505 Games and ArtPlay have announced Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, the next installment in the gothic RPG series. This is a prequel to Bloodstained, which was presented during Sony's State of Play on June 4, 2025: Ritual of the Night will be released in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

In The Scarlet Engagement, players meet Leonard Brandon, one of the Black Wolves of the Church, and Alexander Kitel, one of the Knights of the White Stags of the Realm, in 16th-century England. Together, they embark on a dangerous mission to infiltrate the Ethereal Castle, a massive Gothic fortress teeming with demonic forces led by the fearsome Lord of Demons, Elias. The Castle, which is called the largest and most treacherous in the series, is filled with luxurious halls, dark caves and death traps.

Dual Protagonist Gameplay

A significant innovation in the gameplay of The Scarlet Engagement is the dual protagonist system. Gamers can switch between Leonard and Alexander at any time, using their unique abilities to overcome challenges and combat scenarios. This mechanic adds a strategic layer to traditional side-scrolling, requiring players to master both of the characters to overcome the castle's formidable defenses.

Exploration and Customization

The game still focuses on exploration as a key part of the experience. Gamers can find powerful relics, craft upgrades, and unlock magical abilities as they go deeper into the castle. There are lots of customization options — every piece of armor or clothing changes both your stats and how your character looks. The story and gameplay are also brought to life by a wide range of fully voiced characters in both English and Japanese

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Helmed by Creative Director Shutaro and produced by Koji Igarashi, renowned for his work on the Castlevania series, The Scarlet Engagement promises to elevate the franchise's legacy. The game is scheduled for release in 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Fans can add the game to their wishlist now and stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches .