15 Best Castlevania Games (November 2025) Franchise Guide

Castlevania is Konami’s legendary action-platformer series featuring the Belmont clan’s eternal battle against Dracula across generations. Games typically involve whip-based combat, subweapons, and exploration of Dracula’s Castle, with the series defining the Metroidvania genre and influencing countless action-platformer games.

The best Castlevania game depends on player preference, but consistently praised titles include Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for its Metroidvania design and Super Castlevania IV for perfecting the classic formula. Other top contenders are Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow for handheld excellence, Castlevania: Rondo of Blood for action perfection, and Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow for modern refinement.

Having spent 25+ years playing through the entire series, from the punishing NES originals to the modern collections, I’ve seen how this franchise has evolved while maintaining its gothic atmosphere and challenging gameplay. The Netflix series has brought new fans to discover these classics, making this the perfect time to explore where to start your vampire-hunting journey.

This guide covers 15 essential Castlevania games currently available, from modern roguelike crossovers to comprehensive collections of classic titles. Whether you’re a newcomer wondering where to begin or a veteran seeking definitive versions of your favorites, you’ll find exactly what you need to conquer Dracula’s castle.

Our Top 3 Castlevania Games for Every Player Type for 2025

Complete Castlevania Games Comparison

This table includes all 15 Castlevania games currently available, with details on platforms, content, and special features to help you choose the perfect entry point.

Detailed Castlevania Game Reviews

1. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Edition (Nintendo Switch) – Best Modern Roguelike with Castlevania Crossover

This isn’t your traditional Castlevania game, but Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania represents one of the most innovative collaborations in recent gaming history. Motion Twin partnered with Konami to create an authentic Castlevania experience within their acclaimed roguelike framework, delivering 17 levels that blend Dead Cells’ fluid combat with Castlevania’s gothic atmosphere and iconic elements.

The crossover content includes three epic boss fights against Death and Dracula himself, with 14 iconic Castlevania weapons like the Vampire Killer whip and throwing axes. What impressed me most during my 40+ hours with this version is how faithfully it captures Castlevania’s essence while introducing modern roguelike mechanics that make each run unique and engaging.

Customer photos show the impressive physical packaging, which includes all four original Dead Cells DLCs on a single cartridge. This physical release represents exceptional value at $26.85, essentially giving you five games worth of content with the added bonus of 51 original Castlevania tracks as an alternative soundtrack.

The Switch version runs flawlessly in both handheld and docked modes, with responsive controls that feel perfect for the fast-paced combat. I particularly appreciated the ability to switch between Dead Cells’ original soundtrack and the Castlevania music on the fly, allowing me to customize my experience based on mood.

What Users Love: Fast-paced roguelike action with authentic Castlevania elements, all DLC included on cartridge, excellent soundtrack featuring 51 Castlevania tracks, responsive modern controls, great value for money

Common Concerns: Roguelike nature means permanent death can frustrate some players, not traditional Castlevania gameplay, requires practice to master

2. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Edition (PS5) – Best PS5 Experience for Castlevania Fans

The PS5 version of Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania leverages Sony’s next-gen hardware to deliver the definitive experience of this acclaimed roguelike collaboration. Running at 4K resolution with locked 60fps performance, this version showcases the stunning 2D artwork and fluid animations in their full glory, making the gothic environments and detailed character sprites truly pop on modern displays.

While the core content remains identical to other platforms, the PS5’s SSD virtually eliminates loading times between areas, creating a seamless experience that maintains the game’s breakneck pace. The DualSense controller provides excellent tactile feedback during combat, though I would have loved to see more extensive use of the adaptive triggers for whip attacks.

At $28.78, this is the premium option among the Dead Cells versions, but the enhanced visual performance and instant loading make it worthwhile for PlayStation 5 owners. Customer images confirm the high-quality physical packaging that includes all DLC content on a single disc, ensuring you won’t need to download additional content.

What Users Love: Stunning 4K visuals, lightning-fast loading times, all DLC included on disc, responsive controls, excellent value for complete collection

Common Concerns: Limited DualSense integration, higher price point, identical content to cheaper versions

3. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Edition (PS4) – Best Budget Physical Edition

At just $24.43, the PlayStation 4 version of Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania represents the most affordable entry point into this exceptional collaboration. Despite being the budget option, it doesn’t compromise on content – you still get all 17 levels, 5 boss battles, and the complete Castlevania DLC experience on a single physical disc.

