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{{Infobox video game
| title = Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
| image = Bloodstained cover art.jpg
| caption = Cover art by Mana Ikeda
| developer = {{Unbulleted list|ArtPlay{{efn|Additional development by DICO and [[WayForward]]. Mobile ports developed in associate with [[NetEase]].}}}}
| publisher = {{Unbulleted list|[[505 Games]]|[[NetEase]]{{efn|Mobile ports.}}}}
| director = Shutaro Iida
| producer = [[Koji Igarashi]]
| designer = Shutaro Iida
| programmer = Shingo Tate
| artist = {{Unbulleted list|Takato Yamashita|Damon DuBois|Justin Criswell}}
| writer = Koji Igarashi{{efn|Uncredited.}}
| composer = {{Unbulleted list|Ippo Yamada|[[Michiru Yamane]]|Keisuke Ito|Ryusuke Fujioka|Atsuhiro Ishizuna}}
| series = 
| engine = [[Unreal Engine 4]]
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]|[[Google Stadia|Stadia]]}}
| released = {{Unbulleted list|'''PS4, Windows, Xbox One'''|18 June 2019|'''Nintendo Switch'''|25 June 2019|'''Amazon Luna'''|20 October 2020|'''Android, iOS'''|3 December 2020|'''Stadia'''|6 July 2021}}
| genre = [[Action role-playing]], [[Metroidvania]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night''''' is a 2019 [[action role-playing game]] developed by [[Indie game|indie studio]] ArtPlay and published by [[505 Games]]. The game is considered a [[spiritual successor]] to the ''[[Castlevania]]'' series, and was released for [[PlayStation 4]], [[Windows]], [[Xbox One]], and [[Nintendo Switch]], in June 2019, for [[Amazon Luna]] in October 2020, for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] in December 2020, and for [[Google Stadia|Stadia]] in July 2021.

ArtPlay used the [[crowdfunding]] platform [[Kickstarter]] to demonstrate the demand for the game to potential sources of funding for it in 2015. The campaign successfully raised more than $5.5 million from backers, eleven times its original goal, making it one of the most successful video game campaigns on the platform. ''Ritual of the Night'' received generally positive reviews upon release, with many describing it as a worthy successor to the ''Castlevania'' games that inspired it. Most of the stretch goals from the Kickstarter campaign were distributed as free content updates, with a few additional items as paid downloadable content.

''Ritual of the Night'' was the second game to be released in the ''Bloodstained'' series; a retro-style companion game, ''[[Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon]]'', was developed by [[Inti Creates]] as a stretch goal and released earlier in May 2018. It received a sequel, ''[[Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2]]'', in July 2020. A prequel, ''Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement'', was announced in 2021 and planned for release in 2026.

==Gameplay==
The game follows the [[Metroidvania]]-style gameplay of the post-''[[Symphony of the Night]]'' games of the ''Castlevania'' series. As Miriam, the player explores a labyrinthine series of rooms presented as a [[platform game]], fighting monsters and bosses and gaining keys or powers that let them explore previous areas that were previously impossible to reach. Miriam is able to use various weapons to perform melee or ranged attacks to defeat monsters, or special abilities granted by the shards she possesses from monsters to perform magical attacks. Miriam has both a health bar and a magic power bar. Health is lost to monster and environmental attacks, and should this drop to zero, the game is over, requiring the player to load the last save state. Health can be restored by using items or finding health drops from monsters or environmental pieces. Magic power is drained by using shard skills, and if out of mana, the player cannot use shard skills, but mana can be similarly regained as with health.

The player gains new weapons, armor and accessories throughout the game by defeating monsters and looting chests. This equipment provides various attributes to Miriam along with offensive and defensive bonuses. For weapons, this also set the type of attacks that the player can make. For example, short swords allow a variety of fast, close-ranged attacks, spears enable slow but long-reaching attacks, and guns allow for long-distance shots but with no melee possibilities. The equipment can be changed on the fly via menu screens. Shards are obtained by defeating monsters, and generally contain a power reflecting the essence of the monster it came from. The player can only equip a limited number of shards, but like equipment, shards can be swapped out on the fly.

Among the maze of rooms include save rooms, allowing the player to save their game and fully regenerate Miriam's health and magic power. Additionally, warp rooms allow the player to quick jump from one region of the map to another previously discovered warp room. Following the game's prelude, the player also gains access to a set of non-playable characters located at the start of the map that provide stores to buy and sell weapons, shards, ingredients and crafting services to make new weapons or upgrade shards. The game is presented in a [[2.5D]] style, presenting the game in three-dimensional graphics but restricting movement to a 2D system. Igarashi stated the choice for 2.5D was to follow the style of previous ''Castlevania'' games, such as ''[[The Dracula X Chronicles]]'' and ''[[Mirror of Fate]]''.<ref name="eurogamer"/><ref name="pc gamer">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/castlevania-producer-koji-igarashi-reveals-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/|title=Castlevania producer Koji Igarashi reveals Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night|last=Chalk|first=Andy|date=11 May 2015|work=[[PC Gamer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513161245/http://www.pcgamer.com/castlevania-producer-koji-igarashi-reveals-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/|archive-date=13 May 2015|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2015}}</ref>

==Plot==
''Bloodstained'' takes place in 18th-century England during the [[Industrial Revolution]]. Fearing the loss of influence over their wealthy patrons, the [[Alchemy]] Guild created Shardbinders, humans forcibly fused with demonically charged crystals that attuned them to their powers. These Shardbinders were sacrificed by the Guild to summon demons from [[Hell]] in what was meant to be a scare tactic but instead brought uncontrollable destruction that wiped out the Guild and much of England until the Church was able to banish them. Of the sacrificed Shardbinders, only two survive: a male, Gebel, and a young female, Miriam, who falls into an unnatural sleep before she can be sacrificed.<ref name="characters miriam">{{cite web | url = https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | title = Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night | publisher = [[Kickstarter]] | first = Koji | last = Igarashi | date = 11 May 2015 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | quote = '''Miriam'''<br />Picked up as an orphan by an Alchemist at a young age, she became a host for the dark Alchemists' curse. Although the magi-crystals were fused with her body at a young age, for 10 years she lay sleeping while the curse matured to its full form. It was during this period that the demons arrived, meaning that she missed their appearance and awoke with a mild form of amnesia, not quite fully understanding what happened to her.<br />She is a woman of few words but strong of purpose. Her youth is deceiving, making her seem confrontational and quick to judge, though in reality she is constantly evaluating her next step. The pain she felt as an orphaned child fuels her compassionate desire to protect her loved ones and friends. | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150602005746/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | archive-date = 2 June 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

