At the recent PlayStation State of Play event on June 4, ArtPlay unveiled their highly anticipated action RPG Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement. This sequel to the acclaimed 2019 title Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night maintains the beloved 2.5D Metroidvania gameplay while transporting players to an entirely new historical setting with different heroes. Rather than continuing the previous narrative, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement establishes a fresh chapter in the gothic adventure series.

The Bloodstained franchise, often regarded as the spiritual heir to Castlevania, immerses players in meticulously crafted gothic realms teeming with supernatural entities, arcane powers, and breathtaking architecture. Following three successful installments including Ritual of the Night and its retro-inspired spin-offs, the development team at ArtPlay has finally responded to fan demands for a proper sequel in the Ritual of the Night style.

While showcased during the June State of Play presentation, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is scheduled for release across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms in 2026. The narrative transports players two centuries before Ritual of the Night to a menacing floating fortress in Elizabethan England. This Ethereal Castle serves as the domain of the demonic ruler Elias, whose terror has persisted despite numerous failed attempts to vanquish him. The story follows warriors Leonard and Alexander as they undertake this perilous mission.

While maintaining the core aesthetic of Ritual of the Night, The Scarlet Engagement introduces several notable enhancements. Observant fans will immediately notice the distinctive cel-shaded character designs that create striking visual contrast against the detailed environments. The cinematic presentation has also evolved, featuring fully rendered 3D cutscenes with professional voice acting, replacing the previous text-based dialogue sequences.

The most significant gameplay innovation comes in the form of the dual-hero system, requiring players to strategically manage both Leonard and Alexander simultaneously. While directly controlling one character, the other provides support, with the ability to switch between them fluidly. According to official statements from publisher 505 Games, mastering this mechanic proves essential for navigating what promises to be the most expansive game world in the series.

Throughout their journey across the massive Ethereal Castle, players will discover numerous customization options including relics, equipment, and crafting materials. The progression system allows for character development similar to Ritual of the Night, with the added dimension of coordinating two distinct sets of abilities. As the adventure progresses, both protagonists will unlock unique combat maneuvers and powerful skills crucial for confronting the demonic overlord Elias.