How Summoning Works in Code Vein: A Comprehensive Guide

Summoning in Code Vein is a mechanic that allows players to enlist the aid of an AI companion (NPC) or another human player to tackle the game’s challenging environments and formidable bosses. Whether it’s for overcoming difficult encounters, exploring treacherous areas, or simply for a more enjoyable co-op experience, understanding the summoning system is crucial for maximizing your survival in the world of Vein. The core of summoning revolves around using Loss Shards (for NPCs) and activating distress signals at Mistle locations (for other players). You can summon one companion at a time and the summoned partner provides support in combat, from dealing damage to drawing enemy aggro, and can also revive you if you fall in battle.

Diving Deeper into Summoning Mechanics

Let’s break down the different aspects of summoning to fully grasp how it functions in Code Vein.

Summoning AI Companions (NPCs)

The most common and readily available form of summoning involves enlisting the help of AI companions. These NPCs, like Louis, Mia, Yakumo, Io, and Jack, are integral to the game’s story and each possesses unique combat styles, Blood Codes, and Gifts that can significantly impact your gameplay.

• Location and Availability: AI companions become available for summoning at specific points in the story. Once unlocked, you can summon them at any Mistle (the game’s bonfire equivalent) within the area they are available. You’ll see their icon near the Mistle when they’re ready to be summoned.
• Cost of Summoning: Summoning an AI companion requires spending a certain number of Loss Shards. The amount varies depending on the area and the difficulty level. Loss Shards are obtained by defeating enemies and exploring the environment.
• Benefits of AI Companions:
  • Combat Support: They actively engage in combat, dealing damage and drawing enemy aggression, allowing you to strategically plan your attacks.
  • Revival: If you fall in battle, your AI companion will attempt to revive you, providing a crucial second chance.
  • Gift Support: Many companions have Gifts that provide buffs to you or debuffs to enemies, enhancing your combat effectiveness. Io, in particular, is prized for her healing abilities.
• Limitations of AI Companions: While helpful, AI companions are not perfect. Their AI can sometimes be predictable, and they may not always make the best tactical decisions. They also have their own health and stamina bars and can be defeated, though they will usually recover after a short time.

Summoning Other Players (Co-op)

For a truly dynamic and challenging experience, Code Vein offers the option to summon other human players for co-op. This allows for coordinated strategies, shared experiences, and a greater chance of overcoming difficult obstacles.

• Distress Signals and Joining: Players seeking assistance can activate a distress signal at a Mistle. This signal becomes visible to other players in the same region who are looking to join a game. Players looking to help can search for these signals and join the host’s world.
• Level and Region Matching: The game attempts to match players of similar levels to ensure a balanced co-op experience. The region of the player’s game also determines who they can connect with, so make sure your region settings are appropriate.
• Co-op Mechanics:
  • Shared Progress: Progress made in the host’s world, such as defeating bosses, counts for both players.
  • Communication: Basic communication is possible through in-game emotes and gestures.
  • Revival: Just like with AI companions, players can revive each other if one falls in battle.
• Benefits of Co-op: Human players offer adaptability and strategic thinking that AI companions can lack. They can provide unique builds, coordinate attacks, and offer a more engaging social experience.
• Limitations of Co-op: Connection issues and player skill disparities can sometimes hinder the co-op experience. Communication can also be limited without voice chat or more advanced in-game communication tools.

Important Considerations for Summoning

• Area Restrictions: Summoning is not available in all areas of the game. Some areas, particularly story-specific zones, may restrict summoning.
• Difficulty Scaling: When summoning another player, the game may slightly increase the difficulty to compensate for the added strength.
• Loss Shard Management: Be mindful of your Loss Shard count, especially when exploring new areas. Regularly defeating enemies to replenish your shards ensures you can always summon help when needed.
• Companion Synergy: Experiment with different AI companions to find the ones that best complement your playstyle and Blood Code.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Summoning

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the summoning mechanic in Code Vein to further clarify how it works:

1. How do I summon an AI companion in Code Vein?

Approach a Mistle in an area where the companion is available. If they can be summoned, their icon will appear on the Mistle menu. Select their name, pay the required Loss Shards, and they’ll join your party.

2. How much do Loss Shards cost to summon an AI companion?

The Loss Shard cost varies depending on the area and the difficulty of the enemies within. Expect to pay anywhere from a few shards to a substantial amount in later areas.

3. Can I summon multiple AI companions at once?

No, you can only have one AI companion active at any given time.

4. What happens if my AI companion dies in combat?

They will be temporarily incapacitated and will usually revive after a short time. If they are downed in quick succession, they may stay down longer.

5. How do I summon another player for co-op?

Activate a distress signal at a Mistle. Other players in the same region can then search for and join your game.

6. How do I join another player’s game for co-op?

Select the “Search for Distress Signals” option at a Mistle. You’ll be matched with available players based on level and region.

7. Does the game scale difficulty when playing in co-op?

Yes, the game’s difficulty may be slightly increased to compensate for the added power of two players.

8. Can I communicate with the other player during co-op?

Basic communication is possible through in-game emotes and gestures. There is no built-in voice chat.

9. What happens if I die during co-op?

Your partner can revive you if they reach you in time. If both players die, you’ll return to the last Mistle you rested at.

10. Is summoning available in all areas of the game?

No, summoning is restricted in certain areas, particularly those that are story-specific or require solo progression.

11. Can I summon an AI companion and another player simultaneously?

No, you can only have one companion active at a time, whether it’s an AI or another player.

12. Does the other player get progress in their game when helping me?

Yes, both players will receive progress towards completing the area and defeating bosses.

13. What if I don’t have enough Loss Shards to summon an AI companion?

You will need to farm more Loss Shards by defeating enemies or exploring the environment.

14. Can I change my AI companion’s Blood Code or Gifts?

No, you cannot change the Blood Code or Gifts of your AI companions. They have fixed setups based on their character.

15. Are there any items or buffs that affect summoning?

There are some Blood Codes and Gifts that can improve the effectiveness of your companion, such as increasing their attack power or defense. Also, specific consumables might temporarily boost your stats or your companion’s stats.