Publisher 505 Games and developer ArtPlay have officially announced Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, the sequel to 2019’s Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. The 2.5D action platforming RPG will launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam.
Helmed by producer Koji Igarashi (Iga) and creative director Shutaro, the sequel returns to the gothic horror atmosphere of the original, expanding both its gameplay and narrative ambitions.
A New Tale Set in a Cursed Castle
Set in the 16th century, the story begins with the Ethereal Castle—home to demonic forces—ravaging the land and decimating those who dare stand against it. After multiple failed efforts to destroy the castle, humanity’s last hope rests on an unlikely duo: Leonard, a young apprentice of the Black Wolves, and Alexander, a seasoned knight and the final survivor of the White Stags.
Together, Leo and Alex must infiltrate the massive Ethereal Castle, face deadly traps and demonic foes, and ultimately take down the Demon Lord Elias, who is protected by six elite vampires known as the Sanguinaries.
Dual-Protagonist Gameplay and Exploration
A key new feature is the ability to control both protagonists. One character is controlled directly while the other assists in combat, with players able to switch between the two on the fly. This dynamic system introduces new combo possibilities, puzzle mechanics, and battle strategies unique to each character’s strengths.
Exploration remains a hallmark of the Bloodstained series, and The Scarlet Engagement features the largest map in franchise history. The Ethereal Castle is filled with gothic halls, cursed crypts, and dark caverns, rewarding players with powerful gear, magical abilities, and hidden lore.
Customize, Craft, and Conquer
The game features deep customization with armor, enchantments, and weapon crafting. All wearable gear changes the appearance of Leo and Alex, offering both gameplay advantages and visual flair. As players progress, they’ll collect ingredients, unlock relics, and gain skills that are vital to surviving the castle’s horrors.
Fully Voiced Storytelling
All characters in the game are fully voiced in both English and Japanese, including a new cast of allies and enemies integral to the ongoing lore of the Bloodstained universe.
More to Come
While this is only a first look, more details—including gameplay demonstrations and deeper system mechanics—will be revealed in the months ahead.
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