GameTimeline

Release & story order

Castlevania timeline

Castlevania from the 1987 NES original through Dawn of Sorrow and the Lords of Shadow trilogy—US release dates, Koji Igarashi's primary chronology (1094–2036), and FAQ for Super Castlevania IV, non-canon GBA entries, and Netflix spin-offs.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When Konami shipped each major chapter—NES (1987) through Lords of Shadow 2 (2014) and the 2019 Anniversary Collection bundle. Arcade cabinets, mobile gacha, and fighting-game spin-offs are optional.

  • Newcomers → Symphony of the Night or Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow depending on PS1 vs GBA taste
  • Classic platforming → NES Castlevania → Dracula's Curse → Super Castlevania IV (alternate retelling—see FAQ)
  • Full lore → Story tab from Lament of Innocence—long but complete
  • Lords of Shadow → its own branch—does not connect to SotN or the DS games
Story order tips

Two story worlds on this page. Primary Igarashi canon: Lament of Innocence → Dracula's Curse → Curse of Darkness → Simon's era → Harmony of Dissonance → Rondo of Blood → Symphony of the Night → Order of Ecclesia → Bloodlines → Portrait of Ruin → Aria of Sorrow → Dawn of Sorrow. Lords of Shadow is a separate reboot—Gabriel Belmont becomes Dracula.

  • Primary canon: LoI → CV3 → Curse of Darkness → Castlevania I → Simon's Quest → Harmony of Dissonance → Rondo → SotN → Ecclesia → Bloodlines → Portrait of Ruin → Aria → Dawn
  • Rondo of Blood (1993 JP) ships on Release via Dracula X Chronicles (2007)—Story order still places Rondo before Sotn
  • Super Castlevania IV is a popular alternate retelling of Simon's first quest—not on primary story-order titles
  • Lords of Shadow trilogy: release order matches story order (LoS → Mirror of Fate → LoS 2)

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Castlevania

    Castlevania

    NESPlatformerMainlineClassic

    Simon Belmont's first NES crusade—Dracula's castle, whip, and stairs. It remains a key Release marker for NES (1987) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Konami's gothic action platformer template—sub-weapons and punishing jumps. Castlevania still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Story year ~1691 in Igarashi chronology; remade in Castlevania Chronicles (2001). Story beats and cast around.
    Should you play it?
    Start of the Belmont vs Dracula saga on Release order. Play Castlevania where this tab places it; remake entries can replace older versions when listed.
    Release date
    US NES launch May 1, 1987. Shipped around 1987 on NES; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  2. Castlevania II: Simon's Quest

    Castlevania II: Simon's Quest

    NESPlatformerMainlineClassic

    Open-ish NES sequel—day/night cycle and town RPG elements. It remains a key Release marker for NES (1988) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Experimented with exploration and NPC towns before Metroidvania existed. Castlevania II: Simon's Quest still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Simon's curse after the first game—Story order follows NES Castlevania. Story beats and cast around.
    Should you play it?
    Divisive but canon on primary Story order. Play Castlevania II: Simon's Quest where this tab places it; remake entries can replace older versions when listed.
    Release date
    US NES launch December 1988. Shipped around 1988 on NES; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  3. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse

    Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse

    NESPlatformerMainlineClassic

    Trevor Belmont and ally paths—Alucard's first playable appearance on NES. Essential 1476 lore before Curse of Darkness, and a common Netflix-era starting reference.

    Overview
    Branching routes and multiple companions on NES hardware—still one of the series' classic action peaks.
    In-game setting
    Story year 1476—early Belmont vs Dracula war in Igarashi canon, with Alucard joining humanity's side.
    Should you play it?
    Play for Trevor/Sypha/Grant/Alucard lore before Curse of Darkness. Netflix-era fans often start here—see Castlevania media.
    Release date
    US NES launch September 1990. Also included in Castlevania Anniversary Collection on modern storefronts.
  4. Super Castlevania IV

    Super Castlevania IV

    SNESPlatformerAlternate retellingClassic

    SNES showcase whip—retelling of Simon's first quest, not a direct sequel. It remains a key Release marker for SNES (1991) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Mode 7 stages and cinematic SNES audio—fan-favorite classic platformer. Super Castlevania IV still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Alternate timeline retelling of Simon's 1691 adventure—not primary story-order titles. Use neighboring titles with Super Castlevania IV if you want full cast continuity.
    Should you play it?
    Play for action; skip on strict Igarashi Story order unless you want every SNES chapter.
    Release date
    US SNES launch December 10, 1991. Shipped around 1991 on SNES; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  5. Castlevania: Bloodlines

