Bloodstained is back. After years of silence, 505 Games and ArtPlay have finally pulled the curtain back on the long-awaited sequel to Ritual of the Night. It’s called Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, and it’s set to launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC via Steam.
Set in a dark, twisted version of 16th-century England, this new game brings a brand-new story, fresh characters, and the largest map the series has ever seen. While it carries the familiar 2.5D style that fans know and love, The Scarlet Engagement adds a handful of exciting changes.
At the centre of it all are two new heroes: Leonard Brandon, a young fighter from the Church’s Black Wolves, and Alexander Kyteler, a knight from the Kingdom’s White Stags. They’ve both lost comrades to a powerful demon lord named Elias, who now rules from the mysterious Ethereal Castle. Teaming up out of desperation, Leo and Alex have one goal: to stop Elias and free the land from his terror.
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A deeper Bloodstained journey with two heroes and one mission
This time around, you don’t go in alone. The game introduces a new buddy system that lets you control both Leo and Alex. You can switch between them instantly, using their unique skills to fight enemies, solve puzzles, and survive deadly traps. It’s not just about combat — it’s about teamwork.
The Bloodstained world itself has grown, too. The Ethereal Castle isn’t just massive, it changes with time. From sunrise to sunset, the lighting shifts and new challenges appear. Some paths may only open at certain times, pushing you to explore in different ways depending on the hour.
And of course, there’s no shortage of enemies. Elias is guarded by six powerful vampires known as the Sanguinaries. Each has its deadly powers, and you’ll need to defeat all of them to reach the demon lord. Expect tough battles, smart tactics, and plenty of moments where you’ll need to rely on both heroes to survive.
Combat also gets a major refresh with the new Epiphany System. You won’t just level up, you’ll discover fresh moves through experimentation. The more you fight, the more you grow.
There’s also crafting, cooking, and customisation. You can make gear, change appearances, and build your characters your way. Every item shows up visually, which means your heroes will look exactly how you want them to.
And yes, the game features full voice-overs in English and Japanese. Expect a cast of allies and enemies that help shape the story, each with their moments to shine.
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is shaping up to be more than just a follow-up; it’s a full expansion of everything the series stands for. Bigger maps, bolder battles, and a brave new pair of protagonists to fight the darkness together.
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