Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night might wear its Castlevania roots proudly, but it also inherits the genre’s cryptic design and punishing learning curve. If you’re new to the Metroidvania format—or if you’re like many players who find themselves wandering the halls of Gebel’s castle with more questions than answers—this guide is for you. Whether you’re braving the opening areas or polishing off your second playthrough, here are ten things I wish I had known before diving in. Save yourself hours of frustration, and enjoy more of what this brilliant spiritual successor has to offer.
1. Speed > Damage—Most of the Time
It’s easy to assume that the biggest number on a weapon means it’s the best, especially when the game shows you attack power but not DPS. But in Bloodstained, attack speed often trumps raw power. You’ll find yourself in trouble if you rely solely on slow weapons with high base damage. Fast weapons like short swords or katanas provide more room for error and quicker recovery between hits, especially valuable in early boss fights. While daggers can be too weak to rely on solo, mid-speed weapons strike a great balance. Don’t be afraid to try them all—and yes, Reverbereral is a standout.
2. Craft Once, Buy Forever
Any time you craft a weapon, piece of gear, or dish at Johannes’ workshop, it becomes available for purchase at Dominique’s shop. This applies to healing items and food, too. For example, once you make a rice ball, not only can you buy more rice balls, but you can also buy the rice needed to craft them. It’s a massive quality-of-life system that’s easy to overlook early on, and one that can radically simplify your resource management later. Make a habit of crafting at least once—and focus on high-quality healing and food items.
3. Swap Builds When Bosses Wall You
A surprising number of players will stubbornly stick to the first shard they find or the first weapon they like. I did. But here’s the truth: you’re expected to change gear and shards based on the challenge. If you’re struggling with a boss, try a different shard, switch weapon types, or even grind out a level or two. Often, a small change—a ranged attack instead of melee, or a shard that offers defensive support—can make a huge difference. Don’t underestimate how powerful a slight shift in strategy can be.
4. Explore Instead of Getting Stuck
Metroidvania veterans will already know this, but if you’re new to the genre: when in doubt, explore. The game offers multiple paths, and if one area feels like a dead end, there’s likely another way forward. Whether it’s a locked door that needs a key shard, a hidden boss you haven’t tackled yet, or a shard that unlocks new movement, progression often requires you to look elsewhere. Try out new areas. See what’s opened up since your last visit. Curiosity is rewarded.
5. Don’t Skip Enemies—They’re Goldmines
In Dark Souls, skipping enemies to get back to your last death is standard practice. In Bloodstained, you’re leaving money, materials, and even essential shards on the table. Most enemies drop multiple items, from cooking ingredients to crafting materials, and even skill shards. Some shards are essential for progress. Farming enemies, especially early ones, builds your resources and helps you unlock powerful tools much sooner. Resist the urge to rush, and engage with the grind—at least a little.
6. Your Name Changes the Game
Remember when cheat codes used to be fun and free? They kind of still are. When naming your character, try using special names—some will grant you cosmetic changes, powerful starting weapons, or even unlock alternate game modes from the outset. If you hear a little chime after entering a name, you’ve triggered something. It’s a neat throwback, and a very intentional Easter egg. Good guy Igarashi.
7. Yes, There’s a Pose Button
Okay, this one’s just for fun: hold up on the D-pad, and Miriam will strike a pose. Wait long enough, and she’ll cycle into a different one. It’s a JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure reference, one of many anime nods in the game. No gameplay impact, but a perfect way to flex on a boss after a brutal fight. Victory deserves style.
8. Blue Chests Refill—Abuse This
Blue chests—unlike red ones—refill their contents when you leave and re-enter a zone. If you need more ingredients, healing items, or seeds, find a warp point and cycle back. A great early-game loop involves warping to the Galleon Minerva, opening the blue chest with the three food seeds, and repeating. It’s not just a farming trick—it’s a core way to keep your stock replenished and your crafting alive.
9. Waystones Are Lifesavers
These little items let you warp back to town instantly. Keep a couple on you at all times. At the start, two should suffice—but the goal is to carry up to the maximum of nine. Not only do Waystones offer emergency escapes when low on health, but they’re also required for an NPC questline. Don’t treat them as expendable. Treat them as essential. They’re the “Get Out of Jail Free” card for when a dungeon dive turns south.
10. Bookshelves Mark Safe Rooms
Last but not least, if you’re hunting for a save or warp room and low on supplies, just look for a room with a bookshelf on the map. These almost always contain either a save point, a warp portal, or both. That’s right—the thing you’ve been desperately searching for may have been a single room away, hiding behind a wall of text.
Knowing this one tip alone would have saved me dozens of minutes of frantic backtracking. Now you’ll know to breathe a little easier when you see a shelf nearby.
These are just a handful of insights that can ease your journey through Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. From mechanical tricks to weird little secrets, the game is filled with systems that are easy to miss—but incredibly rewarding when discovered. Use these tips to sharpen your play, and maybe pass them on to the next poor soul lost in Gebel’s castle.
Now go forth and strike a pose.
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