Ultimate/Deluxe upgrades, 18cm Lou MagMell figurine, 60-page artbook, steelbook, and bonuses like Stylized Forma Set (cosmetic) + Twin Fangs of the Lone Wolf weapon.

Image credit: Code Vein II

Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, with no versions for last-gen consoles or the Nintendo Switch announced.

Critical Reception

Early reviews have been mixed, with some praising its ambition and others pointing out flaws.

• Game Rant: 8/10 – “Code Vein 2 is a rock-solid open world Soulslike experience.”

• IGN: 6/10 – “While Code Vein 2 has flashes of greatness, it isn’t able to maintain consistency and can be sloppy as often as it is compelling.”

• TheGamer: 8/10 – "Isn’t breaking new ground in most of its conventions, nor will it become the new face of Soulslikes. But it has its own unique ideas that are fully realised, letting it stand out against its contemporaries in the genre, while surprisingly strong characters help blend the gameplay and narrative together. There’s a banquet of bloody delights to be had here."

• TheSixthAxis: 9/10 – “Haunting, thrilling, and unforgettable.”

• Push Square: 6/10 – "Code Vein 2 is not the strongest soulslike we've ever encountered. While there is absolutely some fun to be had slaying the myriad horrors that inhabit this post-apocalyptic world and building a powerful Revenant Hunter, repetition inevitably kicks in. Narratively, it's pretty dull, lacking compelling characters or quests to engage with. While not broken or a bad game per se, it is hard to recommend when so many better entries in this well-worn subgenre already exist."

Despite varied opinions, the game’s expanded systems, anime aesthetic, and deeper companion mechanics have caught attention. Bandai Namco’s decision to refine combat, add open-world exploration, and introduce time travel elements shows a clear ambition to push the series forward.