Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If you want a new game with Castlevania-style gothic fantasy and RPG progression, start with Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. If you want actual Castlevania games, choose Castlevania: Dominus Collection. Hollow Knight and the Ori games are strong alternatives, but their appeal leans more toward exploration or platforming than Castlevania-style RPG systems.
At a glance: which game fits what you want?
| What you’re looking for | Start here | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Gothic fantasy, weapons, spells, and RPG progression | Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night | Its official description identifies it as an exploration-focused Metroidvania action RPG by Koji Igarashi, with gothic dark-fantasy styling and weapons, spells, and upgrades. 505 Games’ official game page |
| More official Castlevania | Castlevania: Dominus Collection | It collects Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia. GameSpot’s collection guide |
| Exploration-forward 2D adventure | Hollow Knight | Its catalog description highlights 2D action-adventure and exploration. It is a distinct take on the genre, not a Castlevania substitute in tone or RPG focus. Metacritic’s game listing |
| Platforming and story emphasis | Ori and the Will of the Wisps | Its catalog description emphasizes platforming action and storytelling, making it a different kind of Metroidvania experience. Metacritic’s game listing |
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is the closest new-series match
For Castlevania fans who want a new game rather than another entry in the official series, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is the clearest fit among these recommendations. 505 Games describes it as “an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG by Koji Igarashi.” The official description also points to gothic dark fantasy, weapons, spells, and upgrade options—features that make it a natural pick for players drawn to Castlevania’s RPG-oriented side. 505 Games’ official page
Steam lists ArtPlay as developer and 505 Games as publisher, and gives June 18, 2019 as the PC release date. At the time of the Steam listing snapshot cited here, 92% of 10,935 English-language reviews were positive. That is a changing storefront figure, not an independent review score or a guarantee of how you’ll feel about the game. Check your retailer for current platform, edition, and price details. Steam listing
Castlevania: Dominus Collection keeps you in the official series
If the most important part of the request is playing Castlevania itself, look at Castlevania: Dominus Collection rather than a spiritual successor. GameSpot’s guide identifies three games in the collection: Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia. The set offers different combat approaches: Portrait of Ruin uses a tag-team mechanic that affects both combat and exploration, while Order of Ecclesia builds combat around glyphs. GameSpot’s guide to the collection
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- Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse | Night One Edition includes: Main Game, Alucard Style Costume, Digital Sound & Art Gallery, Trevor Style Costume, Sypha Style Costume, and Family's Grace (Relic).
- Medieval Paris, Where the Tolling Bells Herald the End - 1499: Paris is engulfed in flames as monstrous creatures suddenly emerge from the shadows. Armed with the legendary holy whip, the Vampire Killer, Trevor Belmont’s successor ventures into the burning streets and the looming castle to hunt down the beasts. Can they save the city from the brink of destruction?
- Satisfying Whip Action - The iconic whip of the series is now more important than ever! Crack your whip to move around freely like a trapeze artist! Master the whip mechanics and be creative to pounce on your prey like a wolf in fast-paced combats!
- A Large Selection of Weapons and Abilities - The whip is not the only tool at your disposal. You will need to strategically plan your next move in combat and make full use of all the weapons and abilities to stand a chance!
- Environment Hazards That Will make you grit your teeth - Biomes are packed with secrets, traps and puzzles. It is not just about muscles, it's about brains too!
GameSpot lists the collection for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, with a release date of August 27, 2024. Check the relevant retailer for current availability, edition, and format before buying. GameSpot’s platform and release details
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Hollow Knight and Ori are genre alternatives, not Castlevania clones
Hollow Knight
Choose Hollow Knight if what you value most is exploring a 2D world. Metacritic’s listing describes it as an action-adventure centered on exploration. It belongs in a Metroidvania shortlist, but the available descriptions do not establish the same gothic RPG emphasis on weapons, spells, and character upgrades that makes Bloodstained the closer match for this particular preference. Metacritic’s listing
Rank #2
- Classics that defined the Castlevania series.
- Includes the "History of Castlevania - Book of the Crescent Moon" ebook.
- This includes eight classic Castlevania games preserved on one disc with a full-color manual.
- The Castlevania Anniversary Collection on physical disc for the PlayStation 4. Also works on PlayStation 5. Region-free.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Pick Ori and the Will of the Wisps if you are especially interested in platforming and storytelling. Metacritic’s description foregrounds those qualities. That makes Ori a worthwhile broader-genre recommendation, while also setting expectations: it is a different take from Castlevania’s gothic, RPG-oriented adventure. Metacritic’s listing
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 17 Levels - Each one with its own atmosphere, foes and secrets to discover
- 5 Bosses - Made by the most sadistic of the devs, raised on the salt of the testers
- 150 or so weapons and skills - Spears, swords, bows, magic spells, shields, pets, frying pans etc; You name it, we got it
- Unlock the four original Dead Cells DLCs, giving you late-game content plus an entire new pathway to follow, with an alternative ending and tons of new enemies, weapons & outfits
- Battle through the corridors of Dracula’s Castle; Wield weapons against monsters to reach the throne room of the Dark Lord
Rank #4
- LIMITED EDITION: Official Limited Run Games release #251 of the Castlevania Dominus Collection featuring Order of Ecclesia cover art for Nintendo Switch
- GAME FORMAT: Physical DVD-ROM release, not a digital download, packaged in standard Nintendo Switch game case
- CONTENT: Action-packed collection of classic Castlevania games, rated T for Teen by ESRB
- PACKAGING DIMENSIONS: Comes in standard Switch case measuring 6 inches high, 3 inches wide, and 2 inches deep
- REGION AND LANGUAGE: US release with English language support, compatible with Nintendo Switch systems
Rank #3
- 17 Levels - Each one with its own atmosphere, foes and secrets to discover
- 5 Bosses - Made by the most sadistic of the devs, raised on the salt of the testers
- 150 or so weapons and skills - Spears, swords, bows, magic spells, shields, pets, frying pans etc; You name it, we got it
- Unlock the four original Dead Cells DLCs, giving you late-game content plus an entire new pathway to follow, with an alternative ending and tons of new enemies, weapons & outfits
- Battle through the corridors of Dracula’s Castle; Wield weapons against monsters to reach the throne room of the Dark Lord
How to choose
- Want a new game with gothic fantasy and RPG-style weapons and spells? Choose Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.
- Want the official series and three Castlevania games? Choose Castlevania: Dominus Collection.
- Want exploration to be the main draw? Try Hollow Knight.
- Want platforming and storytelling to lead? Try Ori and the Will of the Wisps.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