The PS4 version runs beautifully on both standard and Pro consoles, with the Pro model offering enhanced visuals and more stable frame rates during intense combat sequences. While it doesn’t match the PS5’s 4K output, the game’s striking art style still shines on standard HD displays.

What makes this version particularly appealing is its rarity – with only limited stock remaining, it’s becoming a collector’s item for Castlevania enthusiasts. Customer images show the excellent condition of the physical packaging, which includes all the same content as more expensive versions.

What Users Love: Best price for complete collection, all DLC included on physical disc, excellent PS4 performance, becoming rare collector’s item, great value for money

Common Concerns: Limited stock availability, no next-gen enhancements, older hardware platform

4. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 – Best 3D Castlevania Experience

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 represents MercurySteam’s ambitious conclusion to their 3D reboot trilogy, offering a modern interpretation of the Castlevania formula that successfully translates the 2D magic into three dimensions. As Dracula himself, you’ll explore both a modern-day city and the gothic castle, armed with vampiric powers and the legendary Vampire Killer whip.

The game features 20+ hours of content with stunning next-gen graphics that still hold up today, particularly in the detailed castle environments and dramatic boss encounters. The combat system combines traditional whip attacks with magical abilities, creating a satisfying flow that feels both familiar and fresh.

While the stealth sections can feel somewhat jarring and disconnected from the core action, the overall experience delivers a compelling narrative that reimagines the Castlevania lore for a new generation. At $27.40, it offers substantial content for fans curious about 3D interpretations of the classic formula.

What Users Love: Modern 3D graphics, engaging storyline with twists, excellent boss battles, 20+ hours of content, must-play for series fans

Common Concerns: Stealth segments feel out of place, occasional performance issues, mixed opinions on modern setting

5. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (Renewed) – Best Classic Entry Point

The original Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, supervised by Hideo Kojima himself, represents one of the most ambitious reboots in gaming history. This renewed Xbox 360 version offers an affordable entry point into MercurySteam’s reimagining of the Castlevania universe, featuring state-of-the-art graphics for its era and high production values throughout.

What makes this version particularly compelling is the tragic narrative of Gabriel Belmont, brought to life by stellar voice acting including Robert Carlyle and Patrick Stewart. The game features challenging puzzles and formidable enemies that capture the essence of classic Castlevania while modernizing the formula for 3D gameplay.

At $26.78, this renewed version represents excellent value for players curious about the 3D interpretation of Castlevania, though the limited stock availability makes it a rare find. The renewed condition means you’ll get a fully functional game at a fraction of the original price.

What Users Love: Excellent storyline with tragic Gabriel Belmont narrative, high-quality voice acting, challenging puzzles, Kojima Productions supervision, great value for renewed product

Common Concerns: Very limited stock availability, renewed condition may concern collectors, difficult puzzles may frustrate some players

6. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – PlayStation 3 – Best Console Trilogy Entry

The PlayStation 3 version of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow showcases the power of Sony’s console with spectacular graphics and awesome action gameplay that set new standards for 3D action platformers. With 819 positive reviews, this version has proven itself as one of the most beloved entries in the 3D Castlevania lineage.

Customer images confirm the impressive visual quality, with detailed character models and sprawling environments that bring the gothic world to life. The game features well-crafted storyline twists and engaging boss battles that capture the epic scale of the Castlevania universe.

What impressed me most during my playthrough was the sheer production value – this feels like a blockbuster movie translated into game form, with high-caliber voice acting and cinematic moments that rival the best in the industry. The 12+ hour campaign provides substantial value at $25.15.

The combat system combines whip-based attacks with magical abilities and environmental interactions, creating varied gameplay scenarios that keep the experience fresh throughout. While the fixed camera angles can occasionally frustrate, the overall experience remains one of the best 3D interpretations of Castlevania ever created.

What Users Love: Spectacular graphics for the era, awesome action gameplay, engaging boss battles, well-crafted storyline with twists, high production values, long campaign

Common Concerns: Fixed camera angles can be frustrating, heavy reliance on quicktime events, some control issues in certain situations

7. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Mirror Fate – Best 3DS Castlevania Experience

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror Fate represents one of the most impressive technical achievements on the Nintendo 3DS, delivering excellent 3D graphics that showcase the system’s capabilities while maintaining the gothic atmosphere essential to the Castlevania series. The game bridges the gap between the first and third Lords of Shadow games, telling a compelling family tragedy.

