Best Code Vein builds to suit every playstyle

❘ Updated: 2024-02-02T14:00:00

Bandai Namco

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.

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

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.

Vampires are the good guys in this story.

Melee Builds

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

Build	Blood Code	Blood Veil	Weapon	Notes
Immortal Blade	Isis/Fionn	Blood Veil or GXL Defender	Two-handed swords	Combat tank build
Queen’s Gambit	Queenslayer	Noble Silver	One-handed swords	Powerful sword build that makes use of stun effects
Adrenaline Rush	Scout, Queenslayer first	Noble Silver	Halberd	Powerful and fast melee build
Jenovas Wrath	Queenslayer	Noble Silver	Blazing Claw	DPS build
Cerdeath’s Glass Cannon	Queenslayer	Noble Silver	Argent Wolf King’s Blade	Burst damage build
Belial’s Blood Lancer	Queenslayer	Noble Silver	Halberd	Damage/mobility combo build
Bloodletter Build	Queenslayer, Ranger first	Night Claw/Noble Silver	The Enduring Crimson	Also the best dressed optionIvory
Queen’s Hammer	Queenslayer	Noble Silver	Huge Hammer	Bash away
High Damage	Queenslayer	Venus Claw	Crimson Longsword	Level sword mastery

Players can tailor their vampire to their liking.

Ranger/Bayonet Builds

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

Build	Blood Code	Blood Veil	Weapon	Notes
Poppy Shot	Queenslayer	Ivory Grace	Bayonet	Use The Libertador for the most benefit
Gunner Orion	Orion	Venus Claw	Brodiaea	Get from Lord of Thunder DLC
Vampire Sniper	Harmonia	Ivory Grace	Bayonet	Use The Libertador for the most benefit
Purge the Heretics	Scathach	Ivory Grace	Bayonet	Flamethrower ability

Allies are an important part of Code Vein’s gameplay

Caster Builds

Those who prefer the wizarding way.

Build	Blood Code	Blood Veil	Weapon	Notes
Dark Mage	Harmonia, Caster first	Blackblood Liberator	N/A	All-rounder mage build
Sword Spam Summoner	Queen’s Throat	Ivory Grace	2x Sunset Sword Devour	Fast Casting
Venom Mage	Darkseeker	Suicide Spur	Iceblood	Fast Casting Dark Mage with Poison for Utility
Harmonia All or Nothing Boss Killer	Harmonia	Ivory Grace	N/A	Spell spammer build
Light Spell Barrage	Isis/Ishtar	Ivory Grace/Noble Silver	Devour/Iceblood	Close range light-based caster, with multiple setups

Support Builds

Builds to buff/support allies in combat.

Build	Blood Code	Blood Veil	Weapon	Notes
Frosty Support	Eos	Noble Silver	Iceblood/Libertador	Defensive buffs for survivability
Deliverance Tank	Ishtar	Noble Silver	Argent Wolf King’s Blade	Tank Lethal Damage for Allies and Keep them in the Fight