Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Castlevania series. To celebrate this milestone, Konami is giving away the original NES version for free on mobile platforms.
The event runs from today until 21:59 Beijing Time on October 24. Players can install the game during this period.official websiteIt also states: "Players who download the game during the event period will still be able to download and play it after the event ends."
Even if you're not interested in the Castlevania series, a free game is always worth grabbing—and this is a perfect opportunity to experience one of the most influential titles in gaming history. Half of the two core pillars of the Metroidvania genre originate from this game: 2D side-scrolling action gameplay and precise platforming. Revisiting the 1986 original allows you to see the purest form of early "Castlevania" gameplay, before it integrated Metroid-style design and before the two gradually merged into a single genre.
Looking back after forty years, the original Castlevania might feel dated and unfamiliar, as it differs significantly from the classic image you may have of the series. It wasn't until the release of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night ten years later that the series officially incorporated Metroid-style design elements, introducing interconnected map exploration and ability-gated progression. But if you enjoy Hollow Knight, Blasphemous, and other recent titles that have driven the Metroidvania genre forward, going back to the series' origins in the 80s is definitely worth a try.
If you're not used to playing games on mobile, you can also grab the Castlevania Anniversary Collection on Steam right now, currently available at a 20% discount. For just $3.99, the collection includes the following:
- Castlevania
- Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
- Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
- Super Castlevania IV
- Castlevania: The Adventure
- Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge
- Castlevania: Bloodlines
- Kid Dracula
- Castlevania Chronicles: Akumajo Dracula X
Compared to the massive Metroidvania games it inspired, the original Castlevania may seem rudimentary, but that's precisely why it remains worth playing in 2026. There are no skill trees, no maps filled with question marks, and no need to spend dozens of hours backtracking. All you have is Simon Belmont, Dracula's castle, and the Vampire Killer whip. In an era before the term "Metroidvania" even existed, it captures the genre's earliest form, making it a valuable look back at its roots.