Ten years later, in the game's present day, Miriam has awakened from her slumber to find England infested by a new horde of demons. She learns that Gebel is responsible, as he considers himself to be a demon and intends to bring forth a new Hell while taking revenge on the surviving Guild members.<ref name="eurogamer">{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-05-11-castlevania-director-iga-announces-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | title = Castlevania director Koji Igarashi announces Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night | first = Jeffrey | last = Matulef | date = 11 May 2015 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | publisher = [[Eurogamer]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150514013936/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-05-11-castlevania-director-iga-announces-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | archive-date = 14 May 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Accompanied by her caretaker Johannes, they sail across the ocean to Arvantville, a destroyed village on the outskirts of Gebel's castle, the Hellhold. They meet with Johannes's friend Dominique, an exorcist who helped Johannes care for Miriam during her slumber and has been sent by the Church to help them stop Gebel.<ref name="characters gebel">{{cite web | url = https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | title = Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night | publisher = [[Kickstarter]] | first = Koji | last = Igarashi | date = 11 May 2015 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | quote = '''Gebel'''<br />Original host for the magi-crystal curse that summons demons to the planet. Gebel (JEE-bill) was the only one to survive its effects at such a high level. He destroyed the guild that created him, but in doing so realized he was no longer human and had no place on Earth. This in turn, led him to summon the demon castle from hell to appear on the planet.<br />It is said that his real purpose in summoning the castle was to give Miriam a place of her own, but as his Magi-crystal disease progressed, he soon forgot his own reasoning. The more he surrounded himself with hell-spawn, the quicker the magi-crystals engulfed his body. He continues to plot the downfall of man, and how to best convince (or use) Miriam to achieve his dark ambition. | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150602005746/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | archive-date = 2 June 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

As Miriam begins her journey into the Hellhold, she confronts Alfred, a surviving member of the Alchemy Guild and the former mentor to Johannes. Alfred seeks to recover an ancient book used in the demon summoning by Gebel, the ''Liber Logaeth'', and threatens to kill Miriam if she does not leave. As his former student, Johannes deeply distrusts Alfred's motives and fears he may be making another mistake, partially feeling responsible for the actions that Alfred and the other alchemists took in harming Gebel, Miriam, and the other Shardbinders.<ref name="characters johannes">{{cite web | url = https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | title = Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night | publisher = [[Kickstarter]] | first = Koji | last = Igarashi | date = 11 May 2015 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | quote = '''Johannes'''<br />A member of the defunct Alchemist guild and Gebel's best friend. Johannes (yo-HAH-nis) was the only Alchemist who dissented with the plan to call demons to the earth to cement Alchemy as the prevalent philosophy. His rejection of the other Alchemists’ scheme is what kept him from sharing their fate. He has a vague understanding that Miriam's awakening and the demon castle’s appearance are no mere coincidence. | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150602005746/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | archive-date = 2 June 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> She also crosses paths multiple times with Zangetsu, a demon hunter from Japan who initially distrusts Miriam due to her Shardbinder powers having ties to demons, but over time begins to respect her strength. Zangetsu explains that he is seeking a demon named Gremory, who is continuously eluding him for fear of his power. He gives Miriam his katana thinking that Gremory will not expect her to be wielding it and drop her guard.

Miriam confronts Gebel in the Hellhold's throne room, and she attempts to reason with him by reminding him that during the trauma of her transformation into a Shardbinder, he was the one who taught her to never give up on her humanity. Though he briefly seems moved by her words, Gebel remains defiant and the two Shardbinders fight. Should Gebel be killed, he will thank Miriam for stopping him, but the game will immediately end as Miriam wonders if she made the right choice. Using Zangetsu's katana, Miriam instead exposes Gremory's hiding place in the throne room and she escapes. Freed from the demon's control, Gebel is only able to give Miriam his final apologies before the crystals in his body consume him completely. Alfred then arrives to steal the Liber Logaeth from them and flees.

Miriam chases Gremory and Alfred through a dimensional portal into another part of the castle. Inside, she finds Alfred mortally wounded and the Liber Logaeth gone. As he dies, he explains that he was trying to use the Liber Logaeth as part of a spell he had cast throughout the Hellhold to destroy it. He also reveals that he was the one who put Miriam in her slumber ten years ago to sabotage the Guild's summoning, knowing her power as a Shardbinder was so immense that it would have brought even worse destruction than what was summoned had she been sacrificed.

Reuniting with Zangetsu, Miriam tracks down Gremory. Zangetsu uses his power to bind the demon in place, but he is seemingly killed in the process and so Miriam defeats Gremory alone. She then locates the Liber Logaeth and the one who stole it: Dominique. Craving the power to defy and destroy God for letting everybody die during the demon summoning ten years ago, Dominique reveals that she has turned herself into a Shardbinder through extensive study of Miriam and Gebel and uses the Liber Logaeth to summon Bael, the king of demons. Miriam banishes Dominique and Bael, and Johannes uses the Liber Logaeth to complete Alfred's spell and destroy the Hellhold.

As peace returns to the land, Miriam mourns the sacrifices made for her victory and wonders if the world will ever truly be free of the demons. Johannes consoles Miriam by revealing that with the Liber Logaeth, he may have the means to permanently stop the crystals from consuming her body. Miriam and Johannes leave Arvantville while an unseen person's shadow steps into view, revealed to be Zangetsu, who survived the events of the story after managing to escape Hell. He retrieves his sword, Zangetsuto, after watching the pair walk away.

===Dominique's Curse===
Set after the events of the main game's true ending, it is revealed that Dominique survived the battle with Miriam and now travels Limbo while afflicted with a crystal curse. Managing to confront and defeat Bael, depending on whether she collected all the Logaeth Pages and/or defeated all of the Hunters, she may find herself back in Limbo, and ends up becoming the Queen of Demons, manages to escape from Limbo, but is unable to lift her Crystal Curse, and ends up dying upon returning to the mortal plane of existence or escapes Limbo while having been seemingly cured of her Crystal Curse, but is left amnesiac as a result, and is ultimately discovered by Miriam.

==Development==
[[file:10.5.17KojiIgarashiPortraitByLuigiNovi1.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Producer and scenario writer Koji Igarashi at the 2017 [[New York Comic Con]]]]

