Code Vein II adds the Mask of Idris expansion and a boss rush mode

Bandai Namco is releasing the first major story expansion for Code Vein II, alongside a free 2.0 update that adds new post-game modes.

Bandai Namco Entertainment America

Bandai Namco has released the Mask of Idris story expansion for Code Vein II across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. The launch arrives alongside a free 2.0 update that introduces a boss rush mode and new story options.

For those who missed the January release, Code Vein II is an action RPG that builds heavily on the anime-infused Soulslike formula of the 2019 original. The first game carved out a dedicated following, selling over three million copies by leaning into its deep character creator and flexible class system. The sequel took seven years to arrive, shifting to Unreal Engine 5 and expanding the scope of the ruined world. It retains the core mechanics of equipping Blood Codes and exploring with an AI partner, but scales up the environments and ties the lore closer to the God Eater universe. The combat is fast, punishing, and heavily reliant on character customization.

Mask of Idris is the first major post-game campaign for the sequel. The plot revolves around temporal rifts and a pocket dimension called the Forsaken World. According to the launch trailer, players are tasked with investigating these rifts to prevent an apocalyptic distortion of causality. The expansion introduces a new companion character named Liv Voda, alongside new weapon classes and boss encounters. The Forsaken World itself is described as a place for the past to die, filled with shattered architecture and hostile remnants.

I am curious to see how the time-manipulation narrative actually translates into the level design, considering the base game already plays with altered timelines.

Not exactly plug and play

Accessing the new content requires some legwork. You cannot simply buy the DLC and walk into the new zone. Players must reach the Luna Fraterna ending on at least one save file. You also need to advance Valentin's questline up to the "Discussion with Valentin: MagMell Island Tome" step. The requirement applies across New Game Plus, so you do not need to earn the ending a second time if you already started a new loop.

I appreciate when a game locks its hardest encounters behind actual story progression, though I suspect a few players will be scrambling to finish those specific side quests tonight.

The 2.0 update

Players who skip the paid expansion still get a substantial content drop. Free Update 2.0 goes live alongside the expansion. The headline feature is The Trials of Remembrance, a boss rush mode that pits players against scaled-up versions of the campaign's major enemies.

The patch also adds The Age of Harmony for post-game partner exploration, the ability to summon Jadwiga, and a Story-Focused Mode for players who want to experience the narrative with less friction. A photo mode update and an expanded jukebox round out the patch. The jukebox now includes tracks from both the Code Vein and God Eater franchises.

Bandai Namco is also repackaging the game into Ultimate and Deluxe editions. These bundles include the base game, the Mask of Idris expansion, and a custom outfit pack featuring a Cyber Ninja set and the Ame-no-Habakiri Greatsword.