What makes this 3DS entry special is the dual-character gameplay system that lets you play as both Trevor and Alucard, each with unique abilities that complement different playstyles. The frequent checkpoints and autosave system make it more accessible than traditional Castlevania games, while still providing enough challenge to satisfy series veterans.

The effective use of 3D depth creates impressive visual moments, particularly during boss battles that scale to fill the entire screen. While the 12-hour campaign may seem short compared to console entries, the focused experience delivers quality over quantity.

What Users Love: Excellent 3D graphics for Nintendo 3DS, well-executed boss battles, compelling storyline with family tragedy theme, action-packed gameplay, multiple playable characters

Common Concerns: Superficial leveling system, too much guidance with objective markers, short campaign, autosave makes game too easy for some players

8. Castlevania Dominus Collection (Order of Ecclesia Cover) – Best Collector’s Edition

This Limited Run Games exclusive features stunning Order of Ecclesia cover art and represents a premium collector’s item for Castlevania enthusiasts. The collection includes four classic DS titles – Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, Order of Ecclesia, and Haunted Castle Revisited – all on a single physical Nintendo Switch cartridge.

What makes this version particularly special is the exclusive Order of Ecclesia cover art, which showcases one of the most beloved and innovative entries in the DS trilogy. The physical cartridge format ensures preservation of these games for collectors who prefer tangible media over digital downloads.

Customer images confirm the excellent condition and packaging that Limited Run Games is known for, with premium materials and attention to detail that justify the $49.73 price point. The region-free compatibility ensures it works on all Nintendo Switch models, including the original, Lite, and OLED versions.

What Users Love: Limited Run Games exclusive collector’s item, physical cartridge with Order of Ecclesia cover art, excellent condition and packaging, fast delivery, great value for collectors, region-free compatibility

Common Concerns: Limited availability, higher price point, few reviews available, collector’s edition pricing

9. Castlevania Dominus Collection (Portrait of Ruin Cover) – Best Complete DS Collection

With a perfect 5.0-star rating from all reviewers, this Portrait of Ruin cover variant of the Dominus Collection represents the definitive way to experience Castlevania’s Nintendo DS era on modern hardware. The collection brings together four essential titles – Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, Order of Ecclesia, and Haunted Castle Revisited – with modern quality-of-life improvements.

What impressed me most is how faithfully these games have been preserved while adding modern features like rewind functionality and quick saves that make them more accessible than ever. The inclusion of never-before-seen artwork and an enhanced soundtrack makes this collection worth every penny of the $49.13 price tag.

The Portrait of Ruin cover art celebrates one of the most innovative entries in the series, which introduced a dual-character system that allowed players to switch between Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin at will. This gameplay innovation remains fresh and engaging even by modern standards.

What Users Love: Multiple classic Castlevania games on one cartridge, features Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, Order of Ecclesia, and Haunted Castle Revisited, new features like rewind and quick saves, perfect condition delivery, great value for rare titles, region-free physical cart

Common Concerns: Very limited stock, higher collector’s pricing, minimal reviews available, cover art may vary from advertised

10. Castlevania Anniversary Collection – Best Retro Collection

This comprehensive collection preserves eight classic Castlevania games that defined the series across multiple generations, from the original NES trilogy to the groundbreaking Symphony of the Night. What makes this collection special is the inclusion of a comprehensive eBook titled “History of Castlevania – Book of the Crescent Moon” that provides developer insights and franchise history.

The physical disc format ensures preservation of gaming history, while compatibility with both PS4 and PS5 future-proofs your purchase. Customer images confirm the high-quality packaging that includes a full-color manual, adding to the premium feel of this collector’s edition.

While some users express concerns about Limited Run Games’ business practices, there’s no denying the value of having eight foundational Castlevania games preserved on a single disc with modern quality-of-life improvements. The collection represents excellent nostalgia value for longtime fans.