''Bloodstained'' is a [[spiritual successor]] to the ''[[Castlevania]]'' series by [[Konami]], of which [[Koji Igarashi]] had been the series producer from 2001 to 2010. In March 2014, Igarashi opted to leave Konami, stating concern for his continued employment and differences in the directions they wanted to take the company. Igarashi later stated, "For the longest time, when I was working at Konami, I was protected by my company. They took care of me. Now I'm kind of anxious."{{efn |Attributed to multiple sources: <ref name="polygon day in life">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/features/2015/5/11/8576141/koji-igarashi-day-in-the-life | title = Koji Igarashi: A Day in the Life | publisher = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | first = Matt | last = Leone | date = 11 May 2015 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150512160459/http://www.polygon.com/features/2015/5/11/8576141/koji-igarashi-day-in-the-life | archive-date = 12 May 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="gamasutra konami">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/after-leaving-konami-iga-takes-a-leap-and-trusts-his-fans | title = After leaving Konami, 'IGA' takes a leap and trusts his fans | publisher = [[Gamasutra]] | first = Leigh | last = Alexander | date = 19 March 2014 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150513102559/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/213528/After_leaving_Konami_IGA_takes_a_leap_and_trusts_his_fans.php | archive-date = 13 May 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/17/5514588/koji-igarashi-castlevania-leaves-konami | title = Veteran Castlevania producer Koji Igarashi leaves Konami | first = Michael | last = McWheartor | date = 17 March 2014 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | publisher = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150610041630/http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/17/5514588/koji-igarashi-castlevania-leaves-konami | archive-date = 10 June 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="polygon konami">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/19/5523676/koji-igarashi-interview-castlevania-konami-and-going-independent | title = What's next for Koji Igarashi, the man who left Castlevania and Konami behind | publisher = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | date = 19 March 2014 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | first = Michael | last = McWheartor | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150426083126/http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/19/5523676/koji-igarashi-interview-castlevania-konami-and-going-independent | archive-date = 26 April 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>}} Igarashi also stated that he had received a large number of requests from fans to continue to develop ''Castlevania'' games, giving him another reason to leave Konami and aim to start his own studio to develop these fan-requested games, including a [[Metroidvania]]-styled game with similar themes to ''Castlevania''.<ref name="gamasutra konami"/><ref name="polygon konami"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.anime-expo.org/co-founder-producer-artplay-inc-koji-igarashi-joins-ax-2016/|title=Koji Igarashi, Co-Founder and Producer at ArtPlay, Inc., joins AX 2016! - Anime Expo®|last=LLC|first=DesignFluxx|date=24 May 2016|work=Anime Expo®|access-date=14 May 2017|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606024435/http://www.anime-expo.org/co-founder-producer-artplay-inc-koji-igarashi-joins-ax-2016/|archive-date=6 June 2017}}</ref>

Prior to his departure, news of the success of the [[Kickstarter]] for ''[[Mighty No. 9]]'', a ''[[Mega Man]]''-inspired game produced by the former series producer and artist [[Keiji Inafune]], had reached Japan, and inspired Igarashi that this could be a similar route to obtain funding for a new game.<ref name="polygon day in life"/> Following his departure, he began pitching for funding of a new game with the help of Digital Development Management's [[Ben Judd]], who has also assisted with ''Mighty No. 9''{{'s}} funding.<ref name="polygon day in life"/> They approached more than twenty publishers with the pitch, but found that none of them were willing to help. According to Judd, while Igarashi's reputation reduced the risk involved with the title and the projected budget was modest, the publishers were skeptical. Japanese publishers wanted to make sure that the American and European markets would want the title, and ''Castlevania'' games historically were not as well received in European markets. Western publishers believed the Japanese origins of the games were too strange for them.<ref name="polygon day in life"/> After six months with no success, Igarashi opted to join mobile developer ArtPlay as a paying job, but worked with the company to assure that he would be free to continue to pursue this new game idea.<ref name="polygon day in life"/>

===Kickstarter===
Igarashi recognized the success of ''Mighty No. 9''{{'s}} Kickstarter, and began seeking how to accomplish the same for his vision. He and Judd were able to locate investors that would help contribute funds, but only if they could show there was a strong interest in the title. The two opted to use Kickstarter to demonstrate what they believed would be a popular title, seeking to gain $500,000 to secure funding that would cover the remaining 10% of development costs.<ref name="gamasutra interview">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/243131/QA_Castlevanias_Koji_Igarashi_returns_with_new_game_Bloodstained.php | title = Q&A: Castlevania's Koji Igarashi returns with new game, Bloodstained | first = Christian | last = Nutt | date = 11 May 2015 | access-date = 12 May 2015 | publisher = [[Gamasutra]] | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150513111152/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/243131/QA_Castlevanias_Koji_Igarashi_returns_with_new_game_Bloodstained.php | archive-date = 13 May 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The Kickstarter was launched on 11 May 2015.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/11/former-castlevania-producer-announces-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | title = Former Castlevania Producer Announces Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night | first = Jose | last = Otero | date = 11 May 2015 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | publisher = [[IGN]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150513171309/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/11/former-castlevania-producer-announces-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | archive-date = 13 May 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Promotion and handling of the social media for the Kickstarter campaign was handled by [[Fangamer]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2015/05/bloodstained-kickstarter/|title=Just Kidding: This Game May Break the Kickstarter Record|last=Kohler|first=Chris|date=28 May 2015|magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529041753/http://www.wired.com/2015/05/bloodstained-kickstarter|archive-date=29 May 2015|url-status=live|access-date=29 May 2015}}</ref> Prior to the Kickstarter, Igarashi teased the announcement through social media using the phrases "igavania" and "sword or whip", and on the day of the announcement, participated in live streaming event via [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]] playing several other Metroidvania titles with various gaming personalities and developers.<ref name="ks">{{cite web | url = https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | title = Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night | publisher = [[Kickstarter]] | first = Koji | last = Igarashi | date = 11 May 2015 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150602005746/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | archive-date = 2 June 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> [[2 Player Productions]] helped with filming Igarashi's pitch for the Kickstarter at [[Castello di Amorosa]] in northern California a month prior to its announcement.<ref name="polygon day in life" />

