Stepping into Code Vein 2 for the first time can feel overwhelming. Enemies hit hard, stamina drains fast, and one mistake can send you back to the last Mistle. That’s why choosing the right early-game partner isn’t just a preference—it’s your key to survival.
In Code Vein 2, partners are more than AI companions. They directly affect your stamina usage, Ichor economy, damage mitigation, and even whether you get a second chance after a fatal mistake. For new players, the difference between a forgiving first playthrough and a brutally punishing one often comes down to which partner you choose in the opening hours—and how you use them.
This guide explains Code Vein 2’s early partners in detail, breaks down their Link Traits and combat roles, and gives practical survival tips to help beginners stay alive, learn the combat system, and confidently push past the game’s toughest early encounters.
Whether you’re new to Soulslikes or returning from the original Code Vein, this 2026 beginner guide will help you make the smartest partner choice from the very start.
Understanding the Partner System (Before You Choose)
Before picking a partner, you need to understand how partners actually work in Code Vein II — something many beginner guides skip.
Summon vs Assimilate: The Core Choice
You can use partners in two different ways:
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Summon Mode – Your partner fights independently beside you
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Assimilation Mode – Your partner merges with you, granting raw stat boosts
For new players, the advice is simple:
🔰 Always Summon early on.
Why?
Why Summoning Is Better for Beginners
Summoned partners provide three massive survival advantages:
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Restorative Offering (Free Revive)
If your HP hits zero, a summoned partner can revive you. This alone can save entire runs. -
Aggro Control & Breathing Room
Enemies will attack your partner, giving you time to heal, reposition, or attack safely. -
Real Damage Output
Partners deal meaningful damage. Enemy HP bars show white segments representing partner damage — you just need to land a hit to “lock it in.”
Assimilation gives higher stats, but removes:
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Your revive safety net
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Aggro distraction
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Independent damage
That tradeoff is not worth it early.
The Three Best Early-Game Partners (Beginner-Approved)
In the opening hours, several partners appear — but three stand above the rest for new players.
Early-Game Partner Comparison Table
| Partner | How to Unlock | Weapon & Role | Key Link Trait (Why It’s Great) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lou | Available from the start | One-Handed Sword – Balanced | Restores Ichor when hit |
| Noah | Defeat Franz, the Dejected Assailant | Twin Blades – Aggressive DPS | Reduced stamina consumption |
| Iris | Speak to her in Present MagMell | Hammer – Tank / Stagger | Flat Defense increase |
Why These Partners Dominate the Early Game
Lou – The Perfect Learning Partner
Lou is designed to teach the fundamentals.
Her Ichor recovery on hit solves one of the biggest early problems:
👉 running out of resources.
With Lou:
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You can use Formae more often
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You’re punished less for mistakes
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You learn skill rotations naturally
If you’re new to Soulslikes, start with Lou.
Noah – The Stamina Saver (Top Pick for Melee)
Noah is arguably the strongest early partner overall.
Stamina management is the hardest thing for new players — and Noah directly fixes that.
His reduced stamina consumption means:
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More dodges
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Longer attack chains
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Fewer panic deaths
If you’re using:
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One-handed swords
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Twin blades
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Fast melee builds
➡️ Noah is S-tier early game.
Iris – The Defensive Safety Net
Iris is for players who feel overwhelmed.
Her flat Defense boost:
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Reduces damage taken
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Makes mistakes survivable
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Helps with slow, heavy weapons
If you’re getting hit often or using hammers or great weapons, Iris will keep you alive.
Link Points (LP): The Hidden System That Controls Everything
The blue bar under your HP is Link Points (LP) — and it’s critical.
How LP Works
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Damage drains LP first, then HP
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Your partner’s Link Trait only works while LP is active
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If LP hits zero, your partner’s trait shuts off
This means:
Taking too much damage doesn’t just hurt — it weakens your partner.
Pro Tip
Defensive play = stronger partner buffs.
Protecting LP is protecting your build.
Mastering Bond & Affinity (Huge Long-Term Gains)
Your bond with partners isn’t cosmetic — it directly boosts power.
How to Increase Affinity
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Fight with the partner summoned
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Complete their personal quests (via time-travel mechanics)
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Give gifts and favorite food items
Higher affinity unlocks:
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Stronger Link Traits
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Improved bonuses
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Better overall combat synergy
Invest early — it pays off all game.
Timeline Awareness: A Mistake Many Beginners Make
Code Vein II’s time-travel system affects partners.
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Some partners exist mainly in the Past
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Others are found in the Present
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You cannot switch partners mid-dungeon
Always:
✔ Choose your partner before entering
✔ Match the timeline to your strategy
✔ Plan ahead at MagMell or Mistle points
Best Partner by Playstyle (Quick Picks)
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New Player / Learning Combat → Lou
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Aggressive Melee / Dodge-Heavy → Noah
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Tanky or Heavy Weapon Builds → Iris
There’s no wrong choice — but there is a smarter one for your style.
Final Verdict: Your Partner Is Your Strongest Equipment
In Code Vein II, your partner is more important than your weapon, Blood Code, or armor.
For the early game:
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Summon, don’t assimilate
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Protect your Link Points
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Invest in bond and affinity
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Pick a partner that covers your weaknesses
Lou teaches you the system.
Noah carries aggressive builds.
Iris forgives mistakes.
Master your partnership, and the game opens up.
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