Konami has officially announced Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a brand-new 2D entry in the long-running gothic action series, revealed during Sony’s State of Play. The game is set to launch in 2026 on PlayStation 5, with additional releases confirmed for Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
It marks the first new 2D Castlevania in years, arriving as the franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary. And yes, the whip is back.
A New 2D Castlevania Set In 1499 Paris
According to Konami’s PlayStation Blog post, Belmont’s Curse is set in medieval Paris in the year 1499. The city is under siege by monstrous creatures emerging from the shadows, with burning streets and a looming castle setting the tone.
You step into the boots of Trevor Belmont’s successor, wielding the legendary holy whip, the Vampire Killer. The story is positioned 23 years after 1989’s Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, anchoring this new entry firmly within the classic timeline.
This period setting gives the game a grounded historical backdrop while leaning into the supernatural chaos that defines the series.
Developed By Konami And The Dead Cells Teams
Belmont’s Curse is being co-developed by Konami, alongside indie studios Evil Empire and Motion Twin.
If those names sound familiar, it is because Motion Twin created Dead Cells, with Evil Empire supporting its extensive post-launch content. Dead Cells has long worn its Castlevania inspiration proudly, even receiving a full Castlevania expansion in the form of Return to Castlevania.
Evil Empire has also worked on The Rogue Prince of Persia, further reinforcing its credentials in fast-paced, side-scrolling action design.
The partnership feels deliberate. Castlevania helped shape the modern “Metroidvania” genre, and now one of that genre’s most successful modern torchbearers is collaborating directly with the original IP holder.
Whip Mechanics And Combat Options
The Vampire Killer whip is central to the experience. Konami describes it as more versatile than ever, allowing players to swing like a trapeze artist to traverse environments and chain movement into combat.
In the reveal trailer, the protagonist also uses a sword, described as an accessible, solid damage option. Konami has confirmed additional weapons and abilities will be revealed later, suggesting layered combat systems rather than a single-tool focus.
Strategic planning appears to be emphasised. Players will need to make full use of their available tools to survive increasingly aggressive enemy encounters.
Classic Castlevania Elements Return
Belmont’s Curse stays true to the series’ roots. Secret chambers are hidden throughout the world, breakable walls conceal health-restoring meat, and familiar enemies such as Zombies make an appearance early on.
The Zombies move slowly and are easy to handle individually, but can overwhelm players in large numbers. That small detail alone hints at thoughtful enemy design, where pressure builds through crowd control rather than pure speed.
The game maintains a side-scrolling exploration structure, reinforcing its 2D identity rather than shifting into 3D reinterpretation.
A Stylised Gothic Art Direction
The trailer also highlights a bold, colourful art style that retains Castlevania’s gothic tone while presenting it with a more vibrant edge.
Rather than strictly imitating the pixel aesthetic of earlier entries, the game adopts a stylised look that feels modern while respecting the franchise’s dark roots. Konami describes it as a colourful approach that allows players to discover the world “like never before”, suggesting a visual refresh without abandoning identity.
With this being the first of several announcements tied to Castlevania’s 40th anniversary, Belmont’s Curse may only be the beginning of a broader revival.
For longtime fans who have waited years for a new 2D entry, and for players who discovered the series through Dead Cells or Netflix adaptations, 2026 is shaping up to be a significant year for Castlevania.