The game succeeded in its base goal within four hours of going live,<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/05/11/castlevania-symphony-of-the-night-producer-announces-kickstarter-project.aspx | title = [Update] Igarashi's Castlevania Spiritual Successor Hits Kickstarter Goal | first = Ben | last = Reeves | magazine = [[Game Informer]] | date = 11 May 2015 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150512160322/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/05/11/castlevania-symphony-of-the-night-producer-announces-kickstarter-project.aspx | archive-date = 12 May 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> and reached $1.5 million within the first day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/5/11/8589149/bloodstained-kickstarter-funding-igavania|title=Koji Igarashi's Castlevania revival hits $1 million on Kickstarter|work=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=11 May 2015|access-date=12 May 2015|first=Sam|last=Byford|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513001145/http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/11/8589149/bloodstained-kickstarter-funding-igavania|archive-date=13 May 2015}}</ref> Various stretch goals were introduced and met, including obtaining [[David Hayter]] as a voice actor for the game.<ref name="pc gamer" /> Hayter had originally been slated for the role of Gebel, but ended up as Zangetsu for the final game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2018/04/06/david-hayter-bloodstained-voice-actors-revealed-new-video/|title=David Hayter And Other Bloodstained Voice Actors Revealed In New Video - Siliconera|date=6 April 2018|work=Siliconera|access-date=6 July 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710171008/http://www.siliconera.com/2018/04/06/david-hayter-bloodstained-voice-actors-revealed-new-video/|archive-date=10 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Additional stretch goals included hiring [[Robert Belgrade]], the voice of [[Alucard (Castlevania)|Alucard]] in ''Symphony of the Night'' to have a voice role, and allowing artist [[Ayami Kojima]] to create the packaging artwork for physical copies.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/26/ayami-kojima-joins-bloodstained-kickstarter-backer-rewards | title = Ayami Kojima Joins Bloodstained Kickstarter Backer Rewards | first = Matt | last = Porter | date = 26 May 2015 | access-date = 26 May 2015 | publisher = [[IGN]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150526151314/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/26/ayami-kojima-joins-bloodstained-kickstarter-backer-rewards | archive-date = 26 May 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Other stretch goals included a retro-style companion game titled ''[[Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon]]'', support for local co-operative play, a [[boss rush]] mode, a "classic mode" which reworks some portions of the game's maps into strictly-linear levels akin to the original ''Castlevania'' games, and a [[roguelike]] dungeon mode where the player can challenge a [[procedurally-generated]] dungeon.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/castlevania-dev-s-bloodstained-raises-2m-classic-m/1100-6427380/ | title = Castlevania Dev's Bloodstained Raises $2M, "Classic Mode" Coming at $2.5M | first = Chris | last = Pereira | date = 15 May 2015 | access-date = 15 May 2015 | publisher = [[GameSpot]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150518021327/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/castlevania-dev-s-bloodstained-raises-2m-classic-m/1100-6427380/ | archive-date = 18 May 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/13/8775165/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-kickstarter-final | title = Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Kickstarter closes with $5.5M in crowdfunding | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = 13 June 2015 | access-date = 13 June 2015 | publisher = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150613144121/http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/13/8775165/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-kickstarter-final | archive-date = 13 June 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> In addition to monetary stretch goals, Igarashi offered additional bonuses for all backers based on the amount of social media content the Kickstarter generates, such as followers of the game on [[Twitter]] or [[Facebook]] or number of pieces of fan artwork submitted to its site.<ref name="av club" /> The ''Bloodstained'' Kickstarter was successfully funded with more than $5.5M in pledges,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/13/8775165/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-kickstarter-final | title = Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Kickstarter closes with $5.5M in crowdfunding | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = 12 June 2015 | access-date = 12 June 2015 | publisher = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150613144121/http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/13/8775165/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-kickstarter-final | archive-date = 13 June 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> and {{As of|2015|June|lc=y}} the highest value video game Kickstarter project, exceeding the previous amount set by ''[[Torment: Tides of Numenera]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-11-bloodstained-is-the-most-funded-video-game-ever-on-kickstarter | title = Bloodstained is the most funded video game ever on Kickstarter | first = Jeffrey | last = Matulef | date = 11 June 2015 | access-date = 11 June 2015 | publisher = [[Eurogamer]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150613231443/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-11-bloodstained-is-the-most-funded-video-game-ever-on-kickstarter | archive-date = 13 June 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> However, about two months afterwards, the Kickstarter for ''[[Shenmue III]]'' broke ''Bloodstained''{{'s}} record, raising over $6.3 million in a similar period as ''Bloodstained''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2015/07/18/shenmue-3-kickstarter-6-3-million-pc-ps4/ | title = Shenmue 3 Kickstarter ends with over $6.3 million in funding | first = Stephany | last = Nunneley | date = 18 July 2015 | access-date = 29 May 2021 | publisher = [[VG247]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150719222128/http://www.vg247.com/2015/07/18/shenmue-3-kickstarter-6-3-million-pc-ps4/ | archive-date = 19 July 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

===Design===
Igarashi and ArtPlay developed the game's narrative, design, and overseeing production, while they hired DICO as a third-party publisher around June 2016 to assist in developing the game's assets and level design. The game is published and marketed by [[505 Games]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/bloodstained-being-published-by-505-games|title=Bloodstained Being Published By 505 Games|last=Williams|first=Mike|date=5 October 2016|work=[[USgamer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008141316/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/bloodstained-being-published-by-505-games|archive-date=8 October 2016|url-status=live|access-date=5 October 2016}}</ref> Developer [[Inti Creates]], whose name had been associated with ''Bloodstained'' earlier in the project, had been involved in developing a mini-game that was released alongside the main game.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/inti-creates-is-no-longer-working-on-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-s-main-game-450927.phtml | title = Inti Creates is no longer working on Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night's main game | first = Rich | last = Meister | date = 24 July 2017 | access-date = 24 July 2017 | work = [[Destructoid]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180314142418/https://www.destructoid.com/inti-creates-is-no-longer-working-on-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-s-main-game-450927.phtml | archive-date = 14 March 2018 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> ''Bloodstained'' was developed for [[Unreal Engine 4]].<ref name="eurogamer" /><ref name="usgamer">{{cite web | url = http://www.usgamer.net/articles/interview-castlevanias-former-keeper-returns-with-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | title = Interview: Castlevania's Former Keeper Returns with Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night | first = Bob | last = Mackey | date = 11 May 2015 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | publisher = [[USgamer]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150513151216/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/interview-castlevanias-former-keeper-returns-with-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night | archive-date = 13 May 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Near the end of 2018, Igarashi announced they had also brought on [[WayForward]] to help with some development, specifically in the area of polishing the title. Igarashi had been impressed by WayForward's skill in 2D platform games, such as their ''[[Shantae]]'' series, and was excited for them to be part of the project.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2018/11/29/bloodstained-gets-support-from-the-2d-experts-at-wayforward/ | title = Bloodstained gets support from the 2D experts at WayForward | first = Jeff | last = Grubb | date = 29 November 2018 | access-date = 29 November 2018 | work = [[VentureBeat]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181130030502/https://venturebeat.com/2018/11/29/bloodstained-gets-support-from-the-2d-experts-at-wayforward/ | archive-date = 30 November 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

The game's name is based around the concept of a magi-crystal curse that inflicts the main characters: they grow across the person's body with the appearance of stained glass, and Igarashi felt that "Bloodstained" was a good play on words to reflect that.<ref name="gi interview">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/05/11/koji-igarashi-explains-the-name-of-his-new-game.aspx|title=Castlevania Mastermind Koji Igarashi Spills Details On Bloodstained|last=Reeves|first=Ben|date=11 May 2015|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512155649/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/05/11/koji-igarashi-explains-the-name-of-his-new-game.aspx|archive-date=12 May 2015|url-status=live|access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref> While the title is thematically based around the Gothic theme like ''Castlevania'', Igarashi did not want to incorporate the public domain character of [[Dracula]] into it, feeling it would make the game too close to previous ''Castlevania'' titles and did not want to make his new game feel like a "half-baked copy".<ref name="gi interview" /> Igarashi opted to make the main playable character Miriam female based on recognizing current trends in video games in Western markets to present strong female lead characters that the broad range of intended players of either gender would enjoy playing, while avoiding the developmental encumbrances of creating two separate-gendered playable characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/244376/Bloodstaineds_female_lead_Miriam_reflects_the_games_audience.php|title=Bloodstained's female lead, Miriam, reflects the game's audience|last=Nutt|first=Christian|date=26 May 2015|publisher=[[Gamasutra]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529091730/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/244376/Bloodstaineds_female_lead_Miriam_reflects_the_games_audience.php|archive-date=29 May 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=27 May 2015}}</ref>

