A brand-new chapter in the Bloodstained series is officially on the way. Titled Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, this upcoming 2.5D action RPG was just announced by 505 Games and ArtPlay for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC via Steam. It’s set to launch sometime in 2026, and from what’s been shared so far, it’s aiming to go much further than Ritual of the Night ever did.
Set in a dark and twisted version of 16th-century England, the game introduces players to a new story filled with exploration, challenging enemies, and deep lore. The kingdom has fallen under the threat of a powerful demon named Elias, who commands a floating stronghold known as the Ethereal Castle. Every attempt to destroy him has ended in disaster until now.
Two heroes, one mission
This time, two characters share the spotlight. You’ll play as Leonard, a young fighter from the Church’s elite Black Wolves, and Alexander, a lone knight and the last of the White Stags. Together, they set out to bring down Elias and end the curse he’s cast over the land.
You won’t have to pick just one of them either. The game lets you control both Leo and Alex, switching between them during combat and exploration. The other character follows your lead, fighting beside you with smart AI assistance. It’s a system built for strategy and synergy, allowing for powerful combinations and dynamic movement through each level.
A world that breathes with time
The Ethereal Castle is the main setting, and it’s Bloodstained‘s biggest map yet. You’ll explore a wide range of locations, from lavish halls to forgotten ruins, with a full day-night cycle that affects what you’ll encounter. Some areas will open only at certain times, and enemies may behave differently depending on the hour.
Six deadly vampires also protect the castle called the Sanguinaries, each with their own style of combat and territory to control. Defeating them won’t be easy—you’ll need to study their moves and use the unique abilities of both heroes to survive.
Learn as you fight
Combat in The Scarlet Engagement has its twist. The new “Epiphany” system lets your characters discover new skills and attacks as they battle. That means every fight is a chance to unlock something new, whether it’s a powerful move or a passive bonus that gives you an edge.
On top of that, there’s plenty of room to personalise both characters. You can collect materials throughout the world to craft weapons, armour, and even cook meals that improve your stats. Every piece of gear changes your appearance, giving you visual feedback on your progress as you become stronger.
Fully voiced and lore-rich
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement places a big focus on storytelling. Every major scene and side character is fully voiced in both English and Japanese. You’ll meet allies, uncover hidden plots, and slowly piece together the deeper secrets behind Elias and the castle he commands.
Even if you’re new to the series, the game is built to be welcoming. You won’t need to know everything from Ritual of the Night to enjoy this story, but fans of the original will notice connections and returning elements throughout the journey.
Why fans should keep an eye on this
There’s a lot to be excited about with Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement. It blends old-school platforming with modern design and gives players more control than ever through its dual-protagonist system. With deep character customisation, a massive gothic setting, and meaningful exploration, this sequel has the potential to become something special.
The creative team of Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is led by Shutaro and IGA, the minds behind the original Bloodstained, and they’ve made it clear this project is a labour of love. From what we’ve seen so far, it’s not just about building on what came before, it’s about pushing the series into bold new territory.
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