Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Game Endings & Requirements

Learn the requirements for each ending in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Achieve the true ending to unlock the inverted castle and complete your map.

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Game Endings & Requirements

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night features multiple endings, each determined by Alucard's actions and discoveries within Dracula's Castle. Achieving the "true" ending is crucial for experiencing the full story and unlocking the inverted castle, which is essential for 200.6% map completion. This guide will walk you through the requirements for each ending.

The Bad Ending (Richter's Reign)

This is the most straightforward and often the first ending players encounter if they don't know the game's secrets. It's considered the "bad" ending because Alucard fails to uncover the true nature of Richter's control.

  • Requirement: Defeat Richter Belmont in the Castle Keep without equipping the required items to reveal his true nature.
  • Walkthrough:
    1. Progress through the normal castle until you reach the Castle Keep.
    2. Ascend the clock tower and defeat the Lesser Demon and Karasuman.
    3. Continue upwards to confront Richter Belmont.
    4. Engage Richter in combat and defeat him.
  • Outcome: Alucard believes Richter is truly evil and has taken over Dracula's Castle. He defeats Richter, and the castle collapses. Alucard then enters a long slumber, leaving the fate of the world uncertain.

The Good Ending (Maria's Departure)

This ending is slightly better than the bad ending, as Maria is aware of Richter's predicament, but Alucard still doesn't fully understand what's happening. It serves as a stepping stone towards the true ending.

  • Requirement: Defeat Richter Belmont in the Castle Keep after Maria has confronted him, but without equipping the required items to reveal his true nature.
  • Walkthrough:
    1. Progress through the normal castle.
    2. Ensure you have encountered Maria Renard at least once. She typically appears in the Outer Wall or Long Library.
    3. After Maria has confronted Richter in the Castle Keep (this usually happens automatically if you've met her and progressed far enough), proceed to defeat Richter.
    4. Engage Richter in combat and defeat him.
  • Outcome: Similar to the bad ending, Alucard defeats Richter, and the castle collapses. However, Maria acknowledges that Richter was being controlled and leaves to find a way to save him. Alucard still enters his slumber.

The True Ending (Dracula's Demise & Inverted Castle)

This is the definitive ending, revealing the full scope of the plot and unlocking the entire second half of the game: the Inverted Castle. Achieving this ending is essential for 100% (and 200.6%) completion.

  • Requirement: Uncover the truth about Richter Belmont's control and defeat Shaft in the Inverted Castle.
  • Walkthrough:
    1. Obtain the Holy Glasses:
      • First, you need to acquire the Silver Ring and Gold Ring.
        • The Silver Ring is found in the Underground Caverns. From the save point near the waterfall, drop down into the water, then head left through a hidden passage. You'll find it in a room with a few Flea Men.
        • The Gold Ring is located in the Catacombs. Navigate through the Catacombs until you reach a room with a large, rotating spike trap. The ring is on a platform above this trap.
      • Once you have both rings, equip them.
      • Travel to the Long Library. Locate the large clock room (the one with the giant clock face and two statues).
      • With both rings equipped, stand in the center of the clock room. The clock will chime, and the floor will open, revealing a hidden passage.
      • Descend this passage to find Maria Renard. She will give you the Holy Glasses.
    2. Confront Richter with the Holy Glasses:
      • Proceed to the Castle Keep and ascend to Richter's chamber.
      • Before engaging Richter, make sure you have the Holy Glasses equipped.
      • During the fight, you will now see a green orb floating around Richter. This orb is the source of his control – the dark priest Shaft.
      • DO NOT ATTACK RICHTER. Instead, focus all your attacks on the green orb (Shaft). Richter will still attack you, so be prepared to dodge and defend.
      • Once you destroy the orb, Richter will be freed from Shaft's control.
    3. Enter the Inverted Castle:
      • After freeing Richter, a portal will open, transporting Alucard to the Inverted Castle.
    4. Defeat Shaft and Dracula:
      • Explore the Inverted Castle, which is a mirrored version of the first castle with stronger enemies and new challenges.
      • Your ultimate goal is to reach the Forbidden Library (the inverted version of the Long Library) where you will confront and defeat Shaft.
      • After defeating Shaft, you will then face Dracula in the Reverse Castle Keep (the inverted version of the Castle Keep).
      • Defeat Dracula to achieve the true ending.
  • Outcome: Alucard defeats Dracula, saving humanity and his father's soul. He then chooses to disappear from the world, leaving Maria and Richter to live their lives. This ending allows you to continue playing in the Inverted Castle to achieve 200.6% map completion.

Richter Mode Ending

This ending is exclusive to playing as Richter Belmont, which is unlocked after achieving the True Ending with Alucard.

  • Requirement: Defeat Dracula as Richter Belmont.
  • Walkthrough:
    1. Start a new game and enter "RICHTER" as your name.
    2. Play through the castle as Richter. You begin with all relics and a powerful whip.
    3. Proceed directly to the Castle Keep and defeat Dracula. There are no other bosses or an Inverted Castle for Richter.
  • Outcome: Richter defeats Dracula, fulfilling his role as the Belmont clan's champion. The castle collapses, and Richter returns to his normal life.