Code Vein II Overview: Release Date (Exact Time) & System Requirements

Code Vein II will be released worldwide on January 30, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Developer Bandai Namco Studios is offering a 72-hour early access period for players who purchase the Deluxe or Ultimate editions. This early access begins on January 26 or 27, depending on the region. The game is an action RPG that follows its 2019 predecessor, introducing new mechanics centered around time manipulation. Four separate editions are available for pre-order, including a Collector's Edition with physical items.

What Time Does Code Vein 2 Release?

The standard edition of Code Vein II unlocks on January 30, 2026. The specific time varies by region, with PC versions in some Asian territories unlocking later than their console counterparts. Players who pre-ordered the Deluxe or Ultimate edition gain a 72-hour head start. This early access period begins on January 26 in the Americas and Europe, and on January 27 in Asia and Australia.

• Los Angeles (PST) - 3:00 PM, January 26 (Early Access) - 3:00 PM, January 29 (Standard)
• Chicago (CST) - 5:00 PM, January 26 (Early Access) - 5:00 PM, January 29 (Standard)
• New York (EST) - 6:00 PM, January 26 (Early Access) - 6:00 PM, January 29 (Standard)
• São Paulo (BRT) - 8:00 PM, January 26 (Early Access) - 8:00 PM, January 29 (Standard)
• London (GMT) - 11:00 PM, January 26 (Early Access) - 11:00 PM, January 29 (Standard)
• Berlin (CET) - 12:00 AM, January 27 (Early Access) - 12:00 AM, January 30 (Standard)
• Beijing (UTC+8) - 7:00 AM, January 27 (Early Access) - 12:00 AM, Jan 29 (Console)/ 7:00 AM, Jan 30 (PC) (Standard)
• Tokyo (JST) - 8:00 AM, January 27 (Early Access) - 12:00 AM, Jan 29 (Console)/ 8:00 AM, Jan 30 (PC) (Standard)
• Sydney (AEDT) - 10:00 AM, January 27 (Early Access) - 8:00 AM, January 30 (Standard)

Early access provides a significant head start before the global launch. The standard edition for consoles in some regions unlocks earlier than the PC version.

Code Vein 2 System Requirements

The PC version of the game requires Windows 11 and 70 GB of available storage space. The developers have provided two tiers of hardware specifications for different performance targets.

Minimum Requirements:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-9600K/ AMD Ryzen 5 3600
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super/ AMD Radeon RX 5700/ Intel Arc B570
• DirectX: Version 12

Recommended Requirements:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-12700KF/ AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080/ AMD Radeon RX 6800
• DirectX: Version 12

The minimum specifications target 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second with low graphics settings. The recommended hardware aims for 1080p at 60 frames per second on high settings, with an SSD suggested for optimal performance.

Code Vein 2 Editions & Their Benefits

According to Code Vein 2's official site, early access is granted with pre-orders of the Deluxe, Ultimate, and Collector's Editions. These editions include the base game and additional digital content.

Code Vein II Editions:

• Standard Edition - $69.99
• Deluxe Edition - $89.99
• Ultimate Edition - $99.99
• Collector's Edition - 179,99 € (~215$)

The Collector's Edition contains all digital items from the Ultimate Edition alongside several physical collectibles. The duration of the early access period is not guaranteed.

Code Vein II Collector Edition includes:

• The Game
• Digital Deluxe Content
• Digital Ultimate Content
• Lou MagMell Limited Figurine (18cm)
• Artbook (60 pages)
• Steelbook
• Game early access

All pre-orders, regardless of edition, receive the Stylized Forma Set, Forma Face Paint, and the Twin Fangs of the Lone Wolf weapon as a bonus.

Code Vein 2 Gameplay

Code Vein II positions the player as a Revenant Hunter on a mission to alter history. The narrative centers on Lou MagMell, a Revenant who revives the protagonist and possesses the ability to travel through time. Gameplay involves traversing past and present versions of the world to uncover information and change the fate of key characters. The combat system uses Blood Codes and Jails, unique weapons and equipment, to defeat enemies. Draining blood from foes unlocks powerful skills.

The sequel introduces a Partner System with two modes. In Summoning mode, a companion fights independently. The Assimilation mode merges the partner with the player for enhanced statistics. Players can now use a vehicle, the Motorcycle Forma, to travel across environments like the Sunken City. New combat mechanics include the Reaper Jail, which equips a scythe for sweeping attacks, and Bequeathed Formae, which summon unique, powerful weapons for finishing blows. The character customization system from the first game returns with a wide array of settings.

Code Vein 2 Review

During the early access period, reviews for Code Vein II on Steam were mixed. The primary point of criticism was poor technical performance. Players with high-end hardware, including RTX 3080 graphics cards, reported unstable framerates, frequent stuttering, and texture pop-in. Cutscenes, which appear to be pre-rendered and locked to 30fps, also exhibited performance issues. Several reviewers noted the game required significant configuration file tinkering to achieve a stable 60 frames per second.

A second major criticism involved the game's departure from the identity of its predecessor. Reviewers felt the sequel abandoned the original's heavy gothic vampire aesthetic and tragic atmosphere in favor of a cleaner, more conventional fantasy style. The gameplay also shifted, moving from a structure inspired by Dark Souls to an open-world design more akin to Elden Ring. Longtime fans noted the removal or alteration of core mechanics, such as Blood Veils being replaced with Jails and a reworked Gift system, contributed to a feeling that the game was a sequel in name only. Some players also pointed to the modification of character outfits from the first game as evidence of a sanitized artistic direction, further distancing the sequel from the original's identity.