The game's music was written primarily by [[Michiru Yamane]], a former Konami composer who worked on the music for several ''Castlevania'' games, along with the musical group Noisycroak and a single track by [[Ippo Yamada]].<ref name="av club">{{cite web | url = http://www.avclub.com/article/castlevania-director-launches-kickstarter-new-game-219272 | title = Castlevania director launches Kickstarter for new game that's a lot like his old ones | first = Matt | last = Geraldi | date = 11 May 2015 | access-date = 11 May 2015 | publisher = [[The A.V. Club]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150513215715/http://www.avclub.com/article/castlevania-director-launches-kickstarter-new-game-219272 | archive-date = 13 May 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/posts/1238140|title=Update 7: $2.5mm, 8-bit tracks + Virt, and a peek into the basement...&nbsp;— Kickstarter|work=kickstarter.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070947/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/posts/1238140|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Gallagher|first1=Mathew|title=New Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night composers announced|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/new-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-composers-announced/|website=Video Game Music Online|date=November 2017|access-date=8 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171124123703/http://www.vgmonline.net/new-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-composers-announced/|archive-date=24 November 2017}}</ref> Shutaro Iida, who worked on previous ''Castlevania'' games as a programmer, director and designer, returned to the game in the role of a planner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/posts/1397504|title=Update 32: October Update: Podcasts, Planners, and Prognosticating · Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night|website=Kickstarter|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728211543/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/posts/1397504|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref>

The game features special codes to get items based on [[YouTube]] content creators including ''[[Game Grumps]]'', ''[[Mega64]]'', [[Vinesauce]] and ''Game Sack''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Carter |first1=Chris |title=Bloodstained already has cheat codes, here's one for its launch |url=https://www.destructoid.com/bloodstained-already-has-cheat-codes-heres-one-for-its-launch/ |website=Destructoid |access-date=3 August 2024 |date=18 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bloodstained Ritual of the Night Cheats {{!}} List of all cheat codes |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/555861-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-cheats-list-cheat-codes |website=GameRevolution |access-date=3 August 2024 |date=19 June 2019}}</ref>

==Release==
At the end of the Kickstarter in June 2015, ''Bloodstained'' was planned for release in 2017 on [[Linux]], [[OS X]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation Vita]], [[Wii U]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox One]], through the campaign's stretch goals. At this point in time, the [[Unreal Engine 4]] was not yet ported to either the Vita or Wii U. [[Armature Studio]] was set to do these ports, with plans to release the code base for both the Wii U and Vita ports for free to any studio licensed to work on it once they had overcome the lack of Unreal on these platforms.{{efn |Attributed to multiple sources: <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-05-27-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-announces-wii-u-stretch-goal | title = Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night announces Wii U stretch goal | publisher = [[Eurogamer]] | date = 27 May 2015 | access-date = 31 May 2015 | first = Jeffrey | last = Matulef | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150530205429/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-05-27-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-announces-wii-u-stretch-goal | archive-date = 30 May 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/bloodstained-hits-wii-u-stretch-goal-vita-stretch-goal-revealed-293032.phtml | title = Bloodstained hits Wii U stretch goal, Vita stretch goal revealed | first = Darren | last = Nakamura | date = 30 May 2015 | access-date = 31 May 2015 | publisher = [[Destructoid]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150602040521/http://www.destructoid.com/bloodstained-hits-wii-u-stretch-goal-vita-stretch-goal-revealed-293032.phtml | archive-date = 2 June 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="vita">{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-will-get-a-ps-vita-version-293436.phtml | title = Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night will get a PS Vita version | first = Darren | last = Nakamura | date = 5 June 2015 | access-date = 5 June 2015 | publisher = [[Destructoid]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150607051819/http://www.destructoid.com/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-will-get-a-ps-vita-version-293436.phtml | archive-date = 7 June 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://gamasutra.com/view/news/245756/Armature_to_offer_free_Wii_U_and_Vita_Unreal_Engine_4_code_base_to_devs.php | title = Bloodstained port house Armature to freely offer its UE4 Wii U/Vita code base | publisher = [[Gamasutra]] | date = 9 June 2015 | access-date = 9 June 2015 | first = Christian | last = Nutt | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150613031431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/245756/Armature_to_offer_free_Wii_U_and_Vita_Unreal_Engine_4_code_base_to_devs.php | archive-date = 13 June 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>}} During the game's development process, Nintendo discontinued the Wii U and released the [[Nintendo Switch]] in March 2017. Igarashi opted to transfer development from the Wii U to the Switch, offering backers who had selected the Wii U version a refund or a choice of the game on a different platform, with the Switch being the default option for backers who had previously chosen the Wii U. Igarashi had started the Kickstarter when the Wii U was the dominant Nintendo platform, but with the introduction of the Switch since that point, he found it difficult to support the Wii U, and called for the transition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/21/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-wii-u-version-canceled-confirmed-for-release-on-nintendo-switch|title=Bloodstained Coming to Nintendo Switch, Canceled on Wii U|last=Campbell|first=Evan|date=21 March 2017|work=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424091907/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/21/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-wii-u-version-canceled-confirmed-for-release-on-nintendo-switch|archive-date=24 April 2017|url-status=live|access-date=21 March 2017}}</ref> The PlayStation Vita version of the game was cancelled in August 2018 due to Sony dropping support for the handheld; backers that desired the Vita release were given the option of selecting the game for a different platform for free or assorted refund options.<ref name="novita">{{Cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/bloodstained-vita-port-has-been-cancelled-519140.phtml | title = Bloodstained Vita port has been cancelled | first = CJ | last = Andriessen | date = 20 August 2018 | access-date = 20 August 2018 | work = [[Destructoid]] }}</ref> In December 2018, the team announced that the planned [[Linux]] and [[macOS]] versions of the game had also been cancelled and would not be offering refunds, citing challenges of supporting middleware and online features.<ref name="nomacoslinux">{{Cite web | url = https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/posts/2368304 | title = Bloodstained for macOS and Linux has been cancelled | first = Koji | last = Igarashi | date = 27 December 2018 | access-date = 27 December 2018 | work = [[Kickstarter]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190210120344/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/posts/2368304 | archive-date = 10 February 2019 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/27/18158047/bloodstained-cancels-mac-linux-apology-kickstarter-delay-2019|title=Bloodstained drops support for Mac and Linux, apologizes to backers|first=Charlie|last=Hall|date=27 December 2018|website=Polygon|access-date=27 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228001535/https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/27/18158047/bloodstained-cancels-mac-linux-apology-kickstarter-delay-2019|archive-date=28 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Though Igarashi originally anticipated a 2017 release, he announced in September 2016 that he was bringing a second studio to help with the development of the game, and delayed the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-will-now-release-in-2018-385645.phtml|title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night will now release in 2018|last=Andriessen|first=CJ|date=8 September 2016|work=[[Destructoid]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909204721/https://www.destructoid.com/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-will-now-release-in-2018-385645.phtml|archive-date=9 September 2016|url-status=live|access-date=8 September 2016}}</ref> Igarashi stated the delay was primarily due to the added work to complete the campaign's stretch goals, a factor he could not consider during the Kickstarter period, and his commitment to making a high quality game, "better than a traditional Igavania game that I've made in the past" and not wanting to back down on quality just to make the original release date. The amount of work in team-hours, along with Inti Creates' inexperience with the Unreal engine to complete some of the concepts he wanted in the game, led Igarashi to bring in additional studios and push back the release date.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/05/why-bloodstained-was-delayed-to-2018|title=Why Bloodstained was Delayed to 2018|date=5 October 2016|work=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006133536/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/05/why-bloodstained-was-delayed-to-2018|archive-date=6 October 2016|url-status=live|access-date=5 October 2016}}</ref> Igarashi later revealed these studios as DICO, who have experience with localization and global development, and Monobit, for technical assistance with the [[game engine]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/11/24/bloodstained-gets-studios-dico-monobit-help-development/|title=Bloodstained Gets Studios DICO And Monobit To Help Out With Its Development|author=Sato|date=24 November 2016|work=[[Siliconera]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125125417/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/11/24/bloodstained-gets-studios-dico-monobit-help-development/|archive-date=25 November 2016|url-status=live|access-date=24 November 2016}}</ref> With the delay in release, the development teams were able to include an improved visual style to the game, addressing early player concerns about the visuals shown in earlier stages of development.<ref name="dtoid release"/>

