Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Announced for 2026: Release Date, Platforms, and Gameplay Deep Dive

Konami has officially announced Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a massive new 2D action-exploration title developed in collaboration with Evil Empire, the studio behind the legendary roguelite Dead Cells. Set to launch in 2026, it promises to return the franchise to its roots with classic whip-cracking action and a fresh, stylized art direction.

After years of silence, Pachinko machines, and animated series adaptations, the true Castlevania experience is finally back. Revealed during the February 2026 PlayStation State of Play, Belmont’s Curse is not a remake but a brand-new entry in the timeline, set 23 years after the events of Castlevania: Dracula’s Curse.^[1] If you’re a fan of high-skill action platformers and want to master difficult mechanics while you wait, checking out our guide to the best open world games of 2026 provides a look at other major titles defining the year.

This announcement has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, not just because it’s a new Castlevania, but because of who is making it. Konami has handed the keys to the kingdom to Evil Empire and Motion Twin, the developers who essentially saved the Metroidvania genre with Dead Cells. Here is everything we know about the release date, platforms, setting, gameplay mechanics, and what this collaboration means for the future of the series.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Release Date and Platforms

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse will be released in 2026. While a specific month has not yet been confirmed, the game is targeting a simultaneous multi-platform launch. Konami has confirmed it will be available on:

• PlayStation 5: Likely featuring DualSense haptic feedback integration for whip strikes.
• Xbox Series X|S: Available day one, though Game Pass inclusion hasn't been announced.
• Nintendo Switch: Targeting the massive install base of handheld Metroidvania fans.
• PC (via Steam): With full controller support and likely Steam Deck optimization given Evil Empire’s track record.

The decision to launch on all platforms simultaneously suggests Konami is aiming for the widest possible audience, avoiding the platform exclusivity deals that have fragmented fanbases in recent years. Players can already wishlist the game on PS5, Xbox, and Steam to stay updated on pre-order bonuses and beta opportunities.

Gameplay Details: 2D Action from the Minds Behind Dead Cells

The most exciting aspect of Belmont’s Curse is its development pedigree. It is being co-developed by Evil Empire and Motion Twin, the teams responsible for the roguelite phenomenon Dead Cells. This partnership explains the fluid, high-octane 2D action seen in the announcement trailer.

However, it is crucial to clarify: unlike Dead Cells, this is not a roguelite. It is described as a traditional action-exploration game — a true Metroidvania — with a persistent map, permanent upgrades, and no run-reset mechanics. This is the structure fans of Symphony of the Night and Order of Ecclesia have been begging for.

The Vampire Killer Returns

The trailer focused heavily on the mechanics of the iconic whip. In Belmont’s Curse, the Vampire Killer is not just a weapon; it is a versatile traversal tool. Players can:

• Whip Swing: Latch onto hooks and lamps to swing across chasms, a mechanic reminiscent of Super Castlevania IV but faster.
• Omnidirectional Attacks: Strike in eight directions, allowing for precise combat against flying Medusa Heads and ceiling-crawling Spiders.
• Charge Moves: A new charged strike appears to break enemy shields and specific walls.

In addition to the whip, the game features a vast arsenal of sub-weapons. Classic items like the Cross, Holy Water, and Axe return, but they are joined by new tools inspired by the 1499 setting, such as early Renaissance firearms and alchemy-based explosives. The combat looks significantly faster than previous titles, clearly borrowing the "satisfying crunch" and dodge-roll fluidity that made Dead Cells a hit.

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Story Setting: 1499 Paris and Trevor Belmont’s Legacy

The narrative takes place in 1499 Paris, exactly 23 years after the events of Castlevania: Dracula’s Curse (1476) and just before the turn of the century. The setting is grim: medieval Paris is overrun by monstrous creatures, the Notre Dame cathedral is corrupted, and the city is burning. This era places the game in a fascinating gap in the timeline.

