Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement – A New Chapter in a Gothic Saga Arrives in 2026

Fans of gothic horror, intricate lore, and classic “Metroidvania” gameplay, prepare yourselves! Publisher 505 Games and developer ArtPlay have officially announced Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, a highly anticipated prequel set to plunge us back into a world teeming with demons and mystery in 2026.

This new installment, born from the brilliant mind of Koji Igarashi (the legendary creator behind Castlevania: Symphony of the Night), promises to expand the Bloodstained universe with a fresh narrative and exciting new gameplay mechanics.

Before the Ritual: A Glimpse into the 16th Century

Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement transports us to 16th Century England, a time before the events of the critically acclaimed Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. The land is gripped by fear as a mysterious floating castle, under the malevolent control of Demon Lord Elias, unleashes its demonic forces upon the populace.

But hope is not lost! We will step into the shoes of two brand-new protagonists:

• Leonard Brandon: A young, skilled fighter hailing from the Church’s elite Black Wolves clan.
• Alexander Kyteler: A valiant knight belonging to the Kingdom’s revered White Stags.

Together, Leo and Alex must rise to the challenge, confronting Demon Lord Elias’s reign of terror and striving to shatter the chains that bind a kingdom tormented by evil.

Igarashi’s Vision: New Faces, Deep Connections

Koji Igarashi’s involvement guarantees the signature blend of atmospheric design, challenging combat, and rewarding exploration that Bloodstained fans adore. The Scarlet Engagement is set to introduce a “fresh cast of allies and foes,” promising intriguing “deep connections” to its predecessor. This means that while veterans will delight in uncovering subtle lore hints and narrative threads, newcomers can jump in without prior knowledge of the Bloodstained saga’s intricate history, making it an accessible entry point for all.

Unprecedented Exploration and Dynamic Gameplay

One of the most exciting revelations for The Scarlet Engagement is the ability to play as both Leo and Alex simultaneously! This innovative feature opens up a world of possibilities for discovering new moves and combos as you explore. And you’ll have plenty of ground to cover, as the game boasts Bloodstained‘s “largest map yet.”

Adding another layer of immersion and strategic depth is the inclusion of day-night cycles. These cycles aren’t just aesthetic; they dynamically shift light and darkness, fundamentally altering how you interact with the world and its inhabitants. Expect new challenges and opportunities as the environment changes around you.

Beyond the thrilling combat and exploration, The Scarlet Engagement will also feature beloved RPG elements like crafting, cooking, and extensive customization options, allowing players to truly tailor their experience.

Mark Your Calendars for 2026!

While a specific release date is still under wraps, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is confirmed for a 2026 launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Get ready to delve into a dark and enchanting world, forge new alliances, and confront a new wave of demonic forces in this exciting prequel.

What are you most excited about for Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement? Let us know in the comments below!