A single-level demonstration of ''Bloodstained'' was made available to play for attendees of [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2016]], and was released to Kickstarter backers a week later.<ref name="usgamer e32016">{{Cite web|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/bloodstained-wins-the-prize-for-e3s-best-thinly-veiled-version-of-an-abandoned-series|title=Bloodstained Wins the Prize for E3's Best Thinly Veiled Version of an Abandoned Series|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|date=17 June 2016|work=[[US Gamer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619063908/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/bloodstained-wins-the-prize-for-e3s-best-thinly-veiled-version-of-an-abandoned-series|archive-date=19 June 2016|url-status=live|access-date=17 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-demo-available-to/1100-6441168/|title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Demo Available to Select Kickstarter Backers|last=Hussain|first=Tamoor|date=23 June 2016|work=[[GameSpot]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623175834/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-demo-available-to/1100-6441168/|archive-date=23 June 2016|url-status=live|access-date=23 June 2016}}</ref> In July 2016, Igarashi announced that the game had entered full production.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamereactor.eu/news/436603/Bloodstained+is+heading+into+full+production/|title=Bloodstained is "heading into full production"|website=Gamereactor UK|date=11 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728155343/http://www.gamereactor.eu/news/436603/Bloodstained+is+heading+into+full+production/|archive-date=28 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was playable again at [[EGX Rezzed]] 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.egx.net/rezzed/news/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-is-playable-at-egx-rezzed-2019|title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is playable at EGX Rezzed 2019|website=EGX|date=6 March 2019|access-date=18 March 2019}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

''Bloodstained'' was released on 18 June 2019 for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One versions, and was released a week later on 25 June 2019 for the Nintendo Switch.<ref name="dtoid release">{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/bloodstained-has-a-firm-june-release-date-gets-a-complete-visual-overhaul-552199.phtml | title = Bloodstained has a firm June release date, gets a complete visual overhaul | first = Chris | last = Carter | date = 2 May 2019 | access-date = 2 May 2019 | work = [[Destructoid]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190502140048/https://www.destructoid.com/bloodstained-has-a-firm-june-release-date-gets-a-complete-visual-overhaul-552199.phtml | archive-date = 2 May 2019 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Mobile ports for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] devices, developed by [[NetEase]] and ArtPlay, were announced in October 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-10-26-bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-announced-for-ios-and-android | title = Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night announced for iOS and Android | first = Wesley | last =Yin-Poole | date = 26 October 2020 | access-date = 26 October 2020 | work = [[Eurogamer]] }}</ref> These ports were released on 3 December 2020.<ref name="mobilerelease">{{cite web |last1=Madnani |first1=Mikhail |title='Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night' Is Out Now on iOS and Android as a Premium Release |url=https://toucharcade.com/2020/12/03/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-mobile-release-date-out-now-android-ios-price/ |website=TouchArcade.com |date=3 December 2020 |publisher=TouchArcade |access-date=5 December 2020}}</ref> Versions for [[Cloud gaming|cloud-based streaming services]] were released for [[Amazon Luna]] and [[Google Stadia]] on 20 October 2020 and 6 July 2021, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=2020-10-20 |title=Hands-on with Amazon's Luna game streaming service |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/20/21525339/amazon-luna-hands-on-cloud-gaming-streaming-early-access-price-games |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Available Now on Stadia |url=https://stadiasource.com/article/1780/Bloodstained-Ritual-of-the-Night-Available-Now-on-Stadia |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=stadiasource.com |language=en |archive-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218230930/https://stadiasource.com/article/1780/Bloodstained-Ritual-of-the-Night-Available-Now-on-Stadia |url-status=dead }}</ref> 

As part of the Kickstarter's stretch goals, Inti Creates also developed a companion game, ''[[Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon]]'', a [[NES]]-stylized [[platform game]] with Miriam and Gebel playable alongside the swordsman exorcist Zangetsu and the alchemist Alfred.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/bloodstained-curse-of-the-moon-is-an-8-bit-style-spino-1825974670 | title = Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon | first = Chris | last = Kohler | date = 11 May 2018 | access-date = 11 May 2018 | work = [[Kotaku]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180512072736/https://kotaku.com/bloodstained-curse-of-the-moon-is-an-8-bit-style-spino-1825974670 | archive-date = 12 May 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> It was released on Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Windows, on 24 May 2018, with an Xbox One port to follow in June 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nunneley|first1=Stephany|title=Inti Creates releasing 8-bit game Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon this month|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/05/12/bloodstained-curse-of-the-moon-release-date/|website=VG24/7|date=12 May 2018|access-date=14 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513055717/https://www.vg247.com/2018/05/12/bloodstained-curse-of-the-moon-release-date/|archive-date=13 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> A sequel, ''[[Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2]]'', was released in July 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.siliconera.com/bloodstained-curse-of-the-moon-2/ | title = Bloodstained Curse of the Moon 2 Arrives During New Game Plus Expo | first = Lucas | last= White | date = 23 June 2020 | access-date = 23 June 2020 | work = [[Siliconera]] }}</ref>

