Bandai Namco took a major step towards the release of the highly anticipated Code Vein II this Tuesday, January 13, 2026, with an overview trailer that dives deep into what players can expect. The video, released worldwide, details the pillars of the sequel, which include a deep character creation system, the Partners who will accompany the player, the dynamic combat, and the game’s post-apocalyptic world. Scheduled for release at the end of this month, precisely on January 30, the sequel arrives for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, promising to evolve the formula that captivated fans of the original.
As a relief to fans’ anxiety, the company also announced a specific character creator demo, which will be available one week prior. PC players will be able to test it starting January 22, while console owners will gain access on January 23. This strategic early access allows the community to begin planning their favorite Revenants, exploring the customization options even before the main adventure begins. In this way, Bandai Namco aims to generate organic engagement and a wave of anticipation on social media, something crucial for the success of an RPG in the competitive landscape of 2026.
Deep Dive into the Dark Journey
The gameplay of Code Vein II continues to be based on the strategic use of enemy blood, a vital resource for unlocking new abilities. However, the trailer highlights an evolution in the Blood Code and Formae systems, offering a huge variety of customizable builds. Furthermore, the unique weapons called Jails and the Partner allies take on a central role, as each companion possesses distinct abilities and deep narrative connections to the plot. This reinforcement of the relationship with partners promises to bring a richer emotional layer to the experience, going beyond the challenging combat typical of the soulslike genre.
The Code Vein franchise began its journey in Japan in September 2019, after a delay from the original 2018 date. Since then, it has gained a dedicated fan base, partly thanks to the iconic opening animated by ufotable studio and the song “Underworld” by the band VAMPS. The world’s story has also expanded to other media, such as the manga CODE VEIN ‐Memory echoes-, released in 2018. Therefore, the sequel not only carries the responsibility of being a good game but also of honoring and expanding a narrative universe that already has its own fans. With a well-planned marketing strategy for this beginning of 2026, everything indicates that the Revenants are about to return in full force.
