Code Vein 2 throws players into a world where combat is as much about timing as it is about strength. Franz the Dejected Assailant, however, isn’t a test of brute force—he’s a test of reflexes, patience, and adaptability. Unlike earlier encounters, this duel demands more than just button-mashing; it rewards those who treat it like a high-stakes sparring match. The stakes are high: defeating him rewrites the past, saving Noah and granting access to a new companion for future battles.
The fight is split into two brutal phases, each introducing new attacks that punish hesitation. The key to survival isn’t just dodging—it’s countering. Parrying, baiting out weak points, and exploiting Franz’s aggression will turn the tide. Below, every move is dissected, from the simplest parry opportunities to the most devastating combos.
Phase One: The Art of the Parry
Franz begins as the Dejected Assailant, a relentless foe who closes distance with a dash attack—his easiest opening. This is where parrying shines. Equip the Mutinous Bracer Revenant Forma (obtained from Jadwiga’s Minions in MagMell) to unlock parry mechanics. The dash attack has a long windup, making it the perfect bait for a counter. Land a parry, and Franz stumbles, leaving him vulnerable to a flurry of strikes.
His melee combos are where most players stumble. A three-hit bayonet swing follows his initial claw swipes, but the bayonet’s windup is slow and telegraphs clearly. Parry the first hit, and the entire combo resets, giving you an opening to strike back. The claw attacks, however, are faster and require quicker reactions—dodge rather than parry if unsure.
Range is Franz’s secondary weapon. When he retreats, he charges a magic-infused bullet. The delay before firing is your cue: don’t dodge immediately. Sprint sideways only when the attack is about to land, as the projectile has a brief but noticeable delay. This forces Franz to reset his stance, breaking his flow.
- Noah as Bait: Keep Noah in the duel to draw Franz’s aggression. The boss will focus on him, leaving you free to land heavy attacks. Use this to your advantage—stagger Franz with Idris’s Conceit (a battle axe Forma) when he’s occupied.
- Slow Field: Idris’s Conceit doesn’t just deal damage—it applies a Slow effect to all enemies in its radius. Time its use during Franz’s recovery frames after a parry to cripple his next attacks.
- Stagger Pressure: After parrying, follow up with rapid strikes. Franz’s staggered state leaves him wide open for a few critical hits before he recovers.
The first phase is a dance of offense and defense. The moment Franz lands a hit, he gains momentum—let him. Wait for his telltale windup, then counter. Patience is the weapon here.
Phase Two: Franz’s Wrath
Mid-fight, the Dejected Assailant transforms into Franz, a more unpredictable and deadly version of his former self. His new teleportation attack is the most dangerous addition. Franz glows purple, then vanishes—only to reappear behind you for a three-hit combo ending in an AoE explosion. The first hit after teleportation is parryable, but the timing is tight. Listen for the sound cue: a sharp whoosh* as he reappears.
His claw drag attack is deceptive. Franz scrapes the ground before swinging upward, but the tell is in the initial drag. Dodge after the drag completes—early dodges leave you vulnerable to the follow-up. This attack rewards patience; rushing the dodge often results in a counterhit.
Long-range becomes Franz’s specialty. Horizontal laser sweeps and purple wave projectiles now dominate the arena. The lasers move predictably—sidestep when they appear. The waves, however, are slower but immobilize on impact. A quick roll to the side avoids this trap entirely. Franz’s purple glow before firing is your warning; don’t hesitate.
Noah’s Revival System
Franz’s aggression makes him a liability when Noah is down. The companion can revive you once per engagement, but he retreats briefly after using this ability. Time your downed moments carefully: if Noah is alive when you hit zero health, he’ll pull you back to full HP after a short delay. This creates a safety net—use it sparingly, but never ignore it.
Final Notes: The Reward
Defeating Franz isn’t just about unlocking Noah as a permanent companion—it’s about mastering the game’s combat systems. The fight forces players to abandon reckless aggression in favor of precision. Replay the duel with these strategies in mind, and Franz’s attacks will become predictable rather than punishing. The past rewrites itself, and the road ahead opens wider with each parry landed.
For those who treat this as a duel rather than a battle, Franz becomes manageable. For the rest, he’s a lesson in why Code Vein 2* demands respect—not just for its story, but for its combat.
