Belmont’s Curse Arcane Whip Early Unlock Guide

To unlock the Arcane Whip early in Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (the game where Belmont’s Curse is a common misremembering), you need to complete the game once and start New Game+, then purchase it from Vincent’s shop for 90,000G. This guide explains the exact steps, the fastest route to the money, and why the whip is often confused with other weapons in the series.

Background: What Is the Arcane Whip?

The Arcane Whip is a weapon in Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (Nintendo DS, 2006). It is not a whip used by a Belmont character in the traditional sense—it is a sub-weapon that appears when Jonathan Morris equips the “Whip Knuckle” or when you use the “Rapid Dash Fist”? Actually, the Arcane Whip is a weapon that Jonathan can equip as his main weapon. It has a long reach and deals moderate damage, but its real value is its fast attack speed and the ability to hit enemies from a distance. It is often sought after by players who want a powerful whip without relying on the standard Vampire Killer, which has limited range.

The confusion with “Belmont’s Curse” likely comes from the fact that the game’s story involves the curse placed on the Belmont bloodline, and the Arcane Whip is one of the few whips that Jonathan can use that is not the Vampire Killer. The whip is not available until after you beat the game once, as it is a New Game+ exclusive item.

How to Unlock the Arcane Whip

To get the Arcane Whip, you must first complete the game (defeat Dracula) and save your clear data. Then, start a New Game+ from that save file. The whip is sold by Vincent, the merchant who appears in the game’s hub areas. He sells it for 90,000 gold, which is a significant amount.

Here is the step-by-step process:

• Beat the final boss (Dracula) and watch the ending.
• Save your clear game data when prompted.
• From the title screen, select “New Game” and choose the clear save file to start New Game+.
• Progress through the game until you reach a room where Vincent appears (he appears in the first area, the City of Haze, after you defeat the first boss).
• Talk to Vincent and select “Buy” to purchase the Arcane Whip for 90,000G.

Note that Vincent’s inventory expands as you progress, but the Arcane Whip is available from the start of New Game+.

Fastest Way to Earn 90,000 Gold

Earning 90,000 gold can be time-consuming if you don’t know the best farming spots. The fastest method is to use the “Money Clip” accessory, which increases gold drops, and then farm a specific enemy that drops high-value items.

The best farming spot is the “Great Stairway” in the City of Haze, where you can repeatedly defeat the “Mud Demon” enemies. They drop the “Gold” item (worth 500G) and sometimes a “Money Clip” (worth 1000G). With the Money Clip equipped, the drop rate increases significantly.

Another efficient method is to use the “Skeleton” enemy in the “Burnt Paradise” area. They drop “Gold” and “Money Bags” (worth 2000G). With the “Luck” stat boosted (by equipping the “Lucky Clover” or using the “Lucky” mode), you can get these drops more frequently.

Here is a farming loop:

1. Equip the Money Clip and any luck-boosting gear.
2. Go to the Great Stairway room with the Mud Demons.
3. Defeat them, collect drops, and exit and re-enter the room to respawn them.
4. Repeat until you have 90,000G.

This usually takes about 30-45 minutes of grinding, depending on your luck.

How to Choose: Arcane Whip vs. Other Weapons

The Arcane Whip is a great early-game weapon in New Game+, but it is not the best in the game. Here is how it compares to other whips and weapons:

• Vampire Killer: The iconic whip, but it has limited range and is not available until later in the game. The Arcane Whip has longer reach and faster attacks, making it better for crowd control.
• Rune Whip: A powerful whip that deals elemental damage, but it is also a late-game item. The Arcane Whip is easier to obtain early in New Game+.
• Rapier: A fast weapon, but with shorter range. The Arcane Whip is better for hitting enemies from a distance.
• Great Sword: Slow but powerful. The Arcane Whip is faster and allows for more mobility.

For most players, the Arcane Whip is the best choice for the early part of New Game+ because it combines speed, range, and decent damage. It is especially useful against flying enemies and groups.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common problem is that players try to find the Arcane Whip in the first playthrough, but it is simply not there. The whip is only available in New Game+, so you cannot get it before beating the game once.

Another misconception is that the Arcane Whip is a sub-weapon, but it is actually a main weapon. Some players confuse it with the “Holy Water” or “Axe” sub-weapons, but those are different.

Also, some players think you need to defeat a specific boss to unlock the whip, but that is not the case. You only need to start New Game+ and have the gold.

If you are playing on an emulator and the whip doesn’t appear, make sure you are using a save file that has the clear flag. Some emulators have issues with save files, so double-check that you saved after the credits.

Costs and Alternatives

The Arcane Whip costs 90,000G, which is a lot, but there are alternatives if you don’t want to grind:

• Use the standard whip: The starting whip in New Game+ is the “Leather Whip,” which is weak but free.
• Find the “Rune Whip”: It is a hidden item in the “Nation of Fools” area, but it requires solving a puzzle and is not available until later.
• Use sub-weapons: You can rely on sub-weapons like the “Holy Water” or “Cross” for damage, but they consume hearts.
• Grind less by selling items: You can sell unused equipment and items to Vincent to get gold faster.

If you are patient, you can also farm the “Skeleton” in the “Burnt Paradise” area, which drops “Money Bags” worth 2000G each. With the Money Clip, you can get one every few kills.

Safety and Accuracy Notes

This guide is based on the original Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin for the Nintendo DS. If you are playing a different version (e.g., the mobile port or a ROM hack), the details may vary. Always check the game version you are playing.

Also, note that the Arcane Whip is not the most powerful weapon in the game. The “Vampire Killer” and “Rune Whip” are stronger, but they are harder to obtain. The Arcane Whip is a good middle-ground for early New Game+.

If you are playing on an emulator, be aware that some emulators have a bug where the game crashes when you buy the whip. To avoid this, save before purchasing and reload if it crashes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the Arcane Whip without beating the game?

No. The Arcane Whip is only available in New Game+, which requires you to have a clear save file. You cannot get it on your first playthrough.

Is the Arcane Whip worth 90,000 gold?

Yes, for most players. It is a significant upgrade over the starting whip and will last you through the first few areas of New Game+. However, if you prefer other weapons, you might want to save your gold for other items.

Where is Vincent located?

Vincent appears in several locations throughout the game, but the first time you meet him is in the City of Haze, after defeating the first boss. He will be in a small room with a save point.

Can I sell the Arcane Whip?

Yes, you can sell it back to Vincent for 45,000G, which is half the purchase price. However, it is not recommended because the whip is useful.

Does the Arcane Whip have any special effects?

No, the Arcane Whip is a pure physical weapon with no elemental or special effects. Its advantage is its speed and range.

What is the difference between the Arcane Whip and the Vampire Killer?

The Vampire Killer is the series’ iconic whip and has higher attack power, but it is slower and has shorter range. The Arcane Whip is faster and longer, making it better for certain situations, but it deals less damage per hit.

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