    Castlevania: Bloodlines

    GenesisPlatformerMainlineClassic

    John Morris and Eric Lecarde—World War I era hunt. It remains a key Release marker for Genesis (1994) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Genesis-only chapter tying Dracula to real-world Europe history. Castlevania: Bloodlines still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Story year 1917—between Ecclesia and Portrait of Ruin on Story order. Story beats and cast around.
    Should you play it?
    Included in Anniversary Collection on modern stores. Play Castlevania: Bloodlines where this tab places it; remake entries can replace older versions when listed.
    Release date
    US Genesis launch March 17, 1994. Shipped around 1994 on Genesis; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  6. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

    Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

    PS1SaturnXbox 360PS4MetroidvaniaMainlineClassic

    Alucard explores Dracula's castle—defined the Metroidvania genre. It remains a key Release marker for PS1, Saturn, Xbox 360 (1997) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Non-linear castle, RPG stats, and inverted castle—genre landmark.
    In-game setting
    Direct sequel to Rondo of Blood (1797 mech → 1797 story). Story beats and cast around Castlevania: Symphony.
    Should you play it?
    Best entry point for exploration-first players. Play Castlevania: Symphony of the Night where this tab places it; remake entries can replace older versions when listed. Animated adaptations: Castlevania media.
    Release date
    US PlayStation launch October 2, 1997. Shipped around 1997 on PS1, Saturn, Xbox 360, PS4; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  7. Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance

    Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance

    GBAMetroidvaniaMainlineHandheld

    Juste Belmont and a dual-castle GBA adventure. It remains a key Release marker for GBA (2002) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    GBA follow-up to Sotn's exploration formula—twin castle structure. Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Story year 1748—between Simon's Quest and Rondo on primary chronology. Story beats and cast around.
    Should you play it?
    In Advance Collection on Switch/PS4/PC. Play Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance where this tab places it; remake entries can replace older versions when listed.
    Release date
    US GBA launch September 16, 2002. Shipped around 2002 on GBA; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  8. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

    Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

    GBAMetroidvaniaMainlineHandheld

    Soma Cruz and the soul-absorption mechanic—future Dracula rebirth setup. It remains a key Release marker for GBA (2003) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Tactical soul system on GBA—fan-favorite handheld Metroidvania. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow changed series.
    In-game setting
    Story year 2035—leads directly into Dawn of Sorrow. Story beats and cast around Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow help align Release vs Story; skip only if tagged optional.
    Should you play it?
    Advance Collection bundles Aria with other GBA entries. Play Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow where this tab places it; remake entries can replace older versions when listed.
    Release date
    US GBA launch May 6, 2003. Shipped around 2003 on GBA; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  9. Castlevania: Lament of Innocence

    Castlevania: Lament of Innocence

    PS2Action-adventureMainline3D

    Leon Belmont's origin—Whisp of the Sacred Ring and the start of the clan's feud with Dracula. Short PS2 prequel that still opens strict Igarashi Story order.

    Overview
    PS2 3D action prequel that explains the Belmont founding oath and why the whip becomes sacred against Dracula.
    In-game setting
    Story year 1094—first chapter on primary Story order, long before Simon's NES crusade.
    Should you play it?
    Play first on the full Igarashi lore path. Short by modern standards but required before Dracula's Curse on Story chronology.
    Release date
    US PS2 launch October 21, 2003. Later digital re-releases appear in some regions—check current storefronts.
  10. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

    Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

    Nintendo DSMetroidvaniaMainlineHandheld

    DS sequel to Aria—dual-screen magic seals and Julius mode. It remains a key Release marker for Nintendo DS (2005) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Touch-screen sealing mechanic—closes Soma arc on primary canon. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Story year 2036—current endpoint of Igarashi main timeline on this page. Story beats and cast around.
    Should you play it?
    Play after Aria on Story order—peak DS Metroidvania. Play Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow where this tab places it; remake entries can replace older versions when listed.
    Release date
    US Nintendo DS launch August 8, 2005. Shipped around 2005 on Nintendo DS; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  11. Castlevania: Curse of Darkness

    Castlevania: Curse of Darkness

    PS2XboxAction-adventureMainline3D

    Hector's devil forgery—sequel to Dracula's Curse era. It remains a key Release marker for PS2, Xbox (2005) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Companion crafting and 3D brawling on PS2/Xbox. Castlevania: Curse of Darkness still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Story year 1479—follows Trevor/Alucard generation from CV3. Story beats and cast around Castlevania: Curse of.
    Should you play it?
    Story order after CV3, before Simon's NES games. Play Castlevania: Curse of Darkness where this tab places it; remake entries can replace older versions when listed.
    Release date
    US launch November 1, 2005. Shipped around 2005 on PS2, Xbox; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  12. Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin

    Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin

    Nintendo DSMetroidvaniaMainlineHandheld

    Jonathan and Charlotte—WWII-era painting worlds. It remains a key Release marker for Nintendo DS (2006) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Two-character tag-team Metroidvania on DS. Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Story year 1944—between Bloodlines and Aria on chronology. Story beats and cast around Castlevania: Portrait.
    Should you play it?
    Optional mid-lore chapter—strong standalone gameplay. Play Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin where this tab places it; remake entries can replace older versions when listed.
    Release date
    US Nintendo DS launch November 16, 2006. Shipped around 2006 on Nintendo DS; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  13. Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles

    Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles

    PSPRemakeMainlineHandheld

    PSP bundle—Rondo of Blood remake plus Symphony of the Night port. It remains a key Release marker for PSP (2007) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    First widespread US release of Rondo of Blood (1993 JP PC Engine). Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Rondo (1792) is Story prerequisite for SotN—this entry marks the 2007 US ship date. Story beats and cast around.
    Should you play it?
    Buy for Rondo + SotN together; Dominus Collection on Switch also bundles them. Play Castlevania: The Dracula.
    Release date
    US PSP launch October 23, 2007. Shipped around 2007 on PSP; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  14. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

    Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

    Nintendo DSMetroidvaniaMainlineHandheld

    Shanoa and glyph magic—last Igarashi-directed handheld mainline. It remains a key Release marker for Nintendo DS (2008) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Glyph absorption replaces traditional sub-weapons. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Story year ~18th century—between SotN and Bloodlines on primary order. Story beats and cast around.
    Should you play it?
    Strong DS entry—Story order after SotN block. Play Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia where this tab places it; remake entries can replace older versions when listed.
    Release date
    US Nintendo DS launch October 21, 2008. Shipped around 2008 on Nintendo DS; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  15. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

    Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

    PS3Xbox 360Action-adventureMainlineLords of Shadow

    MercurySteam reboot—Gabriel Belmont in 1047 Europe. It remains a key Release marker for PS3, Xbox 360 (2010) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    God of War-style 3D action—separate continuity from Igarashi canon. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Gabriel's tragedy sets up a new Dracula origin—not Trevor's lineage. Story beats and cast around Castlevania:.
    Should you play it?
    Start Lords of Shadow branch—no connection to SotN story. Play Castlevania: Lords of Shadow where this tab places it; remake entries can replace older versions when listed.
    Release date
    US launch October 5, 2010. Shipped around 2010 on PS3, Xbox 360; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  16. Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate

    Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate

    Nintendo 3DSAction-adventureMainlineLords of Shadow

    LoS 2D interquel—Simon, Trevor, and Alucard generations. It remains a key Release marker for Nintendo 3DS (2013) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Handheld sidescroller bridging LoS 1 and 2. Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Same reboot universe—Story order between LoS and LoS 2. Story beats and cast around Lords of Shadow — Mirror.
    Should you play it?
    Play on LoS branch only. Play Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate where this tab places it; remake entries can replace older versions when listed.
    Release date
    US Nintendo 3DS launch March 5, 2013. Shipped around 2013 on Nintendo 3DS; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  17. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2

    Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2

    PS3Xbox 360PCAction-adventureMainlineLords of Shadow

    Dracula Gabriel in modern and medieval threads—finale of reboot trilogy. It remains a key Release marker for PS3, Xbox 360, PC (2014) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Open-ish castle hub and dual-era structure. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Ends MercurySteam's LoS arc—separate from Dawn of Sorrow. Story beats and cast around Castlevania: Lords of.
    Should you play it?
    Finish LoS branch here—latest mainline retail chapter as of June 2026. Play Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2.
    Release date
    US launch February 25, 2014. Shipped around 2014 on PS3, Xbox 360, PC; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  18. Castlevania Anniversary Collection

    Castlevania Anniversary Collection

    SwitchPS4Xbox OnePCCollectionBundle

    Eight-game retro bundle—NES/SNES/Genesis classics plus Chronicles. It remains a key Release marker for Switch, PS4, Xbox One (2019) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Konami's first major modern compilation—not new story content. Castlevania Anniversary Collection still matters for how the series plays and what later games borrow.
    In-game setting
    Includes CV I–III, Super CV IV, Bloodlines, and more—see FAQ for list. Story beats and cast around.
    Should you play it?
    Cheapest way to own the NES/SNES classics on current hardware. Play Castlevania Anniversary Collection where.
    Release date
    US digital launch May 16, 2019. Shipped around 2019 on Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Igarashi canon vs Lords of Shadow, SotN placement, remakes, and spin-offs.

Release order

Optional & spin-offs

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.