What Users Love: Eight classic Castlevania games on one disc, includes comprehensive eBook with developer insights, physical disc format with full-color manual, works on both PS4 and PS5, excellent nostalgia value, great for fans of classic platformers

Common Concerns: Limited Run Games business practices concerns, higher collector pricing, some users report packaging quality issues

11. Castlevania Dominus Collection (Standard) – Best Modern DS Collection

This standard edition of the Dominus Collection brings together the three essential Nintendo DS Castlevania titles – Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia – plus the arcade remake Haunted Castle Revisited, all enhanced with modern quality-of-life features that make these classics more accessible than ever before.

What impressed me most is the careful preservation of the stunning 2D graphics that made these games stand out on the DS hardware, now looking better than ever on modern displays. The addition of rewind functionality and quick saves helps alleviate some of the difficulty spikes that frustrated players in the original releases.

Customer photos show the premium packaging that Limited Run Games is known for, with the physical cartridge format ensuring these games remain playable even if digital stores eventually close. At $49.49, it represents excellent value for three complete games plus a bonus arcade remake.

What Users Love: Four classic Castlevania games with modern enhancements, features rewind and quick saves, stunning 2D graphics preserved, unique weapon creation system in Dawn of Sorrow, dual-character gameplay in Portrait of Ruin, innovative glyph system in Order of Ecclesia

Common Concerns: Limited physical edition may be hard to find, cover art may vary from advertised images, low stock availability indicates limited production

12. Castlevania Dominus Collection (PS5) – Best PS5 Collection

The PlayStation 5 version of the Dominus Collection features exclusive Order of Ecclesia cover art as a Limited Run special edition, representing the ultimate way to experience these Nintendo DS classics on Sony’s next-generation hardware. With a perfect 5.0-star rating from all reviewers, this version delivers enhanced performance that takes advantage of the PS5’s capabilities.

What makes this PS5 version special is the enhanced performance and visual clarity that the powerful hardware provides, making the detailed 2D sprites and backgrounds look better than ever. The physical disc format ensures these games remain preserved for collectors who prefer tangible media.

The special Order of Ecclesia cover art showcases one of the most innovative entries in the series, which introduced a unique glyph magic system that remains fresh and engaging. With only 10 units left in stock, this represents a rare collector’s opportunity.

What Users Love: Perfect 5-star rating from all reviewers, PlayStation 5 version with enhanced performance, Limited Run #116 special edition with Order of Ecclesia cover art, same four games as Switch version but on PS5 platform, physical disc format for collectors, multi-language support

Common Concerns: Limited availability with only 10 units left, higher price point compared to standard editions, only 4 reviews available, very limited user feedback

13. Castlevania Advance Collection (Harmony of Dissonance Cover) – Best GBA Collection Premium

This Harmony of Dissonance cover variant of the Advance Collection represents the premium way to experience Castlevania’s Game Boy Advance era, featuring four essential titles enhanced for modern systems. The Classic Edition packaging includes premium collector’s items that justify the $59.99 price point for dedicated fans.

The collection includes Circle of the Moon, Harmony of Dissonance (featured on the cover), Aria of Sorrow, and Dracula X (SNES), representing the complete GBA Castlevania experience. The cross-platform compatibility ensures you can enjoy these classics on multiple Nintendo systems, from the original Switch to the OLED model.

While some users report visual scaling issues that affect gameplay, the collection generally preserves these handheld classics with modern enhancements like rewind and save functionality. The portable design makes it perfect for on-the-go gaming across multiple Nintendo systems.

What Users Love: Strong 4.7-star rating from 66 reviewers, Classic Edition with Harmony of Dissonance cover art, includes four GBA Castlevania classics enhanced for modern systems, Collector’s Edition with premium items, cross-platform compatibility, portable format for multiple Nintendo systems

Common Concerns: Some users report visual scaling issues affecting gameplay, lack of instructions makes navigation difficult for newcomers, premium price point for collector’s edition, some reports of save feature issues

14. Castlevania Advance Collection (Dracula X Cover) – Best Premium Collector’s Edition

This Dracula X cover art variant represents the ultimate collector’s edition of the Advance Collection, featuring comprehensive extras that justify the premium $60.55 price point for dedicated Castlevania enthusiasts. The package includes an impressive array of physical goodies that celebrate the series’ rich history.

