Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a New Castlevania Game Coming in 2026 — Release Date, Trailer, Platforms, Story & Gameplay

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After over a decade of waiting, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is officially bringing the beloved vampire-hunting franchise back in 2026. Konami announced this new 2D Castlevania entry during a PlayStation State of Play event, much to fans’ excitement. It marks the first original Castlevania game in 12 years, arriving just in time for the series’ 40th anniversary celebration. Below, we break down everything we know so far – from its release window and platform availability to story, gameplay, and how it connects to Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse – along with a look at the trailer, new features, and what this revival means for the future of Castlevania.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse release date (2026 launch window)

Konami has confirmed that Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse will launch in 2026. Revealed at Sony’s State of Play, the game is aimed for a “later this year” window in 2026, suggesting a late 2026 timeframe such as the fall or holiday season. This release coincides with the 40th anniversary of the franchise, which debuted in 1986. Konami has stated this title is the first of many projects planned for the milestone year.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse platforms (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC)

Belmont’s Curse is a multiplatform release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. It is built for current-generation hardware and will not be available on PS4, Xbox One, or mobile. While the announcement occurred at a PlayStation event, Xbox and Switch support were quickly confirmed. Digital listings are already live on the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Steam.

yelzkizi Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a New Castlevania Game Coming in 2026 — Release Date, Trailer, Platforms, Story & Gameplay

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse announcement trailer (State of Play reveal)

The game was unveiled during the February 2026 State of Play with a trailer featuring the tagline “Crimson Curse – Will Your Fate Bloom in Despair or Salvation.” The footage showed 15th-century Paris under siege and introduced a new Belmont protagonist. Key gameplay elements included using the Vampire Killer whip for combat and traversal, such as swinging over chasms. The trailer also showcased a sword, classic enemies like zombies, and a silhouette of the boss Death. The project is a collaboration between Konami, Evil Empire, and Motion Twin.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse story setting (1499 Paris and the mysterious castle)

Set in 1499 Paris, the story moves the series from its traditional Eastern European setting to Medieval France. Following a monster invasion and the appearance of a mystical castle over the city, a lone Belmont must intervene. The game takes place 23 years after Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, meaning the darkness has returned sooner than the usual 100-year cycle. Players will explore both the burning streets of Paris, including landmarks like a cathedral, and the interior of the castle to uncover the source of the curse.

Trevor Belmont’s successor in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse (new protagonist details)

The protagonist is a female Belmont and the direct successor to Trevor Belmont. While her name is currently unrevealed, her red hair and 1499 timeline placement suggest she is the daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades. Her design shares similarities with Sonia Belmont from Castlevania Legends. As a member of the House Belmont, she wields the Vampire Killer whip and carries on the family legacy of vampire hunting in this new chapter.

Vampire Killer whip mechanics in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

The Vampire Killer whip serves as both a weapon and a vital traversal tool. Players can use it to swing freely from anchor points like lamp posts and branches, allowing for acrobatic movement and the ability to strike enemies from unconventional angles. This dynamic mechanic is core to navigating the non-linear world and reaching hidden areas. While it retains its classic offensive capabilities, its new utility as a “grappling hook” encourages creative exploration and fast-paced combat.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse weapons and abilities (Sword and more)

In addition to the whip, the game features a large selection of weapons and abilities. A sword has been confirmed as an easy-to-use melee alternative with solid attack power. Konami has also hinted at the inclusion of spells, which may be linked to the protagonist’s potential Belnades heritage. Players will need to strategically switch between various weapons, sub-weapons, and magical abilities—including a confirmed sliding dodge—to overcome different enemies and progress through the game’s Metroidvania-style environment.

Is Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse a Metroidvania or a classic 2D Castlevania?

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a Metroidvania-style game, described by Konami as a “2D exploration action game.” It moves away from the linear, stage-based format of the early NES titles and adopts the non-linear exploration popularized by Symphony of the Night. The game features an interconnected map of Paris and the castle, where players find items and gain abilities to unlock new areas and backtrack through previous sections. While the game includes potential RPG elements like experience points and leveling up, Konami has confirmed it is not a roguelite; there is no procedural generation or permadeath. Instead, the game features handcrafted levels designed by Evil Empire to capture the core “Igavania” formula.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse exploration features (secrets, traps, puzzles, hidden items)

Exploration is a central mechanic in Belmont’s Curse, with both the city of Paris and the castle containing secrets, traps, and puzzles. In addition to combat, players must solve environmental puzzles, such as finding keys or interpreting clues, to progress. The environments are filled with hazards like swinging blades, spiked pits, and collapsing platforms that require precise timing and reflexes. Bold exploration is rewarded with secret chambers and hidden items, including health upgrades and stat boosts. The game uses a Metroidvania loop where finding upgrades allows access to new areas, featuring both horizontal city streets and vertical castle segments.

