All Mainline Castlevania Games In Order

Castlevania is a gothic action-adventure horror recreation collection. It’s additionally a prolific vampire hunter media franchise by Konami.

Castlevania has 26 important collection video games, on high of spin-offs, collections, and crossovers we didn’t embrace for our sanity. Also, throughout the mainline titles, there’re numerous reboots or “retellings” of earlier entries. 

Its traditional gameplay means 2D motion side-scrolling. You typically play as a member of the Belmont clan and advance by 2D environments. Along the best way, you decide up weapons, defeat monsters, and beat the ultimate boss within the Castle.

Simon’s Quest added an open-ended exploration plus a world map to revisit areas. It additionally added merchants, weapon upgrades, cities, and different RPG parts. 

The next massive change occurred in Symphony of the Night. It expanded the open-ended gameplay to lean the collection into the Metroidvania style. 

Lastly, Castlevania 64 was the primary Castlevania recreation in 3D. So, since 2003, Castlevania has remained a 3D action-adventure with an open-ended / Metroidvania exploration. It additionally vastly improved the fight mechanics.

That stated, there’re numerous various timelines, retellings, remakes, and reboots on high of the official important canon.

Castlevania Games in Order

Castlevania – 1986

The first title debuted in Japan in 1986 and reached worldwide audiences in 1988. It turned obtainable from a number of consoles. These embrace MS-DOS PCs, Commodore 64, NES, Game Boy Advance, Wii Virtual Console, a3DS Virtual Console, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

The recreation follows Simon Belmont. He inherited a legendary whip, brimming with holy energy, from his father. He goes to Count Dracula’s Castle and slays the lord on a side-scrolling action-adventure.

Vampire Killer – 1986

The second entry debuted in Japan a number of months after the unique entry. It’s a parallel model of the unique recreation, and it’s at the moment obtainable within the Wii U Virtual Console.

Simon Belmont is the character on another enterprise into Dracula’s Castle. The mechanics are completely different from the earlier NES entry. Instead of linear ranges, the sport has labyrinth-like chapters.

Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest – 1987

Simon’s Quest debuted in 1987 for the Famicom Disk System. In 1988, it debuted worldwide for the NES.

It follows the primary installment and continues the Simon Belmont storyline. He’s on a journey to cease a cursor Dracula positioned on him throughout their closing battle. He should return to the Castle’s ruins to save lots of himself.

The recreation launched a number of adjustments to the franchise. There’re now cities and villagers with gadgets and clues. There’s additionally a non-linear design, a world map, in-game forex, and weapon upgrades.

Haunted Castle – 1987

Haunted Castle is the following side-scrolling journey. It debuted as an arcade title in 1987, nevertheless it turned obtainable for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 4.

It labored as a port of the unique Castlevania title, nevertheless it had a number of adjustments. For instance, Simon Belmont’s journey towards Dracula can also be about saving his spouse, Selena. Also, his important weapon is a spiked membership, the Morning Star. Belmont can improve his weapon by gathering particular gadgets and gathering sub-weapons as nicely.

Castlevania: The Adventure – 1989

The next platformer debuted for Game Boy in 1989. Later on, it launched for Game Boy Color as nicely.

The story occurs a Century earlier than Castlevania. The playable character is Christopher Belmont, a Simon Belmont ancestor. He goes on a quest to defeat the vampire lord. Unlike earlier video games, there’re no sub-weapons, however there’re weapon upgrades.

Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse – 1989

The next entry debuted for the NES in 1989 in Japan and 1990 worldwide. Later, It additionally premiered for the Wii Virtual Console, Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console, and Wii U Virtual Console.

It’s a prequel to The Adventure, centuries earlier than the unique title. The protagonist is Trevor C. Belmont, additionally the principle character of the Netflix collection.

As a novelty, the participant can select between two levels at a number of factors within the recreation, which ends up in numerous endings. However, it abandons RPG and open-ended parts for a traditional side-scrolling expertise.

Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge – 1991

Belmont’s Revenge debuted for Game Boy in 1991 and Game Boy Color in 2000.

Its plot is 15 years after The Adventure. Dracula returns and kidnaps Christopher’s son Soleil and turns him right into a demon. The new satan helps Dracula regain his physique and retake his Castle. The setting opens up related gameplay with the novelty as holy water and axes as sub-weapons.

Super Castlevania IV – 1991

Super Castlevania IV debuted in 1991 for the SNES. There have been a number of re-releases since its authentic debut. The new console allowed an expanded management, 16-bit graphics, a brand new soundtrack, and better ranges. Still, it follows earlier mechanics.

