505 Games and developer ArtPlay have announced Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, a new blood-filled entry in the side-scrolling action RPG series. The reveal came via the latest Sony State of Play, confirming its release in 2026 for PlayStation 5. It will also release simultaneously for Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. Check out its initial trailer below!
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement – Announce Trailer
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is set in the 16th century and focuses on dual protagonists Leonard and Alexander, tasked with defeating the Demon Lord Elias. In that pursuit, they must explore the Ethereal Castle, a large interconnected superstructure home to Elias, his six lieutenants, and a myriad of demonic foes to fight. ArtPlay has confirmed that the Ethereal Castle is the largest explorable area that they have ever developed for the Bloodstained franchise.
While exploring the Ethereal Castle, players will be able to swap between both Alexander and Leonard at will, with each protagonist able to be customised with armour, weapons, and equipment separately. To aid with that customisation, players will be able to collect resources to craft both new items and upgrades as part of exploration and combat, replete with flashy combos.
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is directed by Shutaro Ida (Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow) and produced by Koji Igarashi (Tokimeki Memorial, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow). It will also have full Japanese and English voiceover support. For more information on what Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement has in store, check out an official synopsis below:
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement Overview
Dive Deeper into the Bloodstained World
Experience an early chapter of the Bloodstained universe filled with a fresh cast of allies and foes. New players can jump in without prior knowledge, while long-time fans will uncover deep connections.
New Buddy System
This journey will not be carried out alone! Play simultaneously as both Leo and Alex to defeat enemies, break through traps, and push toward victory.
Navigate an Expansive World
Traverse Bloodstained’s largest map yet. Experience dawn, day, dusk, and night, including shifting light and darkness as time passes. Transforming not only the gameplay, but also the way you interact with the world.
Experience The Epiphany Combat System
Discover new moves as you battle. Unleash unique attacks and uncover powerful abilities that allow players to master combat in innovative ways.
Craft, Cook, and Customize
Experience personalization with a wide range of visually impactful armor changes, along with expanded character appearance options, crafting, and cooking side quests to strengthen your player.
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement Screenshots
As someone who enjoyed the previous entry in the franchise, I’m excited to see what its sequel has in store in terms of evolution for both its gameplay alongside its place in the Metroidvania genre.
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement will release in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. For more information, check out the PlayStation Blog entry penned by Jason Ryan, 505 Games’ senior community manager.
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