Breakable walls and classic Castlevania secrets in Belmont’s Curse

Belmont’s Curse honors series tradition by including breakable walls that hide items. Konami has specifically confirmed that players can find health-restoring “wall meat” by striking certain parts of the architecture. Beyond food, these hidden alcoves can contain weapon upgrades, sub-weapon ammunition, or secret rooms that do not initially appear on the map. This feature encourages players to test every wall and corner for secrets. Other classic elements like items dropping from candles or chandeliers and the potential for illusory walls are also expected to be part of the experience.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse art style (colorful gothic look)

The game features a “colorful gothic” art style that combines a vibrant color palette with a dark, medieval atmosphere. Influenced by the 2D aesthetic of Motion Twin and Evil Empire, the visuals use detailed, hand-drawn high-definition art rather than pixel art. Environments utilize rich tones—such as purple night skies and fiery orange cityscapes—while maintaining gothic motifs like stained glass and gargoyles. This style ensures that characters and enemies are visually distinct against detailed backdrops. The lighting and shadows are dynamic, aiming to modernize the 2D gothic look while remaining functional for gameplay by highlighting interactive elements.

How Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse connects to Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse

Belmont’s Curse is a thematic and chronological successor to Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, set in 1499, exactly 23 years after Trevor Belmont defeated Dracula in 1476. The new protagonist is Trevor’s successor and likely his daughter with Sypha Belnades, continuing the Belmont lineage. The shared “Curse” subtitle suggests a thematic link between the two games. Because it follows the events of the original game and the Netflix animated series, the story explores the aftermath of Dracula’s defeat. The presence of Death as a boss suggests that Dracula’s influence remains, and while the setting has moved to France, the game is positioned as a direct continuation of the House Belmont saga.

Evil Empire and Motion Twin Castlevania game (Dead Cells developers working with Konami)

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a collaboration between Konami and the teams behind Dead Cells. Evil Empire is the primary development studio, while Motion Twin serves as an advisory studio, with Konami providing oversight and resources. This partnership follows the success of the “Return to Castlevania” DLC for Dead Cells, which demonstrated the developers’ ability to handle the franchise. Konami producers, including Tsutomu Taniguchi, are guiding the project to ensure it maintains the series’ spirit. This collaboration brings together Konami’s intellectual property with the indie studios’ expertise in modern 2D action-platformers.

Castlevania 40th anniversary game (why Belmont’s Curse matters)

Scheduled for 2026, Belmont’s Curse is the flagship release for Castlevania’s 40th anniversary. Konami intends for this title to revive the brand after a long hiatus from mainline 2D entries. Alongside the game, Konami launched a 40th Anniversary portal and suggested that this title is the “first of many” new products and initiatives planned for the franchise. The game is seen as both a tribute to the series’ legacy and a renewal of the IP, following the conclusion of the Lords of Shadow trilogy in 2014 and the success of the Netflix animated series.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse wishlist (official site, Steam, console stores)

Fans can currently wishlist or follow the game on several platforms to receive updates on its 2026 release:

Steam (PC): The store page is live, allowing users to add the game to their wishlists for email notifications and updates.
PlayStation 5: The game can be wishlisted or followed via the PlayStation Store on the console or web.
Xbox Series X|S: The Microsoft Store allows users to mark the game as “Interested” or add it to a wishlist.
Nintendo Switch: While confirmed as a platform, the eShop listing is expected closer to the launch date.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse preorder guide (price, physical editions, where to buy)

Preorders are currently available for some versions of the game:

Price: The base game is priced at $40 USD (£35 / €40), a mid-range point intended to make the 2D title accessible.
Physical Editions: Standard physical copies are available for preorder on PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X. No collector’s editions have been announced yet.
Digital Editions: Digital versions will be available for $40 on all major storefronts closer to the launch date.
Preorder Bonuses: No specific bonuses or digital deluxe content have been revealed at this time.
Where to Preorder: Physical copies can be reserved through retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy, while digital platforms will offer pre-orders as the release date approaches.

Will Konami make more Castlevania games after Belmont’s Curse?

Konami has indicated that Belmont’s Curse is the start of a broader revival for the franchise. The company’s anniversary message mentions “numerous new products,” which could include:

Additional 2D games: Potential follow-ups or entries exploring different eras and characters within the timeline.
3D Castlevania revival: Possible new 3D projects or a continuation of larger-budget entries.
Remasters/Remakes: Further collections of classic titles or remakes of specific entries like Symphony of the Night.
DLC or expansions: Post-launch support for Belmont’s Curse, a specialty of developer Evil Empire.

