505 Games and developer ArtPlay have officially announced Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, a new installment in the Bloodstained series scheduled to release in 2026 on consoles and PC. Set prior to the events of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, the game introduces a new storyline featuring two playable protagonists.
We already knew that the original game was going to become a series, and the reveal trailer didn’t disappoint. Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement unfolds in 16th-century England, where a floating castle under the control of a new antagonist, Demon Lord Elias, begins threatening the land. Sound familiar? Players will take on the roles of Leonard Brandon, a fighter from the Church’s Black Wolves clan, and Alexander Kyteler, a knight of the Kingdom’s White Stag. The dual-character setup is central to gameplay, with both characters working together to overcome enemies and obstacles.
Veteran Castlevania creator Koji Igarashi returns to helm the project. In a statement, Igarashi said the team is excited to expand the Bloodstained universe, calling it an honor to once again partner with 505 Games. The publisher’s president, Neil Ralley, emphasized their ongoing collaboration with ArtPlay and expressed confidence in the title’s global reach.
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement promises the largest map in the series, featuring a dynamic day-night cycle that affects gameplay and exploration. The new “Epiphany Combat System” will allow players to discover new abilities organically during combat. Other features include an expanded crafting and cooking system, visual customization options, and the new “Buddy System” that lets players control both protagonists in tandem.
This sequel builds on the momentum of the 2019 title Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, which became a spiritual successor to Castlevania and a breakout hit among Metroidvania fans. No specific platforms have been announced yet, but more updates on Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement are expected ahead of its 2026 launch. In our review of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, we said the game earned its place as the rightful successor to Igarashi’s previous games, and while there were a few technical issues, the game stands on its own to be a phenomenal product with tons of options and replayability.
