The Burden system in Code Vein 2 is one of the more confusing mechanics to understand, but mastering it will allow you to enjoy a different level of flexibility with your builds.
The Burden system will initially feel extremely complex. However, it allows you to bypass certain limitations that would otherwise remain impossible. Let’s look at how it works and how you can use it for your benefit.
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Code Vein 2 Burden System explained
Before understanding what the Burden system is, it’s essential to understand Attributes. Attributes are character stats that determine your build. Different attributes play separate roles, and you’ll want to balance them out (or go all-in in one or two areas if you want).
When you use equipment, there are certain stat requirements. The Burden system allows you to use the equipment even if it doesn’t meet the minimum requirements. Doing so will Overburden your attribute, but you’ll be able to use the equipment.
Here’s an example of how the system works. Let’s assume that your weapon requires 20 Strength, and you have 16 Strength. You can still equip the weapon, but it will Overburden your Strength attribute by four.
Similarly, if you use a weapon that has a lower requirement than your current attributes, it will leave you with leftover attribute points. You can then use these leftover points to balance out another attribute that might be Overburdened.
Overburdening and Burdening don’t affect how the different stats work. However, certain additional effects take place.
Overburden benefits and penalties in Code Vein 2
Burden and Overburden don’t have absolute effects in Code Vein 2. There are certain benefits and penalties that you’ll need to manage.
| Attribute | Advantages | Penalties | Higher Penalty Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stregnth | Raises the power of close-range attacks | Consume extra stamina by missing an attack | More stamina is drained upon a missed attack |
| Dexterity | Get more Ichor from your Drain Attacks | Lose Ichor upon taking hits | More Ichor will be taken when you take hits |
| Mind | Raises your max Ichor | Take HP and LP damage if you don’t have an active Formae buff | HP and LP depletion requires more active buffs |
| Fortitude | Regain Stamina after dodging an attack in the invincibility period | Get the Inhibit status effect if your stamina gets completely depleted | Inhibit lasts for longer |
| Willpower | Raises Formae attack power | Experience reduced attack power when trying to activate Formae without Ichor | Longer attack reduction |
| Vitality | Raises the LP and HP you gain from Regeneration | Experience reduced mobility if the LP falls below a certain limit | Increased LP threshold |
The penalties will scale with your Overburdened stats. The more limits you bypass, the harsher will be the penalties. However, the benefits don’t scale up to the same extent.
How Burden affects Dodges in Code Vein 2
All attributes have a Burden meter. There are three types of dodges: Light, Medium, and Heavy. If you have the Burden meter for all stats below or at half the meter, you’ll gain Light dodges. To gain a Heavy dodge, you’ll need at least two Overburdened stats. Everything else results in Medium dodges.
This feature allows you to customize builds beyond the normal archetypes. You can have heavier builds and still have light dodges (by keeping all the attributes under the correct limits).
