Combat

Learn the fundamentals of combat in Code Vein, including HP, Stamina, Focus, Gifts, Ichor, movement, and defensive tactics to survive the Revenant's journey.

This section explains the typical actions and simpler aspects of battle in Code Vein. We will use PlayStation controls for reference.

Basics

Health and Stamina

HP (Health Points) is your life gauge. Reaching zero means death, respawning at a Mistle with enemies reset and lost Haze. Stamina (the white gauge above HP) is consumed by actions like running, dodging, attacking, parrying, blocking, drain attacks, and some Gifts. Running out of Stamina leaves you vulnerable. Stamina consumption varies by weapon and Blood Code, with special attacks using the most and blocking reducing per hit. Parrying and drain attacks depend on the Blood Veil. Max HP and Stamina are determined by level and Blood Code.

Focus and Focused State

The Focus bar (above Stamina) fills by dodging attacks and taking damage. A full bar grants a Focused state for about 10 seconds, fully refilling Stamina, increasing defenses, reducing stagger, and enabling aerial drain attacks. Enemies also have a Focus bar.

Gifts and Ichor

Ichor is your mana/MP, used to cast Gifts, which are the game's magic. Gifts include Passives (stat buffs), spells (buffs, debuffs, attacks), and physical attacks. Each Blood Code has unique Gifts; mastering them allows use with other Blood Codes. Non-passive Gifts consume Ichor, with better Gifts costing more. Max Ichor depends on Blood Code and level. Bayonet strong attacks also consume Ichor. Ichor can be recovered by attacking enemies, with the amount depending on your weapon's and/or Blood Veil's drain rating. Drain attacks, parries, and other Blood Veil actions recover Ichor based on the Blood Veil's drain rating and can increase your Max Ichor. Ichor is displayed in the lower right corner.

Regeneration, Upgrades, and Items

Use the D-pad to select and use items. Regeneration items, restocked at Mistles, heal you but have limited uses initially. Regen upgrades like 'Regen extension factor' and 'Regen activation factor' increase uses and healing amount. Other single-use items, like Ichor recovery items, must be bought or found.

Offensive and Defensive Abilities

Movement and Defensive Tactics

Movement includes normal walking (Left Stick), sprinting (Hold R1), and dodging (Press Circle). Dodging grants brief invulnerability, with the animation and distance depending on your Mobility (determined by weapon and Blood Veil):

• Slow: Short, slow roll, small distance, limited maneuverability.
• Normal: Longer roll, greater distance, more maneuverability.
• Quick: Gliding movement, great distance, very fast, high maneuverability.

Pressing Circle on its own performs a backstep. Moving the Left Stick while pressing Circle affects the dodge direction.