Konami has announced Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a brand new entry in the iconic Castlevania series. Scheduled for release in 2026, this 2D action-exploration game launches as the first project in the series’ 40th anniversary celebrations, which commemorate the original title’s debut in 1986.
The reveal took place during Sony’s State of Play livestream on 12 February 2026. Producer Tsutomu Taniguchi presented the project on stage, accompanied by a cinematic trailer that captured the gothic intensity fans have awaited for years.
Story & Setting
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse acts as a direct sequel to Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness & unfolds 23 years later in 1499, at the centre of Paris, France. Players take control of Trevor Belmont’s young female successor, a new Belmont heir, who must wield the legendary Vampire Killer whip & a range of other weapons to confront demons that have overrun the city’s streets & raised Dracula’s castle amid a full-scale demonic outbreak.
The plot revolves around a mysterious “crimson curse” that leaves the fate of Paris – & potentially the wider world – suspended between despair & hope as flames consume the historic capital.
Gameplay Features
The title emphasises whip-based combat, enabling the protagonist to swing through environments like a trapeze for fluid mobility & strategic positioning. It offers a vast arsenal of weapons & abilities, alongside environmental puzzles, traps, hidden secrets & layered exploration typical of the Metroidvania genre.
A refreshed gothic art style merges the series’ traditional dark tones with vibrant colours, delivering a visually striking experience that respects its heritage while incorporating contemporary design sensibilities.
Development & Team
Konami oversees development in partnership with Evil Empire, the studio known for Dead Cells, with advisory support from Motion Twin. No director has been named at this stage, but the collaboration points to a focus on precise, polished action & exploration mechanics.
Producer Tsutomu Taniguchi has confirmed the project as the opening act in a broader slate of anniversary initiatives.
A Long-Awaited Return to Mainline Castlevania
Nearly 12 years (11 years, 11 months & 20 days to be exact) have passed since the last mainline Castlevania release, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, which arrived in February 2014. In the intervening period the series has featured ports, collections & non-core projects such as the mobile MMO Grimoire of Souls, yet Belmont’s Curse marks the first original core entry in that time.
This substantial gap has amplified anticipation for a return to the classic 2D formula that defined the franchise.
More 40th Anniversary Plans?
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse initiates Konami’s commemorative efforts for the series’ 40th year. Official portals carry an “Overture” message stating: “This is the beginning of numerous new products around Castlevania. Look forward to the return of the magnificent ‘nightmare’ lurking in the darkness.”
Further projects remain unannounced, but the studio has indicated a range of developments throughout 2026.
Pre-Order Details & Specials
Pre-orders became available on 13 February 2026, the day after the announcement. Digital Standard Edition copies are priced at approximately $39.99 & can be reserved on the PlayStation Store & Xbox Store, where some regions offer early-access discounts & minor reservation bonuses.
Physical editions are listed on some online retailers, but no deluxe editions, collector’s items or significant content bonuses have been confirmed, though additional details may surface closer to launch.
Platforms & Release Date
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch & Steam in 2026.
Fans can view the official reveal trailer on YouTube & add the game to wishlists on the relevant digital storefronts to stay updated. As the first major title in what promises to be a landmark year for the series, Belmont’s Curse offers a compelling return to the Belmont legacy & the gothic world that has captivated players for four decades.
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