The whip cracks again as a new Castlevania chapter begins.
Vampires, monsters, and the Vampire Killer are making a return in a new Castlevania game. Konami has revealed Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, the newest game in the series during PlayStation’s State of Play on 13 February (SGT). A gameplay trailer was also shared during the reveal:
Developed by Konami in partnership with Evil Empire and Motion Twin, the 2D exploration action game is set to launch in 2026 exclusively on PS5. A PlayStation Blog post was also released alongside the announcement.
A cursed Paris becomes the battleground for Castlevania’s next chapter
Set in medieval Paris in 1499, the game opens as monstrous creatures suddenly emerge from the shadows, throwing the city into chaos. Bells toll, flames rise, and players step into the role of Trevor Belmont’s successor, armed with the legendary Vampire Killer whip. According to Konami, the journey will take players through “burning streets and the looming castle” as they hunt down the creatures threatening to wipe the city out.
According to the PlayStation blog post, the whip is once again central to gameplay and “more important than ever,” serving as both a combat weapon and a movement tool. Players can swing freely across environments, chain acrobatic manoeuvres, and strike enemies from unexpected angles, encouraging fast and aggressive play, and exploring creative approaches to traversal.
Combat extends beyond the whip, with additional weapons and abilities designed to broaden tactical options. The reveal trailer highlights a sword that offers straightforward controls and reliable damage, ideal for close-range encounters. Konami confirmed that more weapons and abilities will be revealed in the future, with players needing to “strategically plan” each fight and make full use of their toolkit to survive.
Exploration remains a core pillar. Players can expect secret chambers, hidden items, and breakable walls, including classic health-restoring meat pickups concealed behind destructible surfaces. Familiar enemies such as Zombies also return, appearing early in the game. While slow-moving and easy to defeat individually, they can quickly overwhelm players in large numbers, adding tension to even the earliest encounters.
New art direction will reshape Castlevania’s gothic identity
Visually, Belmont’s Curse introduces a colourful yet dark art style that reimagines Castlevania’s gothic look. The PlayStation Blog describes it as “a unique colourful approach that stays true to the classic gothic look,” giving players a fresh way to experience the series’ signature atmosphere. Detailed environments, expressive characters, and dynamic lighting bring medieval Paris to life, creating a world that feels vibrant despite its grim setting.
With Evil Empire and Motion Twin contributing their experience in fast, fluid action design, the focus is firmly on tight controls, responsive combat, and smooth movement. The goal is to deliver a modern Castlevania that respects its roots while pushing its gameplay forward.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse launches in 2026 on PS5, with more details expected in the months ahead.
For all the biggest announcements and trailers from PlayStation's February 2026 State of Play, click here.
