For full progression context, see the Code Vein II Boss Overview Guide.
Franz the Dejected Assailant is the first major boss in Code Vein II and functions as a fundamentals check rather than a mechanical puzzle. While his moveset is limited, the fight is designed to teach players how to recognize safe damage windows, manage stamina, and capitalize on short openings without overextending.
Boss Overview
Franz applies steady melee pressure through wide swings and forward lunges. His attacks are slow enough to read but cover significant space, forcing players to think about positioning rather than reaction speed alone. The arena limits long retreats, encouraging lateral movement and controlled aggression.
As his health decreases, Franz increases attack frequency, shortening recovery windows and punishing players who rely on greedy damage attempts.
Recommended Preparation
Early-game Blood Codes do not allow for deep specialization, but players should favor setups that balance stamina efficiency and consistent melee damage. Faster weapons with shorter recovery animations tend to be more forgiving than heavier options.
A companion is strongly recommended. Beyond absorbing aggro, companions create reliable openings for safe rotations, especially during Franz’s longer recovery animations. Consumables should be viewed as insurance rather than a core part of the strategy.
Attack Patterns and Behavior
Franz’s core attacks consist of wide horizontal swings, forward-charging lunges, and short combo chains. These attacks are typically preceded by clear wind-ups, but their range discourages backward dodging.
When Franz misses a lunge or completes a heavy swing, he briefly pauses before resetting his stance. These moments form the primary damage windows throughout the fight.
Optimal Damage Windows and Rotations
The safest and most consistent damage comes from short, repeatable rotations rather than extended combos. After a heavy swing or missed lunge, players should aim for a simple two- to three-hit melee string followed by an immediate disengage. This preserves stamina for evasive movement and avoids being caught during Franz’s recovery reset.
A common and effective rotation is to dodge laterally into the final frames of a swing, land one or two light attacks, then reposition rather than continuing pressure. Attempting to extend beyond this window often results in stamina depletion and counterattacks.
If using Gifts that provide temporary damage boosts or stagger potential, they are best activated immediately after Franz completes a large commitment attack. Using buffs preemptively often leads to wasted uptime due to forced dodging.
Stagger and Pressure Management
Franz can be staggered, but pushing for staggers should not be the primary goal. Instead, players should treat stagger opportunities as bonuses that occur naturally through sustained, disciplined damage. Chasing stagger windows aggressively often leads to overextension.
When Franz is briefly staggered or redirected by a companion, this is one of the few moments where a slightly longer attack string is safe. Even then, players should disengage before stamina drops below a safe threshold.
Positioning and Movement Tips
Sideways movement is consistently safer than retreating backward. Dodging sideways keeps players within striking range while avoiding the edge of the arena, where Franz’s wide swings become harder to evade.
Dodging forward through certain swings can also be effective, placing the player behind Franz and allowing a brief punish. This requires confidence in timing but reduces the risk of being cornered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most frequent errors is attempting to maximize damage during every opening. Franz recovers quickly, and extended attack strings often leave players unable to dodge follow-up swings.
Another common mistake is activating offensive Gifts during neutral moments rather than during guaranteed openings, resulting in lost value and increased risk.
Closing Notes on the Fight
Franz the Dejected Assailant rewards consistency over creativity. Players who adopt simple, repeatable rotations and respect stamina limits will find the fight manageable and predictable. Mastering this encounter sets a strong foundation for later bosses, where similar principles are applied under much higher pressure.
Next Boss:Josee the Blind Hero
For the complete boss list and progression order, return to the Code Vein II Boss Overview Guide.