What is the Combat Like? - Castlevania Belmont's Curse

Combat System Explained

Castlevania Belmont's Curse is an action platformer akin to games like Hollow Knight and Dead Cells. It follows Rose Belmont, daughter of the legendary vampire hunter, Trevor Belmont and his wife, Sypha Belnades, as she fights the forces of the night in Paris.

Attacking

Rose encounters various kinds of enemies in her adventure in Paris. Unlike her father, Rose does not start with a whip as her weapon. Instead, she wields a sword as well as a variety of other weapons. Later, she acquires the whip in her travels like her father's best friend, Alucard (sorry, Grant!)

To switch weapons:

1. Enter the status screen, you will be defaulted into Rose's inventory.
2. Select "Armoury."
3. Choose which weapon you want to equip.

Most enemies do not go down with a single hit; it usually takes two or more attacks. The game does feature a stat and leveling system, meaning the higher her level, the stronger Rose will get.

You can also customize the gameplay to increase your damage.

Dodging

To avoid enemy attacks, Rose can dodge them, but the mechanic is more involved and requires more thought. If Rose is standing still, she can do a classic back dash. Pressing the dodge again after the first one allows her to back flip to cover greater distance.

Alternatively, if Rose is moving and the dodge button is pressed, she will do a slide. This slide can pass through enemies and projectiles.

Understanding how to do these dodges is key to defeating the bosses in this game. Be sure to practice them!

Arcana, Tarot Cards, and Magic

As the daughter of Sypha, Rose was taught in the ways of magic. Rose can use magic in the form of Tarot Cards gifted to her by her mother.

These Tarot Cards act as this game's version of sub-weapons seen in other 2D Castlevania games. Pressing the assigned button will allow Rose to attack using the equipped Tarot Card like Cursed Flame.

Tarot Cards can be enhanced by doing Works of Mercy. Works of Mercy are sub-missions that Rose can do related to that weapon. Doing them will open up more blessings to her weapon or Tarot Card and will make them stronger.

To use Tarot Cards, Rose must have the appropriate amount of MP and will consume MP upon use. The MP bar is the blue bar just below Rose's health.

To regain MP, you will have to attack enemies. Doing so will replenish your MP little by little. Blue Orbs and Jars will also drop from destructibles or enemies and will replenish your MP more than attacking enemies could.

To gain more Tarot Cards, Rose must eliminate the bosses throughout Paris. Defeating them will suck them inside a Tarot card as an Arcana. Different monsters give different skills, so choose one that fits your playstyle or will give you an advantage.

Switching Tarot Cards is the same as switching weapons; only you will choose the Arcana tab instead.

Arcane Whip

After defeating The Fallen, the first boss in the game, Rose will unlock the Arcane Whip. Not only is this a tool for exploration, but it is also a combat weapon.

Rose can use the Arcane Whip to pull herself towards enemies. Once she lands on an enemy, she can follow up with a deadly attack.

Alternatively, if you press the attack button while being pulled to the enemy, Rose can execute a stronger attack called Whip Attack. Rose may not start with the Vampire Killer, but she is still a whip-lashing Belmont at heart!

Healing

If Rose is ever in low health, she can heal herself in two ways. The first is through Health Potions she carries. Consuming them takes up one vial but she can refill them at Save Points which can also heal her and refill her mana.

The game starts off with three potions, but more can be found and carried, but they are only temporary. These additional potions can also be found in destructibles and enemies throughout the map.

The second way for her to regain health is through good ol' fashioned Castlevania food. Hidden throughout the map, food can be picked up by simply walking over it and will replenish your health. They usually stick out in an area, so attack any weird spots to gain some good loot!

Related Guides

Game Overview

Castlevania Belmont's Curse Wiki