Weapon Upgrades & Fortification
Enhancing your chosen weaponry through upgrades and fortification is a cornerstone of survival in Code Vein II. As you venture deeper into the desolate world, the threats you face will grow in power, necessitating stronger tools to overcome them. Weapon upgrades primarily increase the base damage of your weapons, making each swing more impactful. Fortification, on the other hand, often imbues your weapons with additional elemental properties or boosts specific stats, such as critical hit chance or poise damage. Understanding the materials required for these enhancements is crucial for efficient progression.
The primary materials for weapon upgrades are Titanite Shards, Large Titanite Shards, and Titanite Chunks. These are found scattered throughout the world, dropped by enemies, or purchased from certain merchants like the enigmatic Blacksmith in the Obsidian Citadel. Each upgrade level requires a specific quantity and type of Titanite. For example, upgrading a weapon from +1 to +2 might require 2 Titanite Shards, while reaching +5 could demand a Large Titanite Shard. Fortification often requires rarer materials like Demon Titanite or Twinkling Titanite, which are typically obtained from defeating tougher bosses or found in hidden areas. The Crimson Scythe, for instance, might benefit greatly from fortification that adds fire damage, making it more effective against ice-aled enemies.
A common mistake is to hoard upgrade materials, waiting for the "perfect" weapon. It is generally more beneficial to upgrade your current primary weapon as soon as you acquire sufficient materials. The early-game boost in damage can significantly ease the difficulty of encounters, such as the challenging fight against the three Executioners in the Ruined Cathedral. Furthermore, pay attention to the scaling of your weapons. Weapons that scale with Strength will benefit more from upgrades if you are using a Strength-focused Blood Code like the Juggernaut Blood Code. Conversely, Dexterity-scaling weapons will see greater returns from upgrades when paired with a Dexterity-focused Code. Experimentation is key; don't be afraid to invest in a weapon you enjoy using, as the benefits of a well-upgraded weapon far outweigh the cost of the materials.