Best Code Vein builds to suit every playstyle

Code Vein offers a deep RPG experience but its build mechanics can be a little overwhelming for new players, especially those new to Soulslike games. Here are the best builds we’d recommend.

Code Vein was Bandai Namco’s answer to Dark Souls, but with vampires and in the style of a lush anime cartoon. The game is so much more than a mere Souls clone though and its character-building mechanics are surprisingly deep and intricate.

But like most RPGs worth sinking a hundred hours into, the mechanics can be confusing at times. The hardest part is understanding the game’s lingo and figuring out how to adapt your character to your own preferred playstyle.

While this all clicks in time, by then you may have committed to a character you regret. Here’s how to build a character that matches your style of play and one you’ll want to stick with until endgame.

Contents

• Understanding Code Vein’s mechanics
• Code Vein, Blood Veils
• Melee Builds
• Ranger/Bayonet Builds
• Caster Builds
• Support Builds

Bandai Namco

Some refer to Code Vein as Vampire Souls – This is no bad thing.

Understanding Code Vein’s mechanics

Before you can plan your build the first thing you’ll need to do is understand the game’s terminology. While combat is similar to other Souls-style games in terms of the basics, Code Vein has its own unique quirks and lingo.

Gifts, for example, is the term for the game’s Magic and Skills. This includes buffs, spells, and special moves that can be used in and out of combat. Skills use up Ichor, which is essentially the game’s version of mana/magic points and can be tracked in the bottom-right side of the screen. In some cases, Ichor is also used as ammo for certain skills.

Code Vein uses things called Blood Codes to let players create their own custom classes. Players start off with 3 basic Blood Codes, Fighter, Ranger, and Caster, but can gather more throughout the game. As an example, those looking to build a tank character can prioritize the Fighter Blood Code but can tailor this to their own style with others later.

The Fighter Blood Code is your typical melee style, while the Ranger focuses on the Bayonet weapon primarily. Naturally, the Caster blood code is designed to make the most use out of Gifts in combat. The game allows you to switch between Blood Codes on the fly, leveling them up as you see fit.

This allows the player to create their own individual builds but beware – flitting between too many means you’ll never really commit to or excel at any particular discipline. Therefore, it pays to choose a primary build path and tailor it as necessary. Basically, don’t become a jack of all trades and a master of none.

Code Vein features some satisfying and gory combat.

Code Vein, Blood Veils

While armor and other wearable gear in Code Vein work like any other game, Blood Veils are a little different. Equipping a Blood Vale provides defense like any other piece of gear, but their main purpose is to provide buffs to Gifts.

They can be gathered throughout the game through chests, defeating enemies, or rewards for completing quests/chatting to NPCs. Blood Veils are helpful when it comes to bolstering a certain build which is why we’ve included them here.

Remember, the below builds offer a foundation focused on Blood Codes, Blood Veils, and weapons/spells of choice. When it comes to gifts there are many that will work with each build, but too many to name them all per build type. Therefore, we’d recommend using Gifts that seem logical and complement your build choice. Or Gifts that naturally buff your personal style should you experiment with different sets.

Bandia Namco

Vampires are the good guys in this story.

Melee Builds

For those who want to get up close and personal – but with added extras.

Players can tailor their vampire to their liking.

Ranger/Bayonet Builds

For those who want to pick their enemies off from a distance.

Bandai Namco

Allies are an important part of Code Vein’s gameplay

Caster Builds

Those who prefer the wizarding way.

Support Builds

Builds to buff/support allies in combat.

For more original content, check out more below:

9 best Final Fantasy games ranked: From FFXIV to FFVII | Best Warzone loadouts used by streamers | 7 best Need for Speed games ranked | 17 best Nintendo Switch games to play in 2022 | 15 best Legendary Pokemon of all time, ranked