After the massive stone golem known as the Fallen collapses and crumbles in Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse (a fan-made tribute to the classic NES titles), the path forward is not immediately obvious. The key is to head right from the Fallen’s arena, through the newly opened corridor, and into the next area, the Catacombs. This guide covers the exact route, what to expect, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
The Fallen: Context and the Arena
The Fallen is a massive, stone-based boss that appears roughly halfway through the game. Its arena is a wide, flat expanse with a single entrance on the left and a sealed wall on the right. The boss itself is slow but hits hard, and its weak point is its head, which you can only reach by jumping on the platforms that periodically rise from the ground. After you deplete its health bar, the golem shatters, leaving behind a pile of rubble and a clear opening on the right side of the screen.
Immediate Next Steps: The Rightward Path
Once the Fallen is defeated, do not backtrack. The game’s progression is linear at this point. Walk to the right edge of the arena, where the wall has now collapsed into a stairway of debris. Climb the rubble and enter the dark corridor that leads to the Catacombs. This area is a stark contrast to the previous stone corridors, featuring bone-littered floors, dripping water, and a heavy atmosphere.
Here are the first things you should do in the Catacombs:
- Equip the holy water – it is highly effective against the skeletal enemies that swarm this area.
- Watch for falling spikes – the ceiling is lined with them, and they drop without warning.
- Look for hidden breakable walls – some contain sub-weapon upgrades and heart refills.
Navigating the Catacombs: Key Landmarks
The Catacombs is a maze of interconnected rooms, and it is easy to get turned around. The main path is generally upward and to the right, but you will need to backtrack through a few rooms to trigger switches and open gates. A few notable landmarks:
- The Bone Bridge – a long, narrow bridge over a pit of spikes. Jump carefully, as the bridge crumbles after you step on it.
- The Switch Room – a room with a single pressure plate in the center. Stepping on it opens a gate two rooms to the left, which contains a save point.
- The Double Jump Orb – this is the most important item in the area. It is located in a hidden room above the main path, accessible by using the high platforms in the room with the two Medusa Heads. This orb allows you to jump again in mid-air, which is essential for reaching the next area.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many players get stuck in the Catacombs because they miss the Double Jump Orb. Without it, you cannot reach the exit, which is a high ledge on the far right side of the map. Another common mistake is trying to fight every enemy. The Bone Pillars, which regenerate, are best avoided by jumping over them. Also, be careful with the spinning blades that move along the floor and ceiling – they can knock you into pits, which is an instant death.
After the Catacombs: What Comes Next
Once you have the Double Jump Orb, return to the main path and use it to reach the high ledge on the right. This leads to the next area, the Underground Caverns, a water-filled zone with a new set of challenges. The game’s difficulty ramps up here, so make sure you have collected all the heart upgrades and sub-weapons you can find. The Caverns also contain a boss, the Giant Bat, which is weak to the axe sub-weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
I defeated the Fallen, but there is no opening on the right. What do I do?
This usually means the game has glitched, or you are playing a version that requires you to interact with the rubble. Try walking into the pile of stones on the right edge of the arena. If that does not work, reload your last save and fight the Fallen again. The opening should appear after the boss’s death animation finishes.
Where is the save point in the Catacombs?
The save point is in a room that is two rooms to the left of the Switch Room. After you step on the pressure plate, a gate opens in that room, allowing you to reach the save point. It is worth the detour, as the next section has no save points for a while.
How do I get the Double Jump Orb?
The orb is in a hidden room above the main path in the room with the two Medusa Heads. Use the platforms to jump up to the top-left corner of the room, and you will find a breakable wall. Destroy it and enter the hidden room to claim the orb.
Is there a way to skip the Catacombs?
No, the Catacombs is a mandatory area. You must pass through it to reach the Underground Caverns and the rest of the game. There are no known sequence breaks that allow you to skip it.
What is the best sub-weapon for the Catacombs?
The holy water is the most effective, as it damages enemies multiple times and can hit enemies on different vertical levels. The axe is also useful for hitting enemies above you, but it is slower and consumes more hearts.
Background: The Fan-Made Classic
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a fan-made game that pays homage to the classic NES Castlevania titles, particularly Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. It features the Belmont family, whip-based combat, sub-weapons, and challenging platforming. The game is known for its high difficulty and faithful recreation of the NES aesthetic. While it is not an official Konami product, it has gained a dedicated following among fans of the series.
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