Konami will release Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse on October 15, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. While the Nintendo Switch version is scheduled for 2026, Konami initially stated that its specific release date and pre-order details would be announced at a later time.
The upcoming title marks the first entirely new game in the Castlevania franchise since 2014’s Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, according to Anime News Network. Developed by Konami and Evil Empire with advisory support from Motion Twin, the game is described as a 2D Action-Exploration experience.
Rose Belmont and the 1499 Paris Setting
Set in Paris, France, in 1499, the story takes place 23 years after the events of Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. Players control Rose Belmont, the daughter of Trevor Belmont, as she navigates burning streets, catacombs, and the halls of Dracula’s castle to save the city from eternal darkness, as detailed by Konami. According to Konami, “Paris is engulfed in flames as monstrous creatures suddenly emerge from the shadows.”
Rose utilizes the legendary holy whip, the Vampire Killer, to fight monstrous creatures. The gameplay emphasizes satisfying whip action that allows players to move like a trapeze artist and pounce on prey like a wolf in fast-paced combat, according to Gematsu.
Arcana Systems and Combat Customization
The game introduces an Arcana system where defeated legendary bosses—including Medusa, Carmilla, and a corrupted Joan of Arc—are sealed into Rose’s tarot cards. These cards allow players to cast spells and access unique special actions, Gematsu reports.
Combat is further customized through weapons across seven distinct categories and various Relics that trigger offensive and defensive effects. Nintendo Everything notes that the game includes biomes packed with puzzles and traps, requiring a mix of combat skill and strategic thinking.
Nintendo Switch Release Discrepancies
There has been conflicting information regarding the Nintendo Switch launch. While Gematsu reports the Switch version will launch “day and date” on October 15, other sources highlight a period of uncertainty.
Shacknews pointed out that the Switch logo was missing from the Xbox Games Showcase 2026 trailer and was not listed under the October 15 date on the official website. Similarly, Gamereactor suggested that the missing logo indicated Switch players would not join on day one.
Later, Nintendo Everything reported that Konami has since confirmed the October 15 date for the Switch, ensuring the version will not be delayed. The outlet also noted that while there are no plans for a “Switch 2” edition, the game will be playable on the next console via backwards compatibility.
Midnight Edition and Pre-order Incentives
Konami has launched pre-orders for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Midnight Edition is available in both digital and physical formats, featuring a Digital Sound & Art Gallery with 71 tracks and specific in-game items.
| Edition | Included Content | Special Bonuses |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Standard | Main Game | Alucard Style Costume (Pre-order) |
| Digital Midnight | Main Game, Sound & Art Gallery, Trevor Style Costume, Sypha Style Costume, Family’s Grace Relic | Alucard Style Costume (Pre-order) |
| Physical Midnight | Main Game, Sound & Art Gallery, Trevor Style Costume, Sypha Style Costume, Family’s Grace Relic | SteelBook & Katsuya Terada Tarot Card (Select EMEA Retailers) |
Development Pedigree and Franchise Context
The project is a collaboration between Konami and Evil Empire, the studio founded in 2019 to support the hit roguelike Dead Cells. TheSixthAxis notes that Evil Empire previously worked with the franchise on the 2023 “Return to Castlevania” expansion for Dead Cells. Motion Twin is also listed as a developer of the game.
This release follows a period of franchise expansion beyond core games, including the August 2024 launch of the Castlevania Dominus Collection and the premiere of the animated series Castlevania: Nocturne in September 2023, which Anime News Network reports focused on Richter Belmont in 1792 France.
The game’s visual identity is driven by original artwork from manga artist and illustrator Katsuya Terada, as confirmed by Konami.
The game was first revealed during PlayStation’s State of Play in February, and received a second trailer in April. It was later featured during the “XBOX Games Showcase 2026” livestream on a Sunday, where a brand-new trailer debuted. Konami Digital Entertainment, B.V. officially announced the October 15, 2026 launch date on June 8, 2026, from Windsor, United Kingdom.
Described as a Metroidvania Castlevania project through and through, the game involves exploring a world progressively and earning new items and upgrades to reach new areas. The setting includes an enormous castle inhabited by “an array of vile blood-sucking vampires.”
Find more reporting in our Entertainment section.
Worth a look
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
