Entering the Castle

Entering the Castle

Welcome, vampire hunter, to the cursed halls of Dracula's Castle! This guide will meticulously navigate you through the initial treacherous steps, ensuring you are well-equipped and prepared for the challenges ahead. Pay close attention to item locations, enemy behaviors, and crucial save points.

Initial Steps: The Castle Gates

Upon gaining control of Alucard, you'll find yourself at the very entrance of the castle. Your journey begins by moving right. This opening area serves as a brief tutorial, introducing you to basic combat and movement mechanics.

• First Enemies: You'll immediately encounter your first foes:
  • Zombies: Slow-moving, easily dispatched with a few sword swings. They often drop Hearts.
  • Mermen: These aquatic creatures leap from the water, spitting projectiles. Time your attacks to hit them as they emerge. They can drop Hearts or occasionally the Short Sword.
• Practice Combat: Use these early encounters to familiarize yourself with Alucard's basic sword attacks (Square/X on PlayStation/Xbox, A/B on Saturn/iOS/Android virtual controls) and jumping (X/A on PlayStation/Xbox, C/Y on Saturn/iOS/Android virtual controls).

Acquiring Your First Gear

Continue your path to the right. You'll pass through the imposing castle gates and into the initial corridors. Keep an eye out for breakable candles and defeat every enemy you encounter, as they are your primary source of early equipment.

• Short Sword: This is Alucard's first upgrade over his bare fists.
  • Location: Often found in one of the first few breakable candles in the initial castle corridors, particularly those immediately after the main gate. Can also be a common drop from Mermen or Zombies.
  • Equipping: Access your inventory to equip it.
    • PlayStation: Press Start.
    • Xbox 360: Press the Menu button (formerly Start).
    • SEGA Saturn: Press Start.
    • iOS/Android: Tap the Pause/Menu icon on the screen.
  • Stats: Attack +5. A significant improvement for early combat.
• Leather Shield: Your first defensive item, crucial for mitigating damage.
  • Location: Typically found in a breakable candle within the same initial corridors as the Short Sword, or as a rare drop from Zombies.
  • Equipping: Equip it in your left-hand slot via the inventory menu (same button/icon as above).
  • Utility: While equipped, holding the attack button (Square/X on PlayStation/Xbox, A/B on Saturn/iOS/Android virtual controls) will raise the shield, blocking most frontal projectiles and reducing damage from physical attacks. This is invaluable against Mermen and later projectile-throwing enemies.
  • Stats: Defense +1.

Navigating to the First Save Point

Once you have your initial gear, continue your journey deeper into the castle.

1. Descent: You will soon reach a staircase leading downwards. Follow it.
2. Fountain Chamber: This leads into a larger chamber featuring a prominent fountain in the center. This area often has more Zombies and Mermen. Use it to practice your newfound sword and shield combination.
3. First Save Room: From the fountain, immediately head left. You will pass through a doorway. On the other side, you will discover your very first Save Room.

The Importance of Saving

Always save your progress here! Save Rooms are your sanctuary in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Not only do they record your game, but they also fully restore Alucard's HP and MP, allowing you to venture forth with renewed vigor. Make it a habit to save frequently, especially after acquiring new items or defeating challenging enemies.

Key Items and Drops in the Opening Area

Below is a summary of items you can expect to find or acquire in the very first sections of the castle:

• Short Sword: Attack +5. Found in candles or dropped by Zombies/Mermen.
• Leather Shield: Defense +1. Found in candles or dropped by Zombies. Essential for blocking.
• Heart: Restores 10 HP. Common drop from all early enemies.
• Small Heart: Restores 1 sub-weapon heart. Found in candles.
• Large Heart: Restores 5 sub-weapon hearts. Found in candles.
• Potion: Restores a moderate amount of HP. Rare drop from early enemies or found in hidden candles.

With your first equipment secured and your progress saved, you are now ready to delve deeper into the mysteries and dangers of Dracula's Castle. Proceed with caution, and may your blade be swift!