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About Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon is an 8‑bit styled action title created by Koji Igarashi and INTI CREATES. Players control Zangetsu, a demon slayer, as he traverses dangerous lands toward a dark castle. The game lets you recruit fellow travelers who become playable characters. Switching characters opens new routes, alters difficulty, and can influence the ending, offering a retro‑inspired but branching experience.
01 / THE GUIDE
Story and Characters
Zangetsu, a demon slayer with a deep grudge, leads the narrative, seeking to defeat a powerful demon hidden in a dark castle. The plot unfolds across perilous lands that test his resolve.
Along the journey, Zangetsu encounters other travelers who may join as playable characters. Their presence expands the cast and adds narrative depth while affecting gameplay routes.
- Observe each recruit’s dialogue for hints about their abilities.
- Consider how each character’s backstory might tie into the ending.
02 / THE GUIDE
Combat Style
The core combat revolves around swords and whips, delivering retro‑style action reminiscent of classic 8‑bit games. Players engage enemies using these melee tools in fast‑paced encounters.
Each weapon offers distinct reach and timing, encouraging players to adapt their approach to varied enemy patterns and stage hazards.
- Experiment with both sword and whip to discover which fits your playstyle.
- Watch enemy cues to time whip attacks effectively.

03 / THE GUIDE
Character Switching
Recruitable travelers become playable characters, each possessing unique abilities. Switching to them unlocks alternative paths that were inaccessible with Zangetsu alone.
The act of swapping characters is a strategic choice, influencing both navigation and challenge level throughout the stages.
- Try each character in the same area to see which paths open.
- Switch early to test difficulty changes before committing.
04 / THE GUIDE
Difficulty and Ending
Recruiting different adventurers modifies the game's difficulty, making some routes easier or harder depending on the chosen lineup.
These recruitment decisions may also affect the ending, providing multiple narrative conclusions based on player choices.
- Balance stronger characters with those that open shortcuts for smoother runs.
- Track which recruits lead to which endings for replay insight.
05 / THE GUIDE
Platform Features
The title is available on Windows via Steam, supporting single‑player, Steam Achievements, Trading Cards, Partial Controller Support, Steam Cloud, and Family Sharing.
These features are listed without specifying additional requirements, indicating the game can be played solo and benefits from standard Steam services.
- Enable Steam Cloud to keep progress across installations.
- Check Family Sharing if you want friends to try the game without purchasing.





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