Hidden Areas & Secrets

Hidden Areas & Secrets

Code Vein is a game that rewards meticulous exploration. Beyond the main paths, the world of Vein is riddled with concealed passages, secret rooms, and obscure collectibles that often lead to powerful gear, valuable lore, or crucial progression items. This section will guide you through uncovering these hidden gems, ensuring you don't miss out on anything important.

Always be on the lookout for environmental clues: destructible walls (often indicated by subtle cracks, a slightly different texture, or even a faint glow), hidden ladders, precarious jumps across chasms, or seemingly dead-end paths that might conceal a secret entrance. Many valuable Depths maps, crucial for unlocking challenging side areas, are found in out-of-the-way locations. Furthermore, discovering hidden Mistle or activating shortcuts can drastically reduce travel time and make subsequent runs through an area much more manageable. Pay close attention to your surroundings and explore every nook and cranny; rushing through areas will almost certainly lead to missed opportunities.

General Exploration Tips for Uncovering Secrets

• Wall Scrutiny: Many hidden paths are behind walls that can be destroyed. Look for visual anomalies like cracks, discolored sections, or even subtle environmental cues like a breeze or sound coming from behind them. A successful hit with any weapon will reveal the path.
• Ledge & Jump Puzzles: Don't be afraid to test seemingly impossible jumps. Some areas require precise platforming to reach hidden ledges or lower levels. Always look down from high vantage points for potential hidden paths.
• Environmental Interaction: Keep an eye out for glowing objects, levers, or pressure plates that might open new pathways or reveal hidden items.
• Sound Cues: Sometimes, you can hear enemies or item sparkles through thin walls, indicating a hidden area nearby.
• Map Awareness: Frequently check your mini-map. Unexplored sections that seem to branch off into nothing often hide secrets.
• Companion Dialogue: Your companions sometimes offer subtle hints about nearby secrets or points of interest. Pay attention to their remarks.
• Return to Old Areas: As you gain new abilities or unlock new Blood Veils, revisit older areas. Some secrets might only be accessible later in the game.

Notable Hidden Areas & Secrets by Region

Ruined City Center

• Parking Garage Shortcut: After defeating the Oliver Collins boss, head back towards the parking garage. On the upper level, look for a destructible wall near a group of Lost. Breaking it reveals a shortcut back to the first Mistle, bypassing a significant portion of the area.
• Hidden Vestige (Eos Vestige Part A): From the Parking Garage Mistle, proceed as if going to the boss. Before dropping down to the lower level with the large group of Lost, look for a small ledge to your right that you can drop onto. This leads to a hidden alcove containing an Eos Vestige Part.
• Depths: Den of Darkness Map: Located in the collapsed highway section, near the area with the large axe-wielding Lost and the two snipers. Look for a small path leading off the main road, often obscured by debris.

Dried-up Trenches

• Secret Cavern (Blood Veils & Items): After navigating the initial poison gas area, you'll come to a section with several narrow ledges and a large pit. Instead of proceeding directly, look for a hidden path along the wall that leads to a lower, poison-free cavern. This area contains valuable Blood Veils like the Night Stalker and various upgrade materials. Be wary of the powerful Lost patrolling this area.
• Depths: Swirling Flood Map: Found on a small, elevated platform in the central, open area with multiple poison-spewing enemies. Requires careful platforming or a well-placed jump.

Cathedral of the Sacred Blood

The Cathedral is notorious for its labyrinthine structure and numerous hidden paths.

• Upper Levels Shortcut: After reaching the "Outlook Tower" Mistle, instead of going down, explore the upper ledges. There's a hidden path that wraps around the tower, leading to a shortcut elevator that connects back to an earlier section, significantly cutting down travel time.
• Hidden Vestige (Isis Vestige Part C): In the section with the rotating platforms and the large open area, look for a small, easily missed ledge that leads to a hidden room. This room contains an Isis Vestige Part and often a powerful enemy guarding it.
• Depths: Silent White Map: Located in the upper sections of the Cathedral, often behind a destructible wall or a hidden jump. Keep an eye out for glowing items on seemingly inaccessible ledges.

Ridge of Frozen Souls

• Ice Cave Shortcut: After the initial climb, you'll encounter a large ice cave with several paths. Look for a destructible ice wall near the back of the cave, often indicated by a slight discoloration. Breaking it reveals a shortcut back to an earlier Mistle.
• Hidden Vestige (Fionn Vestige Part B): In the area with the strong wind currents that push you, look for a small alcove protected from the wind. This often contains a Vestige part or valuable crafting materials.

City of Falling Flame

• Smoldering Street Shortcut: After navigating the initial fiery streets, you'll reach an area with multiple fire-breathing enemies. Look for a hidden path behind a collapsed building or a destructible wall that leads to a shortcut back to the first Mistle.
• Depths: Fiery Pits Map: Found in the lower, molten sections of the city. Requires careful navigation to avoid falling into lava and dealing with fire-resistant enemies.

Provisional Government Outskirts

• Collapsed Building Path: In the initial sections with the large, multi-story collapsed buildings, look for pathways that lead inside the structures. These often contain hidden items, Vestiges, or shortcuts that bypass groups of enemies.
• Hidden Vestige (Scathach Vestige Part A): Near the end of the area, before the final boss, there's a section with several powerful Lost. Look for a hidden ledge or a small gap in the wall that leads to a secluded area containing a Vestige.

Depths Maps & Their Locations

Depths maps unlock challenging side areas that offer unique enemies, valuable items, and often more lore. Collecting all of them is essential for full completion.

Missables & Common Pitfalls

• Vestiges: Many Vestige parts are hidden in obscure locations. If you're aiming for all Blood Codes, thorough exploration is paramount. Some Vestiges are only accessible after defeating certain bosses or unlocking specific shortcuts.
• Depths Maps: These are easily missed as they often blend into the environment or are in very out-of-the-way spots. Always check every corner, especially in larger, more open areas.
• NPC Quests: Some NPCs have side quests that require finding specific items in hidden areas. Failing to find these items can lock you out of rewards or unique interactions.
• Environmental Traps: Be cautious of seemingly empty areas. Some hidden paths are guarded by environmental traps or ambushes from powerful Lost.

By following these guidelines and maintaining a keen eye for detail, you'll be well-equipped to uncover all the secrets and hidden areas Code Vein has to offer, enriching your experience and empowering your revenant with the best gear and abilities available.