Konami has marked the 40th anniversary of Castlevania with a celebration that spans a free game, deep discounts, streaming music, a live concert tour and a brand new entry in the series. The centerpiece for players is immediate. The original Castlevania is free on the App Store and Google Play for a limited time, while Castlevania series titles are discounted by up to 80 percent across PlayStation and Steam.
Quick facts
- Series: Castlevania, by Konami Digital Entertainment Limited
- Milestone: 40th anniversary, celebrated in September 2026
- Free game: the original Castlevania on the App Store and Google Play until October 24, 2026
- Sale: up to 80 percent off series titles on PlayStation from September 23 to October 7 and on Steam from September 24 to October 8
- Music: Castlevania Black and Red on streaming platforms from September 26, plus an orchestral concert tour in spring 2027
- New release: Castlevania Belmonts Curse on October 15 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox on PC, Steam and Nintendo Switch
The original game goes free on mobile
The original Castlevania is now free to download on the App Store and Google Play, and the offer runs until October 24, 2026 according to the anniversary announcement. The first entry in the series introduced vampire hunter Simon Belmont and his battle against Dracula inside a monster filled castle. It set the template that the franchise has followed for four decades, with gothic horror atmosphere, demanding action and music that players still recognize instantly.
The free release is a low risk way for curious players to see where the series started. Mobile stores change prices and availability by region, so players who want the game should claim it early in the window rather than waiting until the final days. The announcement frames the giveaway as the opening act of the anniversary rather than a standalone promotion, which makes sense given how much of the celebration is built around revisiting the catalog.
Up to 80 percent off across PlayStation and Steam
The anniversary sale covers the modern Castlevania collections on two storefronts with slightly different windows. On PlayStation the sale runs from September 23 to October 7 and includes the Castlevania Anniversary Collection at 80 percent off, the Castlevania Dominus Collection at 50 percent off, the Castlevania Advance Collection at 70 percent off, and Castlevania Requiem Symphony of the Night and Rondo of Blood at 70 percent off. On the Steam store the sale runs from September 24 to October 8 with the Anniversary Collection at 80 percent off, the Dominus Collection at 50 percent off and the Advance Collection at 70 percent off.
Discounts, pricing and availability can vary by region and platform, so the store page in each local storefront is the final word on what is actually on sale. Full details on the anniversary offers sit on the official Konami Castlevania page. For players who have never owned these collections, the Anniversary Collection at 80 percent off is the clear starting point, since it gathers the classic era games that defined the Belmont fight against Dracula.
Soundtracks on streaming and a 2027 concert tour
Music has always been one of the pillars of the series, and the anniversary treats it that way. Tracks from Castlevania Black and Red arrive on select streaming platforms on September 26, giving fans a digital way to revisit the sound of the franchise. The bigger event is physical. The Castlevania 40th Anniversary Orchestral Concert is scheduled for spring 2027 with stops in Tokyo, Los Angeles and London, although exact dates are still to be announced.
The concert lineup reflects how far the music has traveled beyond the games themselves. Castlevania themes have become staples of game music concerts, and an anniversary tour across three major cities signals that Konami views the soundtrack as a headline attraction rather than background material. Fans who want seats should watch the official Konami channels for the date announcements, since the three city run is likely to sell in waves.
Belmonts Curse continues the story on October 15
The anniversary also looks forward. Castlevania Belmonts Curse arrives on October 15 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox on PC, Steam and Nintendo Switch. The story unfolds in Paris in 1499, twenty three years after the events of Castlevania III. Rose Belmont, daughter of the Dracula slaying hero Trevor Belmont, sets out through the burning streets of Paris and into Dracula's castle, using a variety of weapons and skills including the sacred whip known as the Vampire Killer.
The new game builds directly on a story thread that Castlevania Belmonts Curse unveiled at PlayStation State of Play first brought to public attention. Players who want the full picture can read more on the official Belmonts Curse page. A mid October launch places the game in the heart of the Halloween season, which is fitting for a series built on gothic horror.
Four decades of the Belmont clan
First debuting in 1986, Castlevania follows the Belmont clan across generations as its vampire hunters attempt to vanquish Dracula whenever his dark resurrection threatens the world. The series is known for side scrolling platforming, steep difficulty and atmospheric visuals, and it has grown into one of the most referenced action series in games. Its influence stretches into other media as well, including manga and an animated series that introduced a new audience to the Belmont name.
Konami has kept its classic franchises active across several fronts. The company recently revealed Rhapsody in Scarlet for PS5 and PC, and its horror slate includes Silent Hill Townfall as a timed PS5 console exclusive. The Castlevania anniversary sits comfortably in that wider revival, pairing respect for the back catalog with a new game that carries the timeline forward.
Whether the original Castlevania is really free
Yes. The anniversary announcement states that the original Castlevania is free on the App Store and Google Play for a limited time ending October 24, 2026. Availability can vary by region, so claiming it early is the safe move.
Which Castlevania games are discounted and for how long
On PlayStation the sale runs September 23 to October 7 and covers the Anniversary Collection at 80 percent off, the Dominus Collection at 50 percent off, the Advance Collection at 70 percent off, and Requiem at 70 percent off. On Steam the sale runs September 24 to October 8 with the Anniversary Collection at 80 percent off, the Dominus Collection at 50 percent off and the Advance Collection at 70 percent off.
When and where the anniversary concert takes place
The Castlevania 40th Anniversary Orchestral Concert is scheduled for spring 2027 with performances in Tokyo, Los Angeles and London. Exact dates have not been announced yet, so fans should follow the official Konami channels for updates.
Which platforms get Belmonts Curse
Castlevania Belmonts Curse launches October 15 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox on PC, Steam and Nintendo Switch. The story follows Rose Belmont in Paris in 1499 with the Vampire Killer whip.
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