If you’ve been holding out for a high-value title to justify checking the store every day, this is it. Today, December 23, Epic opened the vault to reveal Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. This is the definitive spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, directed by the legendary Koji Igarashi. It delivers exactly what fans have been asking for: a massive, gothic castle, precise combat, and a deep RPG system that lets you tailor your character to your specific playstyle.
The Power of Shards
The defining mechanic of the game is the Shard System. When you defeat enemies, you have a chance to absorb their essence in the form of a crystal shard. These shards aren’t just minor buffs; they provide hundreds of unique powers ranging from passive stat increases and summoned familiars to massive magical attacks. Some shards are even essential for progression, granting movement abilities like gravity manipulation or teleportation that are required to reach the castle’s deepest secrets. Because you can swap these powers and weapons at any time, you never feel locked into one way of playing.
A Gothic Masterclass
Visually, the game uses a 2.5D style that makes the screen-filling boss fights feel cinematic and intense. The soundtrack is also a major highlight, composed by Michiru Yamane, the artist responsible for the iconic music of the original Castlevania series. It’s atmospheric, rewarding, and specifically designed for players who enjoy uncovering every hidden room and secret on a complex map.
The Deal
Bloodstained usually retails for $39.99, which makes it the most significant giveaway of the holiday event so far. You have 24 hours to claim it before it is replaced on December 24 at 11:00 AM ET. If you value games with actual mechanical depth and a pedigree of excellence, get this added to your library immediately.
