505 Games Unveils ‘Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement’ for 2026 Release

505 Games and developer ArtPlay have officially announced Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, a new prequel entry in the acclaimed Bloodstained franchise. Launching in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, this 16th-century adventure unfolds in a cursed version of England, predating the events of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Players will step into the roles of Leonard Brandon, a young warrior from the Church’s Black Wolves, and Alexander Kyteler, a noble knight of the White Stags, as they unite against the terrifying Demon Lord Elias and his monstrous army within a mysterious floating castle. Combining strategic combat, deep crafting mechanics, and expansive exploration, The Scarlet Engagement promises to deliver a fresh yet familiar gothic experience fans of the series will appreciate.

What We Can Expect

• Dive Deeper into the Bloodstained World – Experience an early chapter of the Bloodstained universe filled with a fresh cast of allies and foes. New players can jump in without prior knowledge, while long-time fans will uncover deep connections.
• New Buddy System – This journey will not be carried out alone! Play simultaneously as both Leo and Alex to defeat enemies, break through traps, and push toward victory.
• Navigate an Expansive World – Traverse Bloodstained’s largest map yet. Experience dawn, day, dusk, and night, including shifting light and darkness as time passes. Transforming not only the gameplay, but also the way you interact with the world.
• Experience The Epiphany Combat System – Discover new moves as you battle. Unleash unique attacks and uncover powerful abilities that allow players to master combat in innovative ways.
• Craft, Cook, and Customize – Experience personalization with a wide range of visually impactful armor changes, along with expanded character appearance options, crafting, and cooking side quests to strengthen your player.

My Thoughts

Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement immediately caught my attention and shot straight to my must-play list, even if I have to wait until 2026. The crisp visuals and immersive sound design were eye- and ear-catching, but what really hooked me were the classic signs of a Metroidvania (or, in GO Cast terms, Gear Gated game)! Sure, there are plenty of games to keep me busy between now and then, but I can already guarantee this one’s getting a purchase from me. If you didn’t catch the State of Play, we’ve shared the trailer below!