You play as Simon Belmont in 1691, Transylvania. He’s on a brand new journey to defeat Dracula. The gameplay comes by side-scrolling, however the participant should begin over in the event that they lose all lives. Also, the whip can assault in a number of instructions, and there’re methods to improve the weapon. Lastly, there’re secondary weapons and different collectibles.

Castlevania Chronicles – 1993

Chronicles debuted for the X68000 PC system in 1993. Later on, it debuted for PlayStation 1.

It’s a remake of the unique title that provides numerous options. For instance, it had a brand new engine that improved graphics and efficiency. It additionally had redesigned ranges, new levels, new particular gadgets, and a brand new therapeutic merchandise.

Castlevania: Rondo of Blood – 1993

The next entry debuted for the PC Engine Super CD-ROM System in 1993. It introduces Richter Belmont on a journey to save lots of the one he loves, Annette. Dracula kidnapped her, and so he should enter the Castle for a brand new platforming journey.

The gameplay occurs throughout 4 various routes to rescue Annette and face Dracula. Richer can use a whip and 6 sub-weapons. Then, relying on the paths Ritcher takes, gamers expertise completely different environments and monsters. Lastly, Richer can save 4 kidnapped maidens, and considered one of them turns into a playable character.

Castlevania: Bloodlines – 1994

Bloodlines debuted in 1994 for the Sega Genesis. It’s a parallel story that introduces a brand new period and new characters. During World War I, the vampire Elizabeth Bartley plans a sacrificial conflict to return Dracula, his uncle, back to life.

Players management two new vampire hunters on a fast-paced motion platformer. Each character has particular talents and controls, and so they can assault enemies diagonally. 

Castlevania: Dracula X – 1995

Dracula X debuted in 1995 for the Super Nintendo. Later on, it debuted for the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console. 

It’s a re-telling of the Rondo of Blood storyline with a unique artwork fashion, redesigned ranges, and new mechanics. For instance, there’re solely two alternate ranges as a substitute of 4, and there’re no further playable characters.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night – 1997

Symphony of the Night debuted for PlayStation in 1997 as a direct sequel to Rondo of Blood. Even although the title bought poorly initially, its cult following grew over time. Nowadays, it has widespread acclaim, and it’s thought of among the best video games of all time. Its gameplay, ambiance, graphics, and mechanics pioneered many action-adventure video games to come back.

The recreation re-introduces non-linear exploration and leans in the direction of a Metroidvania design. It additionally provides RPG parts like cities, merchants, weapon upgrades, a world map, and character development techniques.

The protagonist is Alucard. he explores Dracula’s Castle, a big interconnected space. Visuals come by a 2D side-scrolling, and the aim is defeating the entity Shaft, who’s controlling Richter Belmont. Players can solely see Shaft after discovering a selected merchandise.

However, when you defeat Shaft, the sport turns into an upside-down model of the Castle, with new enemies and managers. There, Alucard has to search out 5 particular gadgets to defeat Dracula in a closing battle. Lastly, as you’d count on from a Metroidvania, many Castle areas are inaccessible till gamers discover collectibles or be taught talents.

Castlevania Legends – 1997

Legends debuted for Game Boy in 1997 (Japan) and 1998 (worldwide). It’s a non-canon prequel to the entire Castlevania collection.

The story follows Sonia Belmont preventing towards the primary Count Dracula incarnation. Gameplay comes by the classical side-scrolling mechanics, a whisp, collectibles, and particular talents. Moreover, the sport provides problem ranges and save states.

Castlevania 64 – 1999

Castlevania 64 (additionally identified merely as Castlevania) is a 1999 title for the Nintendo 64. It’s the first Castlevania in 3D. Thus it added many adjustments to the collection. Also, it’s a parallel story.

The story follows numerous playable protagonists. Carrie Fernandez, a younger orphan with powers, or Reinhart Schneider, inheritor of the Belmont clan. They are on a quest to cease Dracula’s return.

As a 3D title, the gameplay turned a 3D action-adventure platformer. Combat additionally turned more advanced and included a lock-on system. There’re additionally lengthy, medium, and short-range assaults, on high of assorted sub-weapons, weapon upgrades, forex, and distributors. Lastly, the sport retains Metroidvania parts plus an evening & day cycle NPCs, and collectible gadgets comply with.

Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness – 1999

Legacy of Darkness debuted for Nintendo 64 in 1999. It’s a prequel growth for Castlevania 64. Also, it packs a remake of the unique recreation with new villains and alternate ranges.

The protagonist is Cornell, a person who can flip right into a werewolf. He’s touring to Dracula’s Castle to save lots of his sister, Ada, chosen as a sacrifice to resurrect the vampire lord. The gameplay is much like the earlier recreation, with further platforming and turning right into a werewolf. Lastly, it has survival horror parts like caged fights within the darkness.