Players will control a successor to Trevor Belmont. While Konami has not officially named the protagonist, hardcore fans are speculating two major possibilities:

1. Sonia Belmont: The long-retconned protagonist of Castlevania Legends. Bringing her back and making her canon would be a massive nod to franchise history.
2. Soleil Belmont: The son of Christopher Belmont (though the timeline math would require adjustment), or perhaps a child of Trevor and Sypha Belnades.

The protagonist in the trailer wields both the whip and potent elemental magic, strongly suggesting a bloodline connection to the Belnades clan. This hybrid combat style — physical might mixed with spellcasting — opens up incredible gameplay variety compared to the purely martial Belmonts of old.

The Resurrection of Dracula?

The year 1499 is significant because Dracula traditionally revives every 100 years. His defeat in 1476 suggests he shouldn’t be back yet. This implies the threat might be a rogue faction trying to resurrect him early, or a new antagonist entirely — perhaps a forerunner to the dark priestシャフト (Shaft) or a rival vampire lord like Brauner. The trailer teased a masked figure wielding a rapier, suggesting a more human, duel-focused primary antagonist.

Official Trailer Breakdown: Art, Music, and Atmosphere

The announcement trailer showcased a vibrant, slightly stylized art direction that updates the gothic aesthetic without losing its dark tone. Unlike the pixel art of Symphony of the Night, Belmont’s Curse uses hand-drawn high-definition 2D assets, similar to Hollow Knight (or Dead Cells' high-res mode). Key takeaways include:

• Fluid Animation: The frame rate appears to be unlocked, with animations that are buttery smooth. The dodge roll has i-frames (invincibility frames) clearly visible.
• Atmosphere: Dark, gothic environments contrasted with colorful spell effects. The fire effects in the burning Paris streets were particularly striking.
• Music: A modern, high-energy arrangement of "Vampire Killer" and "Beginning" was teased, featuring shredding electric guitars mixed with orchestral strings — the signature "Castlevania Sound" is alive and well.

Why This Collaboration is a Perfect Match

For years, Konami has been criticized for sitting on its IP. Outsourcing Castlevania to Evil Empire is widely seen as a brilliant move. Evil Empire spent years updating Dead Cells, adding copious amounts of Castlevania DLC that was universally praised as a love letter to the series. They understand the "game feel" — the exact timing of a jump, the hit-stop on a successful attack, the flow of exploring a map.

This project effectively removes the risk of a "soulless corporate reboot." Evil Empire has proven they respect the source material more than Konami has in the last decade. If you’re interested in other major remakes and revivals, check out the recent God of War Greek Trilogy Remake announcement for another example of a classic franchise getting new life.

What We Want to See: Features and Expectations

With a 2026 release date, development is likely in the polishing stages. Here is what the community is hoping to see in the final release:

1. A Massive, Interconnected Map

The "Search" in "Search-Action" (Metroidvania) is critical. Fans want a castle (or city, in this case) that feels like a real place, filled with shortcuts, loop-backs, and "aha!" moments where a new ability opens a path you passed three hours ago. Dead Cells had branching paths, but Belmont’s Curse needs a true, singular world map.

2. RPG Elements Deep Dive

Will there be a leveling system? Equipment drops? Soul collecting? The trailer showed damage numbers, confirming RPG stats are present. We hope for a loot system that is rewarding but not overwhelming — rare drops from bosses that fundamentally change how you play, rather than just "Whip +1."

3. Brutal Difficulty

Castlevania has never been easy. Dead Cells is famous for its difficulty. The marriage of these two should result in a game that challenges even veteran players. We expect boss fights that require pattern memorization and perfect reflexes, not just tanking hits with potions.

The excitement for Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is palpable. It represents a new golden age for the franchise, steered by developers who grew up worshipping it. As we approach the 2026 release, stay tuned for more gameplay deep dives and character reveals. For news on other upcoming hits, see the Death Stranding 2 release date confirmation.

References

1. [1] "Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Announced on PS5". PlayStation Blog. Retrieved February 13, 2026