===Downloadable content===

Following the approach used by ''[[Shovel Knight]]'', the game used a post-release content model so that they are able to bring additional content, such as the game modes from the additional Kickstarter stretch goals, over time to avoid release delays.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/bloodstained-will-take-the-good-shovel-knight-content-delivery-route-not-the-bad-mighty-no-9-one-359774.phtml | title = Bloodstained will take the good Shovel Knight content delivery route, not the bad Mighty No. 9 one | first = Chris | last = Carter | date = 7 May 2016 | access-date = 7 May 2016 | work = [[Destructoid]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160508093932/http://www.destructoid.com/bloodstained-will-take-the-good-shovel-knight-content-delivery-route-not-the-bad-mighty-no-9-one-359774.phtml | archive-date = 8 May 2016 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> On 10 May 2020, the first of these updates was released, adding Zangetsu as an unlockable character and a Randomizer Mode.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-10|title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Zangetsu Update is Available Now|url=https://gamerant.com/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-zangetsu-update/|access-date=2020-07-04|website=Game Rant|language=en-US}}</ref> The second update on 3 July 2020 added Boss Revenge and Chroma Wheel.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-03|title=Bloodstained Boss Revenge, Chroma Wheel Free DLC Out Today|url=https://gamerant.com/bloodstained-boss-revenge-chroma-wheel-dlc-free/|access-date=2020-07-04|website=Game Rant|language=en-US}}</ref> The third update, released 10 November 2020, added the playable character Bloodless.<ref name="Bloodless">{{cite web |last1=Ryan |first1=Jason |title=Bloodstained - Ritual of the Night |url=https://playbloodstained.com/bloodless-rises/ |website=Bloodstained |access-date=3 May 2024 |date=10 November 2020 |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503190938/https://playbloodstained.com/bloodless-rises/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The fourth update added Classic Mode and a crossover with ''[[Kingdom Two Crowns]]'' on 14 January 2021.<ref name="ClassicKingdom">{{cite web |last1=Ryan |first1=Jason |title=Bloodstained - Ritual of the Night |url=https://playbloodstained.com/classic-mode-and-kingdom-crossover/ |website=Bloodstained |access-date=3 May 2024 |date=14 January 2021 |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503190941/https://playbloodstained.com/classic-mode-and-kingdom-crossover/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The fifth update added Aurora from ''[[Child of Light]]'' as a playable character on 31 March 2022.<ref name="Aurora">{{cite magazine |last1=Carson |first1=John |title=Child Of Light's Aurora Joins Bloodstained As Free DLC Today, Gameplay Trailer Revealed |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/30/child-of-lights-aurora-joins-bloodstained-as-free-dlc-today-gameplay-trailer-revealed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331140422/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/30/child-of-lights-aurora-joins-bloodstained-as-free-dlc-today-gameplay-trailer-revealed |url-status=live |archive-date=31 March 2022 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=3 May 2024 |language=en |date=30 March 2022}}</ref> The sixth update added a crossover with ''[[Journey (2012 video game)|Journey]]'' on 23 August 2022.<ref name="Journey">{{cite web |last1=Leston |first1=Ryan |title=Bloodstained Announces Surprising Crossover With Journey |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/bloodstained-announces-surprising-crossover-with-journey |website=IGN |access-date=3 May 2024 |language=en |date=19 August 2022}}</ref> The seventh and final update added Chaos Mode and Versus Mode alongside paid and free cosmetic packs. It was released on 9 May 2024 for all platforms except Nintendo Switch, which received the new content a week later.<ref name="ChaosVersus">{{cite web |last1=Dinsdale |first1=Ryan |title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Gets Final Update This Month |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-gets-final-update-this-month |website=IGN |access-date=3 May 2024 |language=en |date=3 May 2024}}</ref> The final piece of paid DLC, ''Classic II: Dominique's Curse'', was announced at the same time<ref name="ChaosVersus"/> and was released for all platforms on 11 June 2024.

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = PC: 83/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=25 June 2019}}</ref><br />PS4: 83/100<ref name="MCPS4">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=7 July 2019}}</ref><br />XONE: 84/100<ref name="MCXONE">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night for Xbox One Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=3 July 2019}}</ref><br />NS: 74/100<ref name="MCNS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night for Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=23 July 2019}}</ref>
| GI = 8.5/10<ref name="gi review">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/a-tribute-worth-its-trials |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624220517/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/a-tribute-worth-its-trials |url-status=live |archive-date=24 June 2019 |title=Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night Review – A Tribute Worth Its Trials |last=Vazquez |first=Suriel |date=24 June 2019 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=24 June 2019}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8/10<ref name="gspot review">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-review-king-of-th/1900-6417192/ |title=Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night Review - King Of The Castle |last=Watts |first=Steve |date=28 June 2019 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.8/10<ref name="ign us">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/25/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-review |title=BLOODSTAINED: RITUAL OF THE NIGHT REVIEW |first=Daemon |last=Hatfield |date=25 June 2019 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=25 June 2019}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 77%<ref name="pcg review">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-review/ |title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night review |last=Hetfeld |first=Malindy |date=25 June 2019 |website=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=25 June 2019}}</ref>
| TA = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2020/12/14/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-review-iphone-ipad/ |title='Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night' Review – The Latest Symphony |last=Musgrave |first=Shaun |date=14 December 2020 |website=[[TouchArcade]] |access-date=15 December 2020}}</ref>
| USG = 4/5<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-review |title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Review |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=25 June 2019 |website=[[Eurogamer|USgamer]] |access-date=27 June 2019 |archive-date=29 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429053026/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-review |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}

According to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]], ''Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night'' received "generally favorable" reviews on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and "mixed or average" reviews on Nintendo Switch.{{efn |Attributed to multiple sources: <ref name="MCPC" /><ref name="MCPS4" /><ref name="MCXONE" /><ref name="MCNS" />}}

Writing for ''[[Game Informer]]'', Suriel Vazquez concluded that the game's "journey is familiar, but the way it iterates and builds on that familiarity helps distinguish it from its lineage."<ref name="gi review"/> Steve Watts of ''[[GameSpot]]'' agreed: "It’s that sense of comfort in its own skin that makes Bloodstained such a treat. This isn’t a bold modernization of the genre or a departure from its roots. It is exactly what it set out to be: a return to the style of a bygone era, with a few modern improvements."<ref name="gspot review"/> Daemon Hatfield of ''[[IGN]]'' praised the world design, noting that "exploring the castle’s many secrets is a delight".<ref name="ign us"/> Malindy Hetfeld of ''[[PC Gamer]]'' echoed this sentiment, stating that "every inch of this castle is waiting to be explored and plundered, and for the most part its backdrops are varied enough to make you want to see what's around the next corner."<ref name="pcg review"/>

