Code Vein 2 captivates with its unique style, which blends urbanism, post-apocalypse, and dark Victorian fantasy with rapiers and flintlock muskets. The atmosphere is enhanced by a complex, multi-layered plot with interwoven timelines. In this guide, we will in detail explain how to upgrade weapons and armor, analyze the properties of each type of armament, and help you understand the mechanics of equipping the hero.
What are Forms
Forms (Formae) are special active skills for the dungeons and weapons. This mechanic plays the role of magic in the game. Abilities consume ichor when the hero uses superabilities. Forms work independently of what is worn on the character, however, they also should be taken into account when forming a build.
How to Improve Weapons
There are about a hundred units of various armaments in the game. Each weapon has unique characteristics and properties, as well as solves specific tasks and has a definite purpose. Therefore, it is worth starting by understanding all types of equipment:
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- One-Handed Sword: Classic swords are well suited to most tasks and deal fast, sweeping attacks;
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- Two-Handed Sword: Massive, heavy swords that have a high damage output. They strike enemies with long, sweeping attacks. Well-suited for fighting groups of opponents, but you need to account for preparation time before an attack;
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- Bayonet: A special weapon combining a rifle and a spear. It allows you to make several shots first while the enemy tries to close the distance. Bayonets come in three types: rifles, shotguns, and grenade launchers, and can inflict sweeping and piercing attacks;
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- Halberd: Ancient weapon that allows you to keep enemies at medium range. Each halberd can also perform circular attacks and has good attributes of ordinary and piercing damage;
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- Hammer: Heavy polearm with a high crushing damage output. It can interrupt enemy attacks, stun them, and penetrate armor, as well as inflict area-of-effect attacks. It performs well in battles with groups and large opponents;
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- Twin Blade: Low damage output is compensated for by speed. While a two-handed sword is executing an attack, you can inflict around a dozen strikes on it. However, there is one significant disadvantage: you will always have to fight at close range;
- Rune Blades: An enhanced version of the twin blades. The blades float in the air, creating space for maneuvering, as you don’t need to close the distance with the enemy so quickly.
It’s important to understand that in Code Vein 2, representatives of a single type of weapon can differ from each other not only in characteristics and features, but also in their behavior on the battlefield. For example, one-handed swords have different animations, types, and timings of their attacks. Therefore, before upgrading a specific weapon, make sure it’s suitable for your build and playstyle.
All improvements can be made with Jadwiga, as well as using companions that are available in each location. Weapon progression is achieved by using special Tender Crimson Stones of varying levels. The material can be found in the open world or purchased from merchants, as well as dropped from enemies.
To improve weapons, you need to use stones of a certain level. In other words, to upgrade a sword from grade 5 to grade 6, you need to have two Tender Crimson Stones of level 3. Modernizing weaponry should be done wisely, because Grand Crimson Stones will only appear in the final game.
Materials for the endgame are limited to one playthrough. So you won’t be able to fully upgrade all weapons, you’ll need to start a new game. Therefore, it’s logical to decide on your build at the start, preferably immediately after the prologue.
How to Improve Armor
There is no traditional armor here, such as helmets, breastplates, gauntlets, and greaves. Instead, protective suits called “Jails” are used, which are applied to annihilate monsters to fill ichor. They have characteristics that complement your build, as well as effects such as reducing damage received or stun resistance. Jails have active abilities, for example, the starter can release a huge claw, striking enemies.
Prisons are upgraded in the same way as weapons – up to level 20. For upgrading, you will need pure platinum, and for the final upgrade – an immaculate platinum block. The upgrade of the suit significantly increases the build’s stats, and most importantly, at level 11, a second weapon slot is unlocked.
