For the 40th anniversary, Konami hands the keys to the castle to the Evil Empire. A new 2D action-exploration entry set in 15th-century Paris is coming to consoles and PC in 2026.
For years, Castlevania fans have asked the same question: “When will Konami make a new mainline game?” After a generation of collections, mobile spin-offs, and a highly successful Netflix series, the silence has finally been broken. And in a move that will likely thrill the community, Konami isn’t doing it alone.
Today, Konami officially unveiled Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a brand-new entry in the legendary franchise scheduled to launch later in 2026.
Marking the series’ massive 40th Anniversary, this title promises a return to the “immersive 2D Action-Exploration” (Metroidvania) roots that defined the genre. But the biggest news is the development team. The game is being developed in partnership with Evil Empire Studios—the team behind the critically acclaimed long-term support for Dead Cells and its celebrated Return to Castlevania DLC—with Motion Twin serving as an advisory studio.
The Audition Was a Success
For industry watchers, this partnership feels like destiny fulfilled. When Evil Empire released the Return to Castlevania DLC for Dead Cells in 2023, it was widely praised as one of the best tributes to the franchise ever made. It felt authentic, passionate, and mechanically tight.
It appears that the DLC was essentially a successful job interview. By handing the reins of a mainline entry to Evil Empire, Konami is signaling that it understands what fans want: a game made by developers who adore the source material.
“Long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise will have to master different weapons and spells to arm themselves against foes,” the announcement reads. “Plus, a sense of exploration will favor the bold and those who dare explore every inch of the sinister castle.”
Setting the Scene: Paris in Blood
While Castlevania usually evokes images of Transylvanian mountains and Romanian forests, Belmont’s Curse takes the vampire hunt to Western Europe.
The game plunges players into 15th-century Paris. The narrative placement is specific and intriguing: it takes place “over two decades after the events of Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse and the recent animated show.”
This timeline places the game squarely in the aftermath of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades’ legendary battle against Dracula. The protagonist is described as “Trevor Belmont’s successor,” a new member of the legendary House Belmont tasked with wielding the Vampire Killer whip. Whether this is a direct descendant (perhaps a young Simon or Christopher ancestor) or another relation remains to be seen, but the stakes are high.
Paris is under siege. A “looming mystical castle” has appeared, unleashing monstrous creatures onto the streets. The description of a chapter written in “bloody red ink” suggests a darker, more desperate tone as the protagonist fights to save Parisians from eternal darkness.
The Whip of Wonder: Traversal Evolved
The announcement highlights a significant evolution in gameplay mechanics, specifically regarding the franchise’s most iconic weapon: the Vampire Killer.
In classic titles, the whip was primarily an instrument of destruction (and occasional candle breaking). In Belmont’s Curse, it has been reimagined as a vital traversal tool.
“More than a weapon, it now serves as a vital tool for traversal, allowing players to swing across diverse areas to uncover hidden rooms, and reach previously inaccessible areas,” the press release states.
This suggests a physics-based swinging mechanic akin to Super Castlevania IV, but expanded for a modern Metroidvania map. This added mobility opens up the level design, allowing for more verticality in the “expansive environments” of Paris. Furthermore, mastery of the whip will unlock “inventive combat possibilities,” enabling players to strike enemies from unconventional angles—perhaps wrapping around shields or attacking while airborne.
Visuals and Atmosphere
Belmont’s Curse is described as featuring a “unique gothic art style” that builds on the series’ signature look. Given Evil Empire’s pedigree with high-quality pixel art and fluid animation in Dead Cells, fans can expect a game that looks retro in spirit but modern in motion.
The setting of Paris offers a new palette for the artists. Instead of just castle corridors, players will navigate the streets, catacombs, and gothic architecture of the French capital before presumably ascending the Demon Castle itself. The announcement warns of “deadly traps that demand constant vigilance,” a staple of the series that fans love to hate.
Platforms and Release
The wait won’t be long. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is scheduled for release later in 2026.
Konami is targeting the current generation of hardware, with the game confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Wishlisting is live now across all these storefronts.
Watch the Announcement Trailer: YouTube Link
The trailer, titled “Crimson Curse,” asks the ominous question: “Will Your Fate Bloom in Despair or Salvation?” It showcases the fluid 2D combat, the new Parisian setting, and the whip mechanics that will define this 40th-anniversary celebration.
A New Golden Age?
With the Metal Gear Solid Delta remake on the horizon, the Silent Hill revival in full swing, and now a new mainline Castlevania from a beloved indie developer, Konami seems to be executing a massive strategic pivot back to core gaming.
For Castlevania fans, who have kept the flame alive through spiritual successors like Bloodstained and indie tributes, Belmont’s Curse represents the homecoming they have been waiting for. The Belmont clan is back, the Vampire Killer is ready, and the night is young.
Wishlist Now:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- Steam
For more information, visit the official website: Konami Castlevania Portal
Lore Breakdown: Where Does This Fit?
For the lore nerds, the “two decades after Castlevania III” timeline is fascinating. Castlevania III takes place in 1476. Two decades later puts Belmont’s Curse roughly around 1496-1500.
In the original timeline, the next major Belmont after Trevor is usually Christopher Belmont (star of the Game Boy titles), whose adventures take place in the 1570s. This leaves a roughly 100-year gap during which the Belmont clan was active but less well documented. By setting the game in late 15th-century Paris, Konami and Evil Empire have a blank canvas to introduce a new Belmont (or re-canonize a forgotten one) without disrupting the established canon of Simon or Richter.
It also allows for the inclusion of Alucard, who would be awake and active during this period, potentially serving as a mentor figure to the new protagonist.