‘Castlevania’ Returns with ‘Belmont’s Curse’ – New Gameplay Trailer and October Release Confirmed

Konami has officially shown Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a new 2D action game developed by Evil Empire and Motion Twin. The game is set to launch on October 15, 2026, and will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

The reveal came alongside a new gameplay trailer, giving fans their first proper look at the next entry in the long-running Castlevania series. The game is being published by Konami and continues the franchise’s return to premium console and PC releases.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is set 23 years before Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, taking place in a version of medieval Paris that has been overtaken by demonic forces. The story follows a new member of the Belmont family who takes up the legendary Vampire Killer whip and begins a mission to destroy monsters spreading across the city.

According to Konami, the game focuses on a mix of exploration, combat, and progression through a large interconnected world. The development team has taken inspiration from earlier Castlevania titles, especially the Metroidvania-style structure seen in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

The gameplay trailer shows fast side-scrolling action, with players moving through both castle interiors and ruined city streets. The whip remains the main weapon, but it is now more flexible and can be used for combat and movement, including swinging across gaps and reaching higher areas.

Developers explained that the goal is to bring back the classic feel of Castlevania while updating the systems for modern players. The world is non-linear, meaning players can explore different paths, unlock new areas over time, and return to earlier locations with new abilities.

Konami said in its announcement that the game represents a major step in the franchise’s return to console development. The publisher has been rebuilding its major series in recent years, and Castlevania is one of the key properties in that strategy.

Evil Empire, best known for its work on Dead Cells, is leading development, while Motion Twin is supporting the project in an advisory role. The two studios previously worked with Konami on the Return to Castlevania expansion for Dead Cells, which helped shape the direction of this new game.

The game began production in 2022 after Konami approved a new wave of Castlevania projects. It is also being released as part of the franchise’s 40th anniversary celebration, marking a major milestone since the original Castlevania launched in 1986.

The story is set in 1499, shortly after the events of Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. It follows a new Belmont hero who is drawn into a conflict unfolding in Paris after the sudden appearance of monsters and supernatural forces.

The Vampire Killer whip remains central to gameplay. It is used for both attacking enemies and navigating the environment. Players can chain attacks, control distance in combat, and use the whip to move across gaps or reach new areas.

The structure of the game follows a classic exploration format. Players will move through different connected zones, fight enemies, and unlock abilities that open new paths. Save rooms and fast travel points return as part of the design.

Konami confirmed that Belmont’s Curse does not use roguelike systems, focusing instead on a handcrafted action-exploration experience. The team said the goal is to balance modern design with the traditional identity of the series.

The gameplay footage also highlights boss fights, environmental hazards, and new enemy types. Combat appears faster and more fluid than earlier entries, with a focus on movement and timing.

According to the developers, the project is designed to feel familiar to long-time fans but still accessible to new players. It builds on ideas from earlier Castlevania games while introducing updated systems and presentation.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse launches on October 15, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

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