Konami is finally bringing the iconic franchise back to 2D action with a new installment celebrating the series’ 40th anniversary. It’s set for release on October 15, 2026, on all platforms, including Nintendo Switch. It’s being developed by Evil Empire and Motion Twin—the same team that brought us Dead Cells and its acclaimed Castlevania expansion.
It’s been 12 years since the last numbered installment. Sure, the series was on a roll—an excellent anime series on Netflix, successful crossovers with Dead Cells and Vampire Survivors. But that’s not what fans were waiting for. They were waiting for a full-fledged return. And now—Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. We’ve tried the game ourselves, spending about three hours with it. Let’s just say: the expectations were met. This is a distinctive take on the genre that carefully reimagines the classic formula, preserving its strengths and complementing them with a dark atmosphere and modern ideas. The events take place in 1499, 23 years after Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. It’s a direct sequel, featuring the same characters, only now grown up. The story centers on Trevor Belmont and his daughter, Rose. Paris is engulfed in flames, creatures of darkness roam the streets, and a letter from a local priest calls the vampire hunters back into action.
But enough introductions. Let’s break down what this game is, how it works, and why it’s worth the wait.
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Plot and Characters Castlevania Belmonts Curse
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is the twenty-sixth main installment in the series and a gift to fans for the franchise’s 40th anniversary. Development began back in 2022, and the official announcement came in February 2026 at State of Play. The game is being developed in partnership between Konami, Evil Empire (the studio behind the Dead Cells DLC), and Motion Twin, who are serving as consultants.
Paris and Connections to the Third Game
The story begins 23 years after the events of Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. The setting is Paris, 1499. The city, once a symbol of life and beauty, is now ablaze. The streets are awash with blood, and monsters crawl from the shadows. Trevor Belmont, an elderly and seasoned hunter, receives a letter from a Parisian priest pleading for help. He arrives in the French capital with his adult daughter, Rose.
The plot thickens from the very first minute. In addition to the series’ standard story of a land engulfed by demonic evil, the writers introduce intriguing details about Rose’s past. Her right hand is afflicted with a curse said to feed on aggression. The origin of this mark is unknown. The name Sypha Belnades, Rose’s mother and Trevor’s wife, also appears in dialogue. She’s described as a “masterful sorceress,” and there’s a hint that she might be alive. Or maybe not.
The Story of New Heroine Rose Belmont
Rose is not just another Ethan replacement, but a standalone character with her own story and role in the series’ development. She’s a distinct, well-developed character with her own history and motivations. The developers make it clear: Belmont’s Curse respects the series’ past, generously peppering in references for veterans, while remaining accessible to newcomers. You do not need to know all the intricacies of the lore to understand who is who and why everything is burning.
It’s worth noting that the game will receive Russian text translation. Russian subtitles have been confirmed for all platforms—PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. So there will not be a language barrier.
Gameplay and Mechanics Metroidvania
In Belmont’s Curse, you’re thrown into the thick of things almost immediately after the initial setup. No lengthy cutscenes or half-hour tutorials. Here’s your sword, here’s your mother’s deck of Tarot cards—survive.
Whip and a New Movement System
The game’s main feature is not just a weapon, but an entire movement and combat mechanic. The legendary Vampire Slayer whip is used on the right trigger and is constantly in use. In combat, it allows you to instantly fly toward enemies—especially useful against pesky flying creatures. In platforming, you can swing physically, like Indiana Jones, only in medieval Paris. Such is the evolution. The whip sets a unique rhythm for the game and sets it apart from dozens of other 2D action games.
Seven Weapons and Tarot Arcana Cards
During the three-hour preview, we discovered four of the seven announced weapons: a sword, a greatsword, a spear, and a castus. Each has its own moves, properties, and uses in combat.
The Arcana system deserves special attention. It’s based on Rose’s Tarot deck. At the beginning of the game, only one basic ability is available—for example, “Cursed Flame,” a long-range projectile. But as you progress, you’ll unlock new cards. And here’s the most interesting part: each ability can be upgraded by completing unique quests. Kill 20 enemies with “Cursed Flame,” and the projectile becomes larger and more powerful.
Bosses, when defeated, transform into new Arcana cards. You literally seal their power into your deck and use it against other monsters. Legendary enemies include Death, Medusa, Carmilla, and a new, mysterious figure—Joan of Arc.
Boss Difficulty and Exploration
Difficulty is a separate topic. The very first boss, “The Fallen,” greets you with a powerful cross attack, a full-screen whip, and a wild leap. He’s fast, durable, and leaves little time for healing. Dead Cells and Hollow Knight veterans will be in their element, but newcomers may find the first few hours brutal.
At the same time, the developers are not being rude for the sake of rudeness. Boss attacks are predictable if you pay attention. The game teaches you patience, method, and timing your counterattacks correctly. Defeating the Fallen gives you that same sense of satisfaction that we love in Soulslikes.
Exploration is another strength of Belmont’s Curse. The world opens up gradually. At first, you cannot access some areas, but as you gain access to the whip, you gain more access. Scattered throughout the map are statues and Arcana books to boost attack and defense, Heart Containers to increase health and mana, and relics with special bonuses—for example, restoring health when opening a chest. Venturing off the main path is always beneficial. The game constantly offers a sense of progress—both in-game and in developing your own skills.
Visually, the game is designed in a vibrant, hand-drawn 2.5D style. Hand-painted backgrounds offer multiple layers of depth and stunning detail. Paris in flames shimmers orange, church gardens a lush green, and catacombs a somber blue. The 3D character models initially seem out of place against the hand-painted backdrops, but once in motion, they blend perfectly into the overall picture.
The soundtrack is a special treat. Powerful organs, eerie strings, and even electric guitar parts enhance every moment. It sounds like classic Castlevania, but with modern production values.
Table Castlevania Belmonts Curse All Key Parameters
Verdict: Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse does not rely solely on nostalgia. It’s a modern game that carefully preserves the spirit of the classic games while introducing new ideas. The whip as a means of movement and combat, the Arcana system, seven weapons, rewarding exploration, and a visual style that’s irresistible.
Yes, the game is challenging. Yes, it requires patience and reflexes. But that’s exactly what a true Castlevania should be. 12 years of waiting—and it was worth it.
October 15, 2026—mark your calendars. Paris is waiting, the whip is already sharpened.