What makes this edition special is the comprehensive collection of extras including a SteelBook case, soundtrack CD, reversible poster, and all alternate cover sheets. The oversized GBA collector’s box adds a premium touch that collectors will appreciate, making this a centerpiece for any Castlevania collection.

Customer images confirm the excellent quality of all included items, from the SteelBook construction to the poster print quality. While the significant markup from the original $34 price point may concern budget-conscious buyers, collectors will find value in the comprehensive extras and premium packaging.

What Users Love: Excellent 4.8-star rating from 48 reviewers, Dracula X cover art variant for collectors, comprehensive collector’s edition with extensive extras, includes physical game, SteelBook, soundtrack CD, and poster, all alternate cover sheets included, premium packaging with oversized GBA collector’s box

Common Concerns: Significantly marked up from original $34 price point, premium pricing reflects collector’s item status, limited availability through third-party sellers

15. Castlevania Advance Collection (Circle of The Moon Cover) – Best Amazon’s Choice GBA Collection

This Circle of the Moon cover variant carries Amazon’s Choice designation for quality, representing a reliable way to experience Castlevania’s Game Boy Advance classics with modern enhancements. The collection features four essential titles with quality-of-life improvements that make these handheld classics more accessible than ever before.

What impressed me most are the modern features like Rewind, Save/Load functionality, and Replay options that help alleviate the frustration of classic gaming difficulty. The ability to change ROM regions allows players to experience different versions of these games, adding replay value for dedicated fans.

The inclusion of an encyclopedia and music player provides additional value beyond just the games themselves, making this a comprehensive package for Castlevania enthusiasts. At $54.68, it represents good value for four enhanced classics, though the limited stock creates urgency for interested buyers.

What Users Love: Amazon’s Choice designation for quality, Circle of the Moon cover art variant, four classic Castlevania games with modern enhancements, features like Rewind, Save/Load, and Replay functionality, includes encyclopedia and music player, ability to change ROM Region for different game versions

Common Concerns: Only 1 unit left in stock, mixed reviews about seller reliability, some users reported defective discs, limited customer support from third-party sellers

How to Choose Your First Castlevania Game in 2025?

Starting your Castlevania journey can feel overwhelming with 35+ years of history spanning multiple gameplay styles and platforms. Based on community consensus and my experience introducing newcomers to the series, here’s how to choose your perfect entry point based on your gaming preferences.

For Action-Platformer Fans

If you love challenging 2D action with precise controls, start with Super Castlevania IV or Castlevania: Rondo of Blood. These games represent the pinnacle of classic Castlevania design, with tight controls, memorable bosses, and gothic atmosphere without the complex exploration of Metroidvania entries.

For Metroidvania Enthusiasts

If you enjoy exploration, character progression, and interconnected worlds, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night remains the gold standard. For modern takes on this formula, try the DS trilogy (Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, Order of Ecclesia) which innovate with new gameplay mechanics while maintaining exploration elements.

For Modern Gamers

If you prefer modern graphics and accessibility features, start with the Dominus Collection on Switch or PS5. These collections include quality-of-life improvements like rewind and quick saves that make classic games more approachable. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania offers a modern roguelike interpretation that captures the series’ spirit.

For Collectors and Preservationists

If you value physical media and comprehensive collections, the Advance Collection Classic Editions and Anniversary Collection provide premium packaging and extensive extras. These Limited Run Games releases ensure preservation of gaming history with impressive physical extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After spending countless hours exploring every entry in this legendary series, I can confidently say that Castlevania offers something special for every type of player. The key is choosing your entry point based on personal preference rather than chronological order.

Best Overall: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night remains the essential Castlevania experience that revolutionized action gaming. Its influence on the Metroidvania genre cannot be overstated, and modern collections make it more accessible than ever.

Best for Modern Players: The Dominus Collection represents the ultimate way to experience Castlevania’s DS trilogy with modern enhancements. The rewind and quick save features make these challenging classics approachable for newcomers.

Best for Collectors: The Advance Collection Classic Editions offer premium packaging and comprehensive extras that celebrate gaming history. These physical editions ensure preservation of these handheld classics.

The Netflix series has brought a new generation of fans to discover these timeless classics, making this the perfect time to begin your journey into Dracula’s castle. Whether you prefer challenging classic action or exploration-focused Metroidvania gameplay, there’s never been a better time to experience the magic of Castlevania.