At launch, the Nintendo Switch version was seen as inferior to the other versions, with critics citing input lag, washed-out visuals, and stuttering [[frame rate]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/here-s-a-glimpse-at-the-disappointing-bloodstained-switch-port-compared-to-other-platforms-558672.phtml |title=Here's a glimpse at the disappointing Bloodstained Switch port compared to other platforms |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=25 June 2019 |website=[[Destructoid]] |access-date=25 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/25/18744215/bloodstained-nintendo-switch-port-frame-rate-issues-console-comparison |title=Bloodstained's Switch port looks pretty bad |last=Frushtick |first=Russ |date=25 June 2019 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=25 June 2019}}</ref> In response, the developers shifted their resources to optimizing the Nintendo Switch version with a series of smaller patches instead of having players wait for a single large update.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/-update-bloodstained-team-acknowledges-poor-switch-port-quality-vows-to-fix-it-with-incremental-updates-558803.phtml |title=(Update) Bloodstained team acknowledges poor Switch port quality, vows to fix it with incremental updates |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=26 June 2019 |website=[[Destructoid]]}}</ref>

The PC version was among the best-selling new releases on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] when it released.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://store.steampowered.com/sale/2019_top_new |title=Best of 2019: New Releases |website=[[Steam (service)|Steam]] |date=26 December 2019 |publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]] |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20191228165246/https://store.steampowered.com/sale/2019_top_new |archive-date=28 December 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|Based on total revenue for the first two weeks on sale.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/593110/announcements/detail/1708485146980406784 |title=A Look Back - The Best of 2019 |date=26 December 2019 |website=[[Steam (service)|Steam]] |publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]] |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20191228165922/https://steamcommunity.com/games/593110/announcements/detail/1708485146980406784 |archive-date=28 December 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>}} By June 2020, the game had reached 1 million units sold.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.siliconera.com/bloodstained-free-dlc-announced-as-the-game-passes-1-million-copies-sold-milestone/ | title = Bloodstained Free DLC Announced as the Game Passes 1 Million Copies Sold Milestone | first = Jenni | last = Lada | date = 10 June 2020 | access-date = 10 June 2020 | work = [[Siliconera]] }}</ref> ''Bloodstained'' would later go on to sell over 2 million units by September 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gematsu.com/2023/09/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-sales-top-two-million-first-look-at-vs-and-chaos-modes | title = Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night sales top two million; first look at 'VS' and 'Chaos' modes | first = Sal | last = Romano | date = 6 September 2023 | access-date = 6 September 2023 | work = [[Gematsu]] }}</ref>

===Awards===
The game was nominated for the Off Broadway Award for Best Indie Game at the New York Game Awards,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2020/01/02/the-new-york-game-awards-announces-2020-nominees/ |title=The New York Game Awards Announces 2020 Nominees |last=Sheehan |first=Gavin |date=2 January 2020 |website=[[Bleeding Cool]] |access-date=4 January 2020}}</ref> and won the award for "Control Precision" at the NAVGTR Awards, whereas its other nomination was for "Game, Original Action";<ref>{{cite web |url=https://navgtr.org/2019-winners/ |title=2019 Winners |date=24 February 2020 |website=National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers |access-date=25 February 2020}}</ref> it was also nominated for "Most Promising New Intellectual Property" at the [[SXSW Gaming Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noobfeed.com/news/9773/2020-sxsw-gaming-awards-nominees-revealed |title=2020 SXSW Gaming Awards Nominees Revealed |author=Grayshadow |date=17 February 2020 |website=NoobFeed |access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref>

==Prequel==
Igarashi had stated that given the amount of time he has spent in developing the ''Bloodstained'' intellectual property, he sees the game as "a starting ground" for future ''Bloodstained'' games.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/iga-still-has-plans-to-make-bloodstained-a-series-wayforward-helping-to-smooth-out-switch-port-woes-567671.phtml | title = IGA still has plans to make Bloodstained a series, WayForward helping to smooth out Switch port woes | first = Chris |last = Carter | date = 23 September 2019 | access-date = 23 September 2019 | work = [[Destructoid]] }}</ref> A sequel was confirmed to be in early development in June 2021, with more development resources to be moved to the project after the completion of the additional content planned for ''Ritual of the Night'',<ref name="SequelAnnounced">{{cite web |last1=Chalk |first1=Andy |title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is getting a sequel |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night-is-getting-a-sequel/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=17 July 2022 |language=en |date=4 June 2021}}</ref> which was completed in May 2024.<ref name="ChaosVersus"/> The sequel, which turned out to be a prequel, was officially revealed in June 2025 as ''Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement'', with a planned release in 2026.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement revealed, launches on PS5 in 2026 | date=4 June 2025 | url=https://blog.playstation.com/2025/06/04/bloodstained-the-scarlet-engagement-revealed-launches-on-ps5-in-2026/ }}</ref>

==Other media==
Miriam, Zangetsu, Gebel, and Alfred appeared in the 2018 strategy RPG ''[[Kingdom Two Crowns]]'' as part of a crossover event in April 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/04/the_next_update_for_kingdom_two_crowns_is_a_bloodstained_crossover_event |title=The Next Update For Kingdom Two Crowns Is A Bloodstained Crossover Event |author=Liam Doolan |date=19 April 2020 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref> 

In 2021 Miriam appeared as a playable character in the fighting game ''Mighty Fight Federation''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.playstation.com/2021/03/04/bloodstaineds-miriam-joins-3d-arena-battler-mighty-fight-federation/|title=Bloodstained's Miriam joins 3D arena battler Mighty Fight Federation|date=4 March 2021|website=Blog.playstation.com|access-date=23 January 2022}}</ref> and was featured in a crossover with another indie Metroidvania, ''[[Blasphemous (video game)|Blasphemous]]'', as part of ''Strife and Ruin'' update.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-16 |title=Blasphemous: Strife & Ruin - Free Update Launching February 18th! |url=https://www.team17.com/blasphemous-strife-ruin-free-update-launching-february-18th/ |access-date=2021-08-02 |website=Team17 Digital LTD - The Spirit Of Independent Games |language=en-GB}}</ref>

{{clear}}

==Footnotes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|playbloodstained.com}}
* {{URL|https://505games.com/games/bloodstained/|505 Games website}}
* {{Kickstarter|project=iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/}}

{{Bloodstained series}}

[[Category:2019 video games]]
[[Category:505 Games games]]
[[Category:Action role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Android (operating system) games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Linux games]]
[[Category:Cancelled macOS games]]
[[Category:Cancelled PlayStation Vita games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Wii U games]]
[[Category:Dark fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Fiction about orphans]]
[[Category:Indie games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:Kickstarter-funded video games]]
[[Category:Metroidvania games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:Open-world video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 4 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Side-scrolling platformers]]
[[Category:Side-scrolling role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Unreal Engine 4 games]]
[[Category:Video games about alchemy]]
[[Category:Video games about curses]]
[[Category:Video games about demons]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Ippo Yamada]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Michiru Yamane]]
[[Category:Video games set in castles]]
[[Category:Video games set in England]]
[[Category:Video games set in the 18th century]]
[[Category:Video games with 2.5D graphics]]
[[Category:WayForward games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Works about the Industrial Revolution]]
[[Category:Xbox Cloud Gaming games]]
[[Category:Xbox One games]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night|access_date=2026-02-27}}