Dead Cells Return to Castlevania: Trailer, release date, everything we know

Brianna Reeves
dead cells castlevania

Motion Twin is partnering with Konami to develop Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania, DLC set to launch in 2023; here’s everything we know about the content, so far.

Following a stint in early access, Dead Cells launched to rave reviews in the summer of 2018. The hybrid roguelike-Metroidvania experience enjoyed great commercial success, too, having topped six million units sold by November 2021.

Its long legs on the market come courtesy of developer Motion Twin’s continued post-launch support. Such content has manifested as free updates featuring new enemies and weapons and paid DLC.

During the 2022 Game Awards, the crew proved it’s not finished with the world of Dead Cells just yet. Castlevania DLC, Return to Castlevania, will launch in early 2023 and allow players to fight alongside Richter Belmont and Alucard.

Contents

What to expect from Dead Cells’ Castlevania DLC

Motion Twin and development partner Evil Empire recreated the iconic atmosphere of Dracula’s Castle across two playable biomes. Those who explore the structure’s interior will find secret rooms, malevolent creatures, and a host of other surprises, all while trying to reach the Throne Room.

Belmont and Alucard will appear every so often, guiding users on their quest and supplying new weapons. Some of the revealed weapons include the Vampire Killer and Throwing Axe, threaded into the experience in a way that should feel natural to Dead Cells faithful.

dead cells castlevania
Dead cells lives on

Better still, the DLC will also boast an alternative soundtrack packed with 51 classic Castlevania tracks, Motion Twin confirmed in a PlayStation Blog post.

In addition, a dozen of those tunes such as Vampire Killer and Bloody Tears have been “reimagined” in Dead Cells’ signature style, while “preserving the Castlevania ambiance.”

Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Game Awards Trailer

A nearly two-minute animated trailer for Return to Castlevania constituted one of the Game Awards’ many surprises.

After a brief trek through the hallowed halls of Dracula’s Castle, the teaser showcased Alucard and Belmont in action.

Dracula himself appeared for a brief time as well, facing off against our heroes in the Throne Room. But it’s clear the best is yet to come.

Dead Cells Return to Castlevania DLC Release Date

The upcoming Return to Castlevania DLC is locked in for a release on March 6, 2023 across all platforms.

The news was announced during a special Nintendo Direct on February 8 which also came with a new trailer.

Return to Castlevania slashes onto Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms in just a matter of days.