Where to Start · Castlevania
Where to Start with Castlevania
Castlevania is Konami's gothic action franchise running since 1986, following the Belmont family and their allies across centuries of vampire hunting. The series split into two distinct formats in 1997 — the classic linear action games (Castlevania 1 through Rondo of Blood) and the Metroidvania exploration games beginning with Symphony of the Night.
The word "Metroidvania" takes its second half from this series. Both formats are excellent. Both have defining entries that are among the best games ever made in their respective genres. Where you start depends on which type of game you want.
If you only play one Castlevania game
Play Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997). It is one of the greatest games ever made — Alucard exploring Dracula's castle, the RPG levelling system layered onto exploration platforming, the equipment and spell system, and one of gaming's most famous secrets (the inverted castle). Symphony of the Night defined the Metroidvania genre and holds up completely in 2026. Available on PS4, Xbox, and as part of the Castlevania Requiem collection.
The classic linear era
Castlevania (1986) on NES is the foundation — Simon Belmont, the whip, six stages, Dracula. Brutally difficult but tightly designed. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse adds branching paths and multiple playable characters. Super Castlevania IV (SNES) is the best classic format entry — eight directional whipping, atmospheric stages, and the definitive pre-Symphony experience. Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (1993, PC Engine) is the peak of the classic format and direct predecessor to Symphony of the Night. Available in the Castlevania Requiem collection on PS4.
Handheld collecting — the flagship GBA and DS Metroidvanias never hit modern digital storefronts — plan on real cartridges if you want Aria through Ecclesia.
The GBA and DS era
Following Symphony of the Night, the Metroidvania format moved to handhelds. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (2003, GBA) is the best GBA entry — the soul system lets you absorb enemy abilities and build custom playstyles. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (DS) is the sequel and equally strong. Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (DS) and Order of Ecclesia (DS) complete the DS era. All four are worth playing for Metroidvania fans. Physical DS and GBA copies are required — none are on modern digital storefronts.
The 3D era and Lords of Shadow
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (2010) rebooted the franchise in 3D with a God of War-style combat system. It is a technically accomplished game with a strong story but feels distinct from the classic series. Lords of Shadow 2 concluded that storyline. Both are on PS3/Xbox 360/PC. The 3D era is optional for newcomers — start with Symphony of the Night and the GBA/DS games before approaching Lords of Shadow.
What platforms you need
Castlevania Requiem (PS4) — Symphony of the Night and Rondo of Blood. Castlevania Anniversary Collection (PS4/Xbox/Switch/PC) — includes the NES and SNES classics. GBA and DS entries — physical cartridges only. Lords of Shadow — PS3/Xbox 360/PC.
Recommended order
Symphony of the Night first to experience the Metroidvania peak. Then Aria of Sorrow and Dawn of Sorrow for the GBA/DS era. Then Super Castlevania IV for classic format context. Then Rondo of Blood for the direct Symphony predecessor.