DaRmaZat Publisher 505 Games and developer ArtPlay have officially unveiled Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, a full sequel to Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. This new 2.5D action RPG is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in 2026. A Nintendo Switch 2 version has not been confirmed at this time.
Set in a gothic reimagining of 16th-century England, the game invites players to unravel the secrets of the Ethereal Castle—an enormous, ever-shifting fortress ruled by the demon lord Elias. While the kingdom and the church have both failed to destroy the dark citadel in the past, a final attempt is made by two unlikely allies: Leonard Brandon, a young fighter from the Black Wolves, and Alexander Kyteler, a hardened knight from the White Stags and the lone survivor of an earlier assault.
Unlike the original Ritual of the Night, this entry features dual protagonists from the very start. Players will control both Leonard and Alexander as a team, switching between them on the fly during combat. Their cooperation is central to gameplay, allowing for coordinated attacks, environmental traversal, and the use of unique special abilities.
The Scarlet Engagement promises the largest map in the series to date, filled with branching paths, intricate traps, and distinct day-night transitions that change how the world behaves. From sunlit courtyards to moonlit crypts, every region within the Ethereal Castle shifts in mood and gameplay as time advances. ArtPlay emphasizes a handcrafted feel, with dynamic lighting and layered animation enriching the trademark 2.5D visuals.
Combat is powered by a new “Epiphany System,” where characters unlock skills and abilities organically as they fight. This system encourages experimentation and improvisation while rewarding mastery with powerful new moves. Customization also plays a large role—armor, weapons, and accessories not only affect stats but alter each character’s appearance. As in the first game, crafting and cooking return, this time as optional side quests that feed into character growth and world interaction.
