- Metroidvania Roundtable Discussion With IGA and the Shadow Labryinth Devs - 1 August 2025
ArtPlay Co-Founder and Bloodstained Producer, Koji "IGA" Igarashi, participated in a roundtable discussion on the past, present and future of Metroidvania games . Check out the article on Denfaminico's website! https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/interview/250723a"The guests included ArtPlay's Koji Igarashi, who worked on the Bloodstained series and has just announced his new title, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement ; and Shadow Labyrinth development staff members Harada Katsuhiro and Toru Takahashi from Bandai Namco Studios, Seigo Aizawa from Bandai Namco Entertainment, and Tomoaki Fukui from Engines. Finally, we had Daichi Saito from Why So Serious, who has produced several Metroidvania titles produced by team ladybug. They spoke about the history and characteristics of Metroidvania."The article is in Japanese, but your browser should be able to translate it.If you're interested in ch…
- Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is Coming in 2026! - 4 June 2025
The news we’ve been waiting to share with you all is here! Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is coming in 2026. Helmed by Creative Director SHUTARO and produced by IGA, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is an entirely new 2.5D side-scrolling RPG that will introduce exciting new lore, characters, gameplay and features to the Bloodstained franchise. THE STORY 16th-century England drowns in the shadow of the Ethereal Castle and its deadly inhabitants. All attempts to fight this evil have been met with failure and death. In a desperate, final attempt, two heroes rise together against the Demon Lord Elias’ reign of terror: Leonard Brandon and Alexander Kyteler. Leo is a young fighter with the Church's Black Wolves clan. Alex is a knight of the kingdom's White Stags and the lone survivor of an earlier expedition to fight Elias. The duo's journey will not be easy. The Ethereal Castle is…
- Ghostrunner 2 x Bloodstained Crossover Skin - 12 November 2024
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2144740/Ghostrunner_2/ https://store.steampowered.com/app/692850/Bloodstained_Ritual_of_the_Night/ In celebration of Ghostrunner 2’s first electrifying year, we’re thrilled to announce a special collaboration with Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, featured exclusively in the Ghostrunner 2 Anniversary Pack! This exciting crossover brings the haunting elegance of Bloodstained into the fast-paced, cyberpunk action of Ghostrunner 2. Fans of both titles can now wield the Bloodstained® Blue Rose Sword and hand skin, blending the gothic fantasy of Bloodstained with the sleek, adrenaline-filled combat style of Ghostrunner. Check out the exclusive reveal of this stunning crossover in our Anniversary Pack trailer, now live! The Bloodstained® Blue Rose Sword and hand skin, inspired by the iconic design of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, offer players a striki…
- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Papercraft! - 4 November 2024
A young girl who swore to fulfill her promise with her friend using the power given to when scarred by the alchemist's curse. The deadliest demon hunter in history who took the road to get rid of everything connected to demons. And now they're adorable!!! We’ve commissioned the amazing papercraft artist, Paperized Crafts (https://www.paperizedcrafts.com), to turn everyone's two favorite heroes into super cute papercraft that you can print out and make at home. All it takes is some scissors and glue and you’re all set to bring your own project to life. ① To get started, download and print out the files below. ② Cut out the shapes. ③ Fold on the dotted lines. ④ Glue the tabs. Before you know it, you’ll have your own demon-fighting duo guarding your gaming rig! ⬇️FULL SIZE PRINTOUTS LINKED BELOW! ⬇️ Be sure to share your creations with us on X, Facebook and https://discord.gg/bloodstained!…
- Bug Fixes | Update 1.6 Notes - 22 October 2024
Today's update includes fixes for Classic Mode, Classic II and more! Update Notes 1.6 We have a new update today that addresses multiple bugs. Fixed a soft lock that would occur while purchasing / selling items Fixed spawn issue with Morte enemies in Classic Mode Fixed long loading times when playing Classic Mode Fixed the missing glow effect within the Archive Fixed an issue where Valefar’s jackpot SFX continues to play if Dominique dies in Classic II Thank you for playing Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night! https://store.steampowered.com/app/692850/Bloodstained_Ritual_of_the_Night/
- Launch Anniversary Message - 18 June 2024
Today marks the anniversary of the launch of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night! We have a special message for you from Producer IGA and Director SHUTARO. Watch their video message here:
- Classic II: Dominique's Curse DLC for Ritual of the Night is Now Available! - 11 June 2024
An all-new Bloodstained adventure awaits! Dominique may have been defeated, but she is not finished. After being defeated by Miriam, Dominique falls to Limbo. She seeks to steal Bael's power and escape to the mortal realm where she will have her revenge! It will be no easy task; a realm of demons and dangerous dungeons stand in her way. Explore a massive new map with retro gameplay that takes Classic Mode to a whole new level. Acquire valuable abilities and artifacts that will add to Dominique's power. Speak to friendly demons to gather clues...but beware the waning moon! When the moon changes, friends become foes. Classic II: Dominique's Curse bring new storyline, a new list of achievements and a whole new adventure to Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night! Read on to learn more about this new Premium DLC mode. Gameplay The game begins with Dominique cast into Limbo, a strange and dangerou…
- Steam Metroidvania game announces new retro styled story DLC - 5 June 2024
When you think of Metroidvania games, a few obvious candidates come to mind. Hollow Knight, Ori, Tunic, Blasphemous - perhaps even newcomer Animal Well. But for the Castlevania die-hards, there's only one real choice: Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night , the spiritual successor helmed by Castlevania series producer Koji Igarashi himself. Now, the exceptional action platformer is about to get even better with a new story DLC coming very soon. Read the rest of the story... RELATED LINKS: Acclaimed metroidvania adds new game modes and cosmetics next week Metroidvania Bloodstained gets free Child of Light DLC Metroidvania Bloodstained is still getting more free DLC
- Classic II: Dominique's Curse DLC Date Announcement - 5 June 2024
Greetings, Army of the Night! An all-new Bloodstained adventure awaits! Classic II: Dominique's Curse will release on all platforms on Tuesday June 11th! Launch Time: 8:00am PDT | UTC 15:00 | 16:00 BST | 17:00 CEST | 23:00 HKT | 00:00 JST (12th) | 00:00 KST (12th) This all new premium DLC mode features the retro gameplay of Classic Mode with a larger map, more enemies and new storyline that begins where Ritual of the Night ends. Dominique may have been defeated, but she is not finished. Banished to Limbo, she must steal Bael's power if she hopes to escape to the mortal realm and take her revenge! Explore a massive new map with retro gameplay that takes Classic Mode to a whole new level. Acquire valuable abilities and artifacts that will add to Dominique's power. Speak to friendly demons to gather clues, but beware the waning moon! When the moon changes, friends become foes. This new adv…
- Chaos and Versus Modes Are Live | Update 1.5 Notes - 9 May 2024
Game Update 1.50 New Game Mode: Chaos Mode This mode sends players into a series of randomized rooms populated with demons. Difficulty increases the longer you survive. Chaos Mode can be played Single-Player or Local / Online Co-Op. See details for online play below. New Game Mode: Versus Mode Versus Mode is fast-paced PvP game mode that pits you against another player to see who can survive the longest. The mode includes local and online PVP gameplay. Players may invite a friend directly or challenge a random online player. See details for online play below. Free Shantae Half-Genie Cosmetic Pack A free Shantae-inspired cosmetic pack for Miriam has been added to all accounts. Items in this pack can be found in your inventory and include the following individual items. Half-Genie Outfit (Body Slot) Half-Genie Vest (Accessory Slot) Half-Genie Tiara (Accessory Slot) Risky Blade (Weapon Slo…
- Chaos and VS Mode Gameplay Preview - 9 May 2024
Greetings, Army of the Night! We are honored to reveal more details on the new content that is included in update 1.50. The development team has been busy working on the new Versus and Chaos Modes, both of which include online multiplayer play for the first time. Versus Mode Versus Mode is fast-paced PvP game mode that pits you against another player to see who can survive the longest. The mode includes local play as well as an online mode that includes the ability to invite a friend directly or challenge a random player. In local play, the game is played in split-screen with both players occupying their own area on the top or bottom of the screen. In online play, you see only your own screen as well as a ‘shadow’ version of your opponent. As play progresses, demons will spawn that you will have to avoid or defeat while collecting various bonuses and souls. Souls can be spent at the cen…
- Acclaimed metroidvania adds new game modes and cosmetics next week - 3 May 2024
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is one of the best metroidvania games in years, standing proudly alongside Hollow Knight and Ori and the Blind Forest as a highlight of the genre originated by Samus Aran and Simon Belmont. The game has received a huge amount of post-launch support since its original release, and is set to gain even more next week in its 1.5 update, releasing May 9 on PC. Read the rest of the story... RELATED LINKS: Metroidvania Bloodstained gets free Child of Light DLC Metroidvania Bloodstained is still getting more free DLC August's Humble Choice bundle includes a modern classic Metroidvania
- Chaos Mode, Versus Mode and new Cosmetic Pack DLCs are coming May 9th! - 2 May 2024
Hello, Bloodstained Fans! We are excited to present the final Development Roadmap for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night! Here is what we have planned. Update 1.5 May 16, 2024 8am PDT/4pm BST/5pm CEST/11pm HKT/Midnight May 10 JST Chaos Mode / VS Mode / 1 Free Miriam Cosmetic Pack / 3 Premium (Paid) Miriam Cosmetic Packs Update 1.5 will contain two new game modes, and one free Cosmetic Pack. Along with this, three Premium DLC Miriam Cosmetic Packs will be available for purchase. This will be the final update to the game. Chaos Mode Chaos Mode is local or online co-op action that you can play solo, with a friend or be matched with other players on the same system. Fight through a series of randomized rooms to defeat demons and bosses. Complete challenges before each boss to get powerful upgrades! How long will you survive? Versus Mode VS Mode is a special PVP mode created just for Ritual o…
- Contra: Operation Galuga Now Available! - 13 March 2024
Contra is back - reloaded, reimagined, and reborn - with Contra: Operation Galuga! Grab your spread shot and run 'n' gun your way through explosive co-op action against the Red Falcon army! This thorough remake of the revolutionary Contra NES/arcade game from the 1980s redeploys players to the Galuga Archipelago, where you'll take control of elite Contra commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean (as well as other warriors) and use an assortment of iconic weapons such as the Spread Shot, Laser Beam, and Homing Missiles to run, jump, and shoot your way through burning jungles, frigid mountains, a grotesque alien lair, and more. Character-specific abilities, devastating Overload powers, and unyielding bosses keep the action intense across Story Mode (1-2 players), Arcade Mode (1-4 players), and Challenge Mode (1 player), while variable difficulty settings and perks provide options for gamers of…
- Contra: Operation Galuga Launches March 12! - 1 March 2024
Prepare to attack aggressively! The iconic run-'n'-gun series, Contra, is back - reloaded, reimagined, and reborn - with Contra: Operation Galuga, launching on March 12! The legendary soldiers return to blast their way through eight stages of action against the Red Falcon army in explosive co-op action for up to two players in Story Mode or up to four players in Arcade Mode!
