Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement Revealed as a Prequel to Ritual of the Night Coming in 2026

Big news for fans of gothic castles, demon-slaying, and satisfying side-scrolling action: a new Bloodstained game is on its way. Publisher 505 Games and developer ArtPlay officially showed off Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement at a recent Sony State of Play event. This game is an entirely new 2.5D action RPG. It is also a prequel to the popular Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. The best part? We can expect to play it sometime in 2026.

If you have been following the series, you know that Koji Igarashi is a big name here. He is well known for creating games with 2D exploration and side-scrolling action. He is producing this new game, with Shutaro as the creative director. This duo has a great reputation. It sounds like they are working to take everything we love about the Bloodstained world and make it even better. I am always excited when creators who understand what makes a game special return for a new project. It gives me a good feeling about what is to come.

This newest game brings the rich gameplay and storytelling that we saw in Ritual of the Night. It seems to be pushing those ideas to new heights. The series has always felt like a spiritual successor to classic Castlevania games, and this one looks to keep that feeling strong. It promises familiar gothic settings but with a fresh take on the story and how you play.

The Dark Story And Dangerous Setting Of The Scarlet Engagement Unveiled

New Heroes Must Navigate A Massive Castle Filled With Demons To Defeat Elias

The story of The Scarlet Engagement takes us back to the 16th century. This is where the Ethereal Castle and its evil inhabitants have been causing trouble across the land. They are destroying anyone who stands against their dark might. Every attempt to defeat the castle and fight the demons has failed. Many brave warriors have been defeated and lost trying to stop them. This really sets the stage for a desperate situation. Humanity needs new heroes, and it looks like we are getting two of them.

Humanity’s last hope rests with an unexpected pair. There is Leonard, a young apprentice from the Black Wolves. Then there is Alexander, a knight who is the last survivor of the White Stags. These two must work together. They need to get into the castle, fight to stay alive, find powerful old items, and defeat the Demon Lord Elias. Their mission sounds incredibly difficult. Elias is protected by six Sanguinaries. These are deadly vampires each with strong and unique abilities. It sounds like a challenging lineup of boss fights and tough enemies waiting for us. If Leo and Alex want any chance of beating Elias, they first need to figure out the Ethereal Castle’s secrets. They also need to defeat its powerful defenders. This quest will demand both smart thinking and courage, plus a lot of health potions, I imagine.

The main setting of The Scarlet Engagement is the Ethereal Castle itself. This castle is described as the largest and deadliest Bloodstained map so far. It is a huge place with fancy gothic rooms, dark caves, and deadly traps. It is like beautiful thorns on a lovely rose. These new stages hold dangerous traps and fierce enemies. This idea of a massive, dangerous castle is exactly what I want from a Metroidvania-style game. It promises lots of places to explore and many secrets to find. The description makes me think of all the hidden passages and tricky jumps we will need to master.

New Ways To Play With Two Heroes And Deeper Customization

How The Dual-Character System And Equipment Options Change The Game

Every game needs a hero, or in this case, two. The enemies in the Ethereal Castle are so strong that this mission can only be completed by the combined strength of two people. These two are bound by fate. What is really cool is that you get to control both main characters at the same time. You will be in direct control of one hero, while your companion helps out in battles. You can switch between them with a simple button press. This two-hero gameplay style is a main part of The Scarlet Engagement. It sounds like mastering this system will be very important for Leo and Alex to succeed. The developers have said there will be special abilities tied to this system that will be useful in many situations. I am eager to see how these abilities play out in combat and exploration. It could open up many new ways to approach fights.

Exploration is a key part of the Bloodstained series, and The Scarlet Engagement will reward players for checking every corner. You will find powerful relics and resources as you explore. These items will help you collect ingredients, create upgrades, and discover magical abilities. You can also find powerful weapons, armor, and enchantments. Leo and Alex will certainly need all of these to come out on top. It feels good to be rewarded for thorough searching. It makes the world feel richer.

A great detail is that you can equip both Leo and Alex with armor, weapons, and other gear you find while playing. Every piece of armor and clothing item in the game will not only have its own unique stats but also its own unique look. This means you can customize how your heroes appear, which is something I always enjoy in games. It adds a personal touch to your characters. The game also promises a cast of interesting characters to meet. These include honorable allies and dangerous enemies. Each meeting will have full scripts and voice-overs in both English and Japanese. This attention to detail in storytelling and character interaction should make the world feel even more alive.

Connecting The New Game To The Bloodstained Universe

Understanding The Scarlet Engagement's Place In The Series' Growing History

Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is a direct prequel to Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. This means it will tell a story that happened before the first game. It offers a chance to learn more about the world and its history. This is exciting for fans who enjoy digging into the background of their favorite games. Knowing it ties directly into the previous story should make the experience feel even more meaningful. It is not just a side story, but a part of the main narrative.

The gameplay visuals look very similar to Ritual of the Night. However, it seems there will be a greater emphasis on player customization this time around. That is a welcome change. The first game was a crowdfunded success from Koji Igarashi. He is best known for his work on Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. That connection always made Bloodstained feel special. The Scarlet Engagement keeps that feeling going strong. It is clear that the creators understand what makes these types of games so beloved. They are leaning into the exploration and action that defines the genre.

The series also includes two retro demakes, Curse of the Moon and Curse of the Moon 2. These games were made by Inti Creates. They helped to expand the world and give players more to enjoy. The Scarlet Engagement continues this tradition of adding to the Bloodstained universe in new ways. It shows that there is a clear vision for how this world can grow and develop over time. I appreciate when a game series does not just churn out sequels, but tries to add real value and expand the story in interesting directions.

What To Expect From The Scarlet Engagement And Why Fans Should Be Excited

Looking Ahead To 2026 And The Future Of The Bloodstained Series

When Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement launches in 2026, it will arrive on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam. This wide release means many players will be able to jump in and experience the new adventure. The wait might feel long, but it seems like it will be worth it. The details shared so far point to a game that builds on its predecessor while bringing fresh ideas to the table. I am confident that fans of Ritual of the Night will find a lot to love here.

The combination of a gripping story, a massive new castle to explore, and the exciting two-hero system really stands out. It shows that the developers are committed to keeping the series feeling new. They are also staying true to the core elements that made it popular. It is not just another rehash, but a genuine attempt to push the series forward. I am personally looking forward to seeing how the dynamic between Leo and Alex plays out in combat. It could make for some truly engaging moments.

For those who love deep gothic settings and challenging action RPGs, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement looks like it will deliver. The promise of extensive customization, rich storytelling with voice acting, and the familiar touch of Igarashi’s style makes it a game to watch. I believe this will be a strong addition to the Bloodstained family. It will give us another reason to dive back into a world of demons and dark castles. It certainly has me excited for what 2026 will bring.