This strategy aligns with Konami’s recent efforts to revive other major franchises like Silent Hill and Metal Gear Solid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the release date for Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse?
A: Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is scheduled to release in 2026. Konami has not given a specific day or month yet, only that it’s launching in 2026 (likely in the latter part of the year). We’re expecting more detailed release info as development progresses, but for now 2026 is the official launch window.
What platforms will Belmont’s Curse be available on?
A: Belmont’s Curse is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam). It’s a current-gen title, so it will not be on PS4 or Xbox One. You’ll be able to play it on the latest consoles or on PC. A Steam listing is already up for PC players.
Is there a trailer for the game, and what does it show?
A: Yes, the announcement trailer premiered during PlayStation’s State of Play (Feb 2026). The trailer showcases the game’s 2D gameplay and gothic atmosphere – you’ll see the new Belmont hero using the Vampire Killer whip to swing and fight monsters in 1499 Paris. It also teases parts of the story (Paris on fire, a castle appearing) and reveals the involvement of the Dead Cells developers. The trailer is available on YouTube and the PlayStation channel.
Who is the main character in Belmont’s Curse?
A: The protagonist is a descendant of Trevor Belmont, identified as Trevor’s successor. Notably, the hero is female (Konami refers to her as “she”), making her the first female Belmont lead in a main game. Fans speculate she is Trevor and Sypha’s daughter, though her name hasn’t been revealed yet. She wields the Vampire Killer whip to carry on the Belmont legacy.
How is Belmont’s Curse connected to Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse?
A: Belmont’s Curse is set 23 years after Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (which took place in 1476). This places it in 1499, with the new hero likely being the next generation Belmont after Trevor. The game’s subtitle itself is a nod to Dracula’s Curse, and the story builds on the aftermath of Dracula’s defeat by Trevor. It’s essentially a continuation of the Belmont lineage in the timeline following Castlevania III’s events.
What gameplay style is Belmont’s Curse – a Metroidvania or classic linear Castlevania?
A: Belmont’s Curse is designed as a Metroidvania-style “2D exploration action” game. That means it features a non-linear map (including the castle and Paris streets), backtracking, secret areas, and likely RPG elements like character upgrades. It is not a stage-by-stage linear game. You can expect an experience more akin to Symphony of the Night or Aria of Sorrow, where exploration and revisiting areas with new abilities is key.
What are some of the weapons and abilities we can use in the game?
A: The iconic Vampire Killer whip is your primary weapon, and it has new mechanics allowing you to swing around like a grappling hook. Besides the whip, the game will offer other weapons – one confirmed example is a Sword, which provides a solid melee option. Konami has hinted at a large selection of weapons and abilities, including possibly sub-weapons (like daggers, holy water, etc.) and even spells (the hero may use magic). These additional tools haven’t been fully revealed yet, but the sword and whip combination shown so far indicates players will have multiple combat options.
Who is developing Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse?
A: The game is a collaboration between Konami and the team behind Dead Cells. Development is being handled by Evil Empire (developers of Dead Cells DLC and more) with Motion Twin (Dead Cells creators) in an advisory role, and of course Konami’s own producers overseeing the project. In short, Konami brought in the Dead Cells developers – who proved their Castlevania chops with the Return to Castlevania DLC – to work on this new Castlevania title, which is great news for fans.
Can I preorder the game now, and how much does it cost?
A: Yes, preorders are already live for Belmont’s Curse. The game is priced at $40 USD. You can preorder physical copies for PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X|S through retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Digital preorders on the PS/Xbox stores aren’t live as of now (you can wishlist it in the meantime), and on Steam you can only wishlist since Steam doesn’t support long-term preorders. There haven’t been any announced preorder bonuses or special editions yet – currently it’s just the standard game for $40.
Will there be more Castlevania games after Belmont’s Curse?
A: Konami has strongly hinted that yes, Belmont’s Curse is just the beginning of a wider Castlevania revival. In their 40th anniversary message, they stated this game is “the beginning of numerous new products around Castlevania.” While “products” could include merchandise or other media, it’s likely to encompass future games or content as well. Essentially, if Belmont’s Curse is successful, we can expect more Castlevania projects (perhaps new games, remasters, or expansions) to follow as part of the franchise’s comeback. Konami seems committed to bringing Castlevania back into the spotlight after a long hiatus.

Conclusion

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse marks a return for the franchise, combining 2D charm with modern updates. Slated for 2026 on all major platforms, the game features a 1499 Parisian setting, a new female Belmont lead, and Metroidvania gameplay enhanced by new whip mechanics. Developed by the Dead Cells team in collaboration with Konami, the title utilizes a colorful gothic art style and emphasizes exploration and secrets.

The game serves as the vanguard for Castlevania’s 40th anniversary and is intended to be the start of a broader revival for the series. For fans waiting since the early 2010s, this represents a new era for the Belmont clan. As development continues toward the 2026 launch, further details regarding story, exact timing, and additional surprises are expected from Konami.