Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Getting a Surprise Update 5 Years After Launch

The studio behind 2019’s Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has just released the surprising news that a massive update is headed to the game next week. Update 1.5 will bring new cosmetic packs and two new multiplayer game modes to Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.

Developed by ArtPlay, an indie developer led by former Castlevania series producer Koji Igarashi, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is the product of one of the most successful Kickstarter projects in gaming history. The crowdfunding campaign raised more than $5.5 million, over 11 times its original goal, and the retro platformer has since sold over 2 million copies. Set in 18th-century England, the player controls the orphaned Miriam as she battles through a demon-infested castle to cleanse herself of an alchemist’s curse.

Heralded as the spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night due to its rewarding Metroidvania-style gameplay and stylish 2.5D graphics, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has received multiple updates over its five-year lifespan. While previous patches have added additional playable characters and single-player experiences, ArtPlay’s latest development roadmap shows that one of the biggest updates yet is just around the corner. Update 1.5 will launch on May 9 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, and May 16 for Nintendo Switch. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night’s final free content update will feature two multiplayer modes and a free cosmetic pack. Miriam’s appearance will be further customizable with three premium cosmetic packs featuring “multiple unique clothing items and weapons, each with upgradeable stats.”

Chaos Mode, the first new game type coming to the acclaimed dark gothic fantasy adventure, will allow two players to team up against demonic hordes of enemies and bosses in a cooperative battle for survival. “Powerful upgrades” can be earned by completing challenges as players battle through a series of randomized encounters. Meanwhile, Versus Mode will provide a