Character Backstories

Delving into the past of Vein's inhabitants offers not only fascinating lore but also tangible in-game benefits. Unlocking the full backstories of your companions and key NPCs often rewards you with powerful Blood Codes, unique Gifts, and valuable items that can significantly impact your journey through the desolate world. This section will guide you through the specific steps required to uncover these hidden narratives.

Unlocking Companion Memories

Each of your loyal companions carries a heavy past, fragmented into Vestiges scattered across the world. Collecting and restoring these Vestiges is crucial for understanding their motivations and unlocking their full potential. The process generally involves:

Locating Vestiges: These are often found in areas directly related to the companion's past, or in challenging side paths within main story dungeons. They appear as glowing, crystalline objects on the ground.
Restoring Vestiges: Once collected, return to the Home Base and interact with the Vestige Processor (located near Murasame's shop). Select the appropriate Vestige and choose to restore it. This will trigger a memory sequence.
Viewing Memory Sequences: After restoration, approach the companion at Home Base. A prompt will appear to view their memory. These sequences provide crucial narrative context and often lead to new Gifts or Blood Codes.

Io's Vestiges and the Successor Blood Codes

Io's backstory is intrinsically linked to the Successors and the very nature of the Blood Veils. Unlocking her memories is paramount for understanding the overarching plot and gaining access to some of the most potent Blood Codes in the game.

Successor of the Ribcage Vestiges: These are found within the Cathedral of the Sacred Blood. Look for them in the upper levels and hidden alcoves. Restoring these will unlock the Isis Blood Code for Io, granting access to powerful healing and support Gifts.
Successor of the Breath Vestiges: Located in the City of Falling Flame. Pay close attention to the areas surrounding the molten rivers and the ruined buildings. Completing these memories will unlock the Fionn Blood Code, enhancing Io's offensive capabilities.
Successor of the Claw Vestiges: Discover these in the Ridge of Frozen Souls. They are often tucked away in icy caves or near the edges of cliffs. Restoring these Vestiges grants the Scathach Blood Code, offering a balance of offense and defense.
Successor of the Throat Vestiges: Found within the Crown of Sand. Search the vast desert expanses and the ancient ruins. Unlocking these memories provides the Hades Blood Code, focusing on devastating dark Gifts.

Strategy Tip: Prioritize collecting Io's Vestiges as you progress through the main story. Her unlocked Blood Codes significantly bolster your party's effectiveness, especially in boss encounters.

Louis's Research and the Queenslayer Blood Code

Louis's past is tied to the research into the Blood Veils and the origins of the Revenants. His memories offer insights into the scientific efforts to combat the Great Collapse.

Louis's Vestige I: Found in the Ruined City Center, often near the collapsed highway or the underground passages.
Louis's Vestige II: Located in the Dried-up Trenches, typically in areas with high Miasma concentration.
Louis's Vestige III: Discovered in the Howling White Lands, often near the entrance to the Ridge of Frozen Souls.

Restoring all of Louis's Vestiges will deepen your understanding of the Queen and eventually contribute to unlocking the powerful Queenslayer Blood Code for the protagonist, a versatile Code with strong offensive and defensive capabilities.

Yakumo's Loyalty and the Atlas Blood Code

Yakumo's backstory highlights his unwavering loyalty and his struggles with the harsh realities of Vein. His memories often involve protecting those he cares about.

Yakumo's Vestige A: Found in the Area D-12 Ruined City Underground, often near the entrance to the Parking Garage.
Yakumo's Vestige B: Located in the Ashen Cavern, typically in the deeper sections where the Miasma is thickest.
Yakumo's Vestige C: Discovered in the Provisional Government Outskirts, often near the ruined military vehicles.

Completing Yakumo's memories will strengthen your bond and unlock the Atlas Blood Code for the protagonist, a heavy-hitting Code focused on two-handed weapons and robust defenses.

NPC Interactions and Side Quests

Beyond your direct companions, several key NPCs at Home Base and scattered throughout Vein have their own stories to tell. Engaging with them through dialogue and completing their specific side quests can reveal more lore and provide unique rewards.

Muramasa's Crafting History: Regularly speak with Murasame at Home Base. After certain story progression points, she will offer dialogue options that delve into her past as a weaponsmith and her connection to the Queen. While not directly tied to Vestiges, these conversations can unlock new weapon upgrade options or unique weapon transformations.
Coco's Scavenging Tales: Coco, the merchant, occasionally has requests for specific items. Fulfilling these requests (e.g., finding Old World Materials or Lost Shards in specific areas) will not only reward you with Haze but also unlock new dialogue that sheds light on her life before the Great Collapse and her survival instincts.
Davis's Patrol Reports: Davis, the guard at Home Base, often has observations about the current state of Vein. Listening to his reports can sometimes trigger mini-quests to clear specific areas of Lost, or to investigate unusual activity. Completing these can yield rare crafting materials or even unique weapon skins.

Important Note: Some NPC interactions and Vestige locations are time-sensitive or require specific story progression. It's recommended to revisit Home Base and speak to all available NPCs after major boss battles or advancing to new areas to ensure you don't miss any crucial lore or rewards.