ArtPlay has revealed Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, a brand-new 2.5D side-scrolling metroidvania action RPG.
Directed by Shutaro and produced by Koji Igarashi, the creative duo behind Ritual of the Night, this new installment features dual-character mechanics and the most extensive map the franchise has seen to date.
Set in the 16th century, The Scarlet Engagement introduces players to the Ethereal Castle, a demonic fortress guarded by the Sanguinaries, six vampire lieutenants serving the mysterious Demon Lord Elias.
Players will control Leonard, a Black Wolves apprentice, and Alexander, the last surviving knight of the White Stags. In a first for the series, players will control both protagonists. One character is player-controlled while the other assists in combat, with the ability to swap between them in real-time. This dual-character system plays a central role in combat strategy and puzzle solving, with special skills and tactics tied to cooperative play.
The Ethereal Castle serves as the game’s massive interconnected hub. Exploration is rewarded with ingredients for crafting, powerful relics, and stat-boosting equipment. All armor and clothing offer both gameplay benefits and visual changes. Players can anticipate fully voiced characters in both English and Japanese.
Koji Igarashi, Co-founder and President of ArtPlay, said the following:
We’re thrilled to reveal Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement. The entire ArtPlay team is honored to bring this new chapter in the Bloodstained universe to life, and we’re proud to once again partner with our friends at 505 Games.
Neil Ralley, President of 505 Games, said the following:
We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Igarashi-san and the talented team at ArtPlay. Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement represents an exciting moment for the franchise, and we’re committed to supporting this next chapter as it reaches fans around the world.
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store in 2026.
