Weapon & Armor Stats
Understanding your equipment's stats in Code Vein is crucial for survival and optimizing your build. This section will break down the key attributes of Weapons and Blood Veils (armor), helping you make informed decisions as you explore the treacherous world of Vein.
Weapon Stats Explained
Every weapon in Code Vein comes with a unique set of statistics that dictate its performance in combat. Paying close attention to these details will allow you to select weapons that synergize with your chosen Blood Code and playstyle.
- Damage Type: Weapons deal either Crushing, Piercing, or Slashing damage. Many enemies have resistances or weaknesses to specific damage types, so having a varied arsenal can be highly beneficial. For example, the Broadsword primarily deals Slashing damage, while the Hammer of Thralldom focuses on Crushing.
- Attack Rating (ATK): This is your weapon's raw damage output. Higher ATK generally means more damage per hit. However, remember that scaling and enemy defenses also play a significant role.
- Scaling: This indicates how well a weapon benefits from your character's core stats (Strength, Dexterity, Mind, Willpower). Scaling is graded from E (worst) to S (best).
- Strength (STR): Primarily boosts damage for heavy weapons like Greatswords and Hammers.
- Dexterity (DEX): Enhances damage for lighter, faster weapons such as One-Handed Swords and Bayonets.
- Mind (MND): Improves the effectiveness of certain Gifts and can influence damage for specific weapons with unique scaling.
- Willpower (WIL): Similar to Mind, it primarily affects Gifts but can also have niche weapon applications.
- Weight: Affects your mobility and dodge speed. Heavier weapons consume more stamina per swing and can lead to a slower dodge. Keep your total equipment load below 50% to maintain a "Normal" dodge, and ideally below 25% for a "Quick" dodge.
- Stamina Consumption: The amount of stamina drained per attack. Heavier weapons typically consume more stamina.
- Parry Window: For weapons capable of parrying, this indicates the timing window for a successful parry.
- Special Effects: Some weapons come with inherent buffs or debuffs, such as increased drain rating, status effect buildup (e.g., poison), or unique attack properties. The Blanched Greatsword, for instance, has a higher chance to inflict status ailments.
Blood Veil (Armor) Stats Explained
Blood Veils are your primary form of defense and also influence your Gift capabilities. Choosing the right Blood Veil for your build is just as important as selecting your weapon.
- Defense: Reduces incoming physical damage. Higher defense means less damage taken from physical attacks.
- Resistances: Provides protection against elemental damage types (Fire, Ice, Lightning) and status effects (Poison, Stun, Slow, etc.).
- Elemental Resistances: Crucial when facing enemies that heavily rely on elemental attacks, such as the Invading Executioner in the Howling Pits (Ice damage).
- Status Resistances: Helps mitigate the effects of debilitating status conditions. For example, a high Stun resistance can be invaluable against enemies that frequently stun.
- Gift Power: This stat directly impacts the effectiveness of your Gifts. Higher Gift Power generally means stronger offensive Gifts and more potent healing/support Gifts. This is particularly important for builds centered around Mind or Willpower.
- Drain Rating: Determines how much Ichor you gain from successful attacks and parries. A higher drain rating allows for more frequent Gift usage. The Night Claw Blood Veil is known for its excellent drain capabilities.
- Weight: Similar to weapons, Blood Veil weight contributes to your overall equipment load and affects your mobility.
- Balance: Affects your resistance to being staggered by enemy attacks. Higher balance means you're less likely to be interrupted during your own attacks.
Optimizing Your Gear
When selecting and upgrading your gear, consider the following:
- Synergy with Blood Code: Your Blood Code dictates your base stats and Gift proficiencies. Choose weapons and Blood Veils that complement your Blood Code's strengths. For a Fighter Blood Code, prioritize high STR scaling weapons and defensive Blood Veils. For a Caster Blood Code, focus on high Gift Power Blood Veils and weapons with good Mind/Willpower scaling (if applicable) or those that don't rely heavily on physical stats.
- Upgrade Materials: Weapons and Blood Veils can be upgraded at Murasame's shop in the Home Base using various materials like Queen Steel, Pure Blood, and Awake MJ212. Upgrading significantly boosts their base stats.
- Transformations: Later in the game, you can transform weapons to alter their scaling, damage type, or add special effects. For instance, applying a Fortification transformation can increase defense, while Alleviation reduces weight. Experiment with these to fine-tune your equipment.
- Enemy Encounters: Adapt your gear to specific challenges. If you're heading into an area with many fire-wielding enemies, equip a Blood Veil with high Fire resistance.
By carefully analyzing and understanding these stats, you'll be well-equipped to face the Lost and navigate the dangers of Vein.