- Free Shantae Cosmetic Pack DLC - 5 February 2024
Hey, everyone! We have an exciting announcement for you today. As you may know, we are getting close to the release of update 1.5 for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. The update will include Chaos and Vs modes, as well as three new premium (paid) cosmetic packs for Miriam. What we have not yet officially announced is that 1.5 will include a free set of special weapons and clothing items for Miriam...the Half-Genie Cosmetic Pack! This cosmetic pack includes everything Miriam needs to dress up as Shantae, everyone’s favorite Half-Genie hero! There are also items inspired by her pirate nemesis, Risky Boots! The Shantae games follow the plucky Half-Genie heroine as she tries to protect her hometown and Sequin Land from an array of threats and enemies. As Shantae makes her way through the world, she picks up new powers and items that allow her to fight ever-increasing threats...definitely…
- Upcoming Content Preview and Special Announcement - 6 September 2023
Greetings, Army of the Night! We are excited to bring you a message from Bloodstained Producer IGA and Director SHUTARO! First, we apologize for the long delay between updates. The development team has been busy working on the new VS and Chaos modes, both of which include online multiplayer play for the first time. This has resulted in some challenges and delays that we that we did not expect, but we continue forward! We are nearing completion of the new content. We will share more on how Chaos and VS modes work on September 14th. Until then, we hope this small preview of the new modes and upcoming premium DLC will give you an idea of what is to come! TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD! Finally, we are honored to announce that Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has sold two million copies since its launch in June 2019! This is due to all the to the support we have received from everyone. We would l…
- The best vampire games on Switch and mobile - 23 April 2023
It doesn't have to be Halloween for you to have a bitingly good time with the best vampire games on Nintendo Switch and mobile. We've taken it upon ourselves to head out into the night in search of some fang-tastic titles for all you Nintendo Switch and mobile game fans out there. Should vampires not be the monster of your choice, you can go and bash some skulls with our list of the best zombie games on Switch and mobile. Or, if you like sunshine and rainbows, we suggest you see what adventures you can embark on with a certain Italian plumber in our best Mario games guide. Read the rest of the story... RELATED LINKS: Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night 2 is in the works Our Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night giveaway has ended You can now play as Zangetsu in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
- Journey Crossover Area | Update 1.4 Notes - 23 August 2022
Greetings, Army of the Night! Bloodstained’s castle is built on a foundation of magic and mystery. Just when you think you’ve explored it all, there’s always another discovery to be made. On August 23rd, the castle reveals its latest secret…a brand-new crossover boss area based on Journey, the award-winning videogame by thatgamecompany! This new section of the castle, The Tunnels, is inspired by the imagery and level design of Journey, but with a Bloodstained twist. Hidden behind a secret entrance, the Tunnels are large and will require exploration and shard abilities to navigate. Once you find (and fight) your way through the cavernous maze, the final challenge awaits: a battle with the level’s guardian. Your reward for survival is a special Journey-inspired equippable item! Unlocking the Journey Boss Area The entrance to The Tunnels will appear after you have freed Gebel and unlocked…
- Development Roadmap - June 2022 - 17 June 2022
Greetings, Army of the Night! Since Bloodstained’s launch we’ve added multiple modes, three playable characters, special crossover areas and other improvements to the game...so what’s next? With the Aurora now in the game, it’s time to update the Development Roadmap for 2022. Our overall goal since launch has been to complete the free content for the game before adding premium DLC. Now that we are getting closer to the completion of development, we can reveal what we have planned. The next update will be a new crossover area based on a non-bloodstained franchise. The new area won’t appear on the map (nor affect your completion rate) so you will have to explore the map to find it. Following the crossover area will be the long-awaited Chaos and Vs Modes. These modes will bring online co-op and pvp action to Bloodstained! We are very excited to finally bring these modes to you! New outfits…