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon – 2001

Circle of the Moon debuted in 2001 for Game Boy Advance. It’s a canon journey retelling the Centuries-old battle between the Belmont clan and Dracula. 

This is a 2D motion platformer much like earlier titles. However, the lead character is Nathan Graves, looking for his kidnapped mentor within the Castle. 

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance – 2002

The next entry debuted in 2002 for Game Boy Advance. It’s additionally obtainable (as a part of a set) for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and Windows.

It’s a direct sequel to Simon’s Quest, fifty years after Castlevania II. The protagonist is Juste Belmont, Simon’s grandson. He’s on a quest to rescue a childhood good friend in Dracula’s Castle. So, the gameplay stays much like earlier titles, with a 2D perspective and a Metroidvania design.

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow – 2003

Aria of Sorrow debuted in 2003 for Game Boy Advance. It’s a canon story almost on the finish of the Castlevania timeline. In the 12 months 2035, Dracula has been sealed since 1999. That means the setting is futuristic somewhat than being a medieval recreation.

The recreation follows Soma Cruz, a teen with occult powers and a possible vessel for Dracula’s reincarnation. The setting opens up a side-scrolling journey with RPG parts, Metroidvania options, and the “Tactical Soul” system. The latter permits gamers to soak up distinctive enemy souls to get extra talents.

Castlevania: Lament of Innocence – 2003

Lament of Innocence debuted in 2003 for PlayStation 2. It’s the third entry within the collection with 3D graphics and the primary title within the canon timeline.

The 12 months is 1094, and Leon Belmont is looking out a vampire fortress for his kidnapped betrothed. The gameplay is much like Symphony of the Night. However, the title consists of puzzles, hid rooms and gadgets, and lots of boss fights. In specific, the sport has a central hub the place the participant can entry one of many 5 important areas obtainable.

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow – 2005

Dawn of Sorrow debuted in 2005 for the Nintendo DS. It continues the Aria of Sorrow storyline and provides a few mechanics to broaden its gameplay.

For instance, it retains the “Tactical Soul” system and introduces a “Magic Seal” system. Players have to make use of the DS stylus to jot down a sample on the tactile display screen and defeat enemies. Lastly, the title has an anime character design and a multiplayer mode.

Castlevania: Curse of Darkness – 2005

Curse of Darkness debuted in 2005 for PlayStation 2 and Xbox. It’s one other 3D action-adventure title following the Symphony of the Night method. 

The story follows Hector within the 12 months 1579, three years after Castlevania III. Hector is a Devil Forgemaster who labored for Dracula however finally betrayed him. His new mission is revenge towards those that harm his fiancee. 

The gameplay differs from earlier titles due to the playable character. Hector can use numerous ranged and melee weapons or unlock particular talents like summoning minions. However, after ending the sport, gamers may unlock Trevor Belmont for a second playthrough.

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin – 2006

The next entry debuted in 2006 for Nintendo DS. It’s the primary recreation within the collection with a co-op multiplayer mode and English voice-overs other than the Japanese voices.

This recreation continues Bloodlines, and the setting is 1944, throughout WWII. It introduces numerous protagonists and antagonists and expands the general lore of the collection. Also, the sport options alternate paths and two distinct endings.

Still, the gameplay stays much like earlier than. You play as Jonathan and Charlotte, and so they can mix their talents for highly effective assaults, traverse, and puzzle-solving. Their aim is stopping one more Dracula resurrection, in addition to defeating vampire lord Brauner.

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles – 2007

The Dracula X Chronicles debuted for the PlayStation Portable in 2007. It’s a remake of Rondo of Blood with 2.5D graphics. Also, it packs a remastered port of Symphony of the Night.

For Rondo of Blood, the X model doesn’t change a lot aside from the graphics. However, minor options enhance the problem by including platforming and puzzle sections.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia – 2008

Order of Ecclesia debuted for Nintendo DS in 2008. It introduces Shanoa, a member of a corporation that seeks to defeat Dracula after the Belmont clan was defeated.

The recreation has a 2D action-adventure gameplay, with RPG and journey parts. For instance, the character can equip and forged spells, equip Glyph Symbols for particular powers, and acquire Magic Points to change into stronger.

Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth – 2009

The Adventure ReBirth debuted in 2009 for the WiiWare. It’s a remake of 1989’s Castlevania: The Adventure.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 – 2014

Lords of Shadow 2 is the newest entry within the franchise. It’s a sequel to Lords of Shadow, and it debuted in 2014 for PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows PC.

The story occurs in medieval and trendy settings. It follows Dracula on a quest to defeat Satan. This time round, gamers management Dracula in an open world. He can use a number of powers and weapons to defeat his enemies.

All Castlevania Games in Chronological Order