Alucard
The protagonist and half-vampire son of Dracula. He explores the castle to stop his father and discover Richter Belmont’s fate.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad Left/Right | Move left or right |
|---|---|
D-pad Up | Look upward, enter doors, or use stairs where applicable |
D-pad Down | Crouch and interact with downward routes where applicable |
X | Jump |
Square | Attack with the equipped weapon |
Circle | Use the back dash |
Triangle | Use the currently selected item or subweapon |
L1 | Use the left shoulder command assigned by the current transformation or situation |
R1 | Use the right shoulder command assigned by the current transformation or situation |
Start | Open the pause and status menu |
Select | Display the castle map |
Control notes
Button assignments can vary with the game’s configuration and regional release.
Transformation-specific actions require the corresponding relic.
How it plays
How does Castlevania: Symphony of the Night play?
The game uses a side-scrolling perspective with a connected castle divided into rooms and regions. Alucard explores, fights enemies with weapons and magic, collects equipment, and searches for switches, relics, and movement abilities.
Progression is partly nonlinear. Relics enable actions such as transforming into a bat, wolf, or mist, allowing access to new areas. Experience points raise Alucard’s level, while weapons, armor, accessories, familiars, and consumable items alter his abilities. A second castle and an alternate ending become available when specific discoveries are made.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Castlevania: Symphony of the Night?
Explore every room and use the map to mark unexplored routes. Return to blocked areas after obtaining relics or transformations, since important progression items are often hidden away from the main path.
Upgrade equipment regularly, but compare statistics rather than assuming a newer weapon is better. Keep healing items available for bosses, and experiment with familiars and subweapons against enemies with different resistances.
For the best ending, investigate Richter’s condition carefully and obtain the necessary relics before defeating him. The inverted castle requires thorough exploration and stronger equipment.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Dracula
The principal antagonist and Alucard’s father, whose resurrection is tied to the castle’s return.
Richter Belmont
The vampire hunter who defeated Dracula in the previous game and later becomes central to the castle’s mystery.
Maria Renard
A vampire hunter and Richter’s ally who assists Alucard during the investigation.
Death
Dracula’s powerful servant who confronts Alucard early in the castle.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
RICHTEREnter RICHTER as the save-file name to unlock Richter mode after starting the file.
AXEARMOREnter AXEARMOR as the save-file name to begin with the Axe Lord armor available.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Save frequently and use teleport rooms to reduce backtracking.
- 2
Check ceilings, floors, and apparently empty walls for hidden rooms.
- 3
The library’s shop and enemy drops provide useful equipment, but rare items may require repeated farming.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A landmark PlayStation action-adventure praised for its exploration, soundtrack, atmosphere, and unusually deep progression.
Its open castle structure and role-playing elements made it a defining influence on later exploration-focused platformers.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0