How to Unlock Secret Characters in Vampire Survivors+ Using Codes

Expanding your roster in Vampire Survivors+ is one of the most rewarding aspects of the game, especially when you begin uncovering the game’s many hidden, secret characters. While most characters are earned through specific gameplay milestones or survival challenges, the developer has included a "Secrets" menu that allows you to bypass these requirements using specific text codes.

This guide covers everything you need to know about accessing this menu, the prerequisites for using codes, and the essential strategies for managing your expanded character list.

Accessing the Secrets Menu: The Forbidden Scrolls of Morbane

Before you can begin entering codes, you must first obtain the Forbidden Scrolls of Morbane. This relic acts as the key to the game’s internal "Secrets" system. Without this item in your inventory, any code you attempt to input will be ignored by the game engine.

How to get the Forbidden Scrolls

1. Unlock the Bone Zone: You must first unlock three different stages in the game to gain access to the Bone Zone.
2. Locate Sketamari: Enter the Bone Zone stage. You are looking for a unique, rolling boss enemy known as Sketamari. It appears as a massive ball of skeletons rolling through the map.
3. Defeat the Boss: Defeat the Sketamari. It has a significant amount of health, so ensure your build is capable of sustained DPS.
4. Collect the Relic: Upon defeat, the Sketamari will drop the Forbidden Scrolls of Morbane. Pick it up to permanently unlock the "Secrets" button on the game’s main menu.

Once you have the relic, the "Secrets" button will appear on the main menu, serving as your portal for code entry.

Entering Secret Character Codes

The Secrets menu functions as a text-input interface. When entering codes, it is vital to remember that all codes are case-sensitive. A single typo or a missed capital letter will prevent the code from registering.

Once you enter a valid code, you will hear a distinct sound effect and receive a visual confirmation. After this, the character is added to your list of available heroes, though you will still need to purchase them with gold before they appear in your active roster.

Essential Character Codes

Use these strings to unlock some of the most iconic hidden characters in Vampire Survivors+:

• Exdash: Enter x-x1viiq
• Toastie: Enter tramezzini (Note: While this code exists, some versions still require the traditional "press Down + Enter" trick during a run).
• Smith IV: Enter maybeimastayawayfromhere (Requires having both Exdash and Toastie unlocked first).
• Leda: Enter iwillneverforgetaboutlead
• Peppino: Enter pinociampino
• Gyorunton: Enter secondevolution

Note: Always ensure your game is updated to the latest version, as the developer occasionally adds new characters or adjusts existing code strings.

Managing Complex Unlock Sequences

Not every character can be unlocked solely by typing a string. Some characters, like Smith IV, are tied to complex internal game flags.

For example, if you are attempting to unlock Toastie, the traditional method involves waiting for a green reaper to spawn at specific times (30:00 or 01:00 on certain stages) and pressing the down arrow and the enter key simultaneously. If you are struggling with a code, it is often because you haven't triggered the prerequisite conditions for that specific character. Always check the Secrets menu to see if the game provides a cryptic hint regarding the character’s "pathway."

Why Codes Sometimes "Fail"

If you enter a code and nothing happens, check for these common issues:

• Case Sensitivity: Double-check the capitalization.
• Prerequisites: Some characters, such as Smith IV, require you to have already unlocked other secret characters (Exdash and Toastie) before the game accepts their code.
• Gold Reserve: If you’ve successfully used a code but don't see the character, check your character selection screen. You likely have the right to unlock them, but you still need to pay the gold fee to officially add them to your roster.

Strategy: Is Using Codes Right for You?

While using codes is an excellent quality-of-life feature, it is important to consider the impact on your gameplay experience.

The Case for Organic Discovery

Vampire Survivors+ is designed as a discovery-heavy roguelite. Many of the unlock methods serve as "tutorials" for unique mechanics. By finding characters naturally, you learn how to handle specific boss encounters and map-based challenges. If you skip these, you may find yourself overwhelmed by a character whose playstyle you don't fully understand.

The Case for Code Usage

If you have already played Vampire Survivors+ on another platform or simply want to experiment with high-tier secret characters to optimize your gold-farming builds, codes are invaluable. They allow veteran players to jump straight into the end-game content without repeating the early-game grind.

Troubleshooting and Expert Tips

To maximize your success with secret characters:

1. Keep Gold Ready: Secret characters are rarely free. Before you start entering multiple codes, ensure you have a surplus of gold, as these characters often carry a high price tag.
2. Verify Updates: If you are playing on a mobile or console version of Vampire Survivors+, ensure your game is fully updated. Developers occasionally shift codes or add new ones in patch notes.
3. The "Hidden" Achievement Factor: Be aware that some platforms track "Achievements" based on how you unlock characters. In some instances, using a code may not trigger the platform-specific achievement for "unlocking" that character. If you are a completionist, verify if the game mandates organic discovery for the achievement to pop.
4. Use the Secrets Menu as a Log: The menu itself often shows you which characters you have already unlocked. If you are unsure if a code worked, scroll through the Secrets list to see if the character name is greyed out or highlighted.

By utilizing the Forbidden Scrolls of Morbane, you take full control of your Vampire Survivors+ experience. Whether you choose to hunt for them manually or use the shortcut codes, these secret characters bring unique weapons and passive abilities that are essential for conquering the most difficult stages and challenges in the game.