Castlevania Turns 40: Konami Gives Away the Original Game Free on iPhone and Android

Exactly 40 years ago, in 1986, the first Castlevania was released — and now Konami is marking the anniversary with a generous move: the original game is free on the App Store and Google Play . This isn't a remake or a remaster with new textures; it's the classic itself, available on your phone for the duration of the celebration.

What exactly is being given away

We're talking about the original 1986 Castlevania — the one where Simon Belmont fights through Dracula's castle with a whip and torches. The version is adapted for mobile platforms: touch controls, vertical orientation, and portrait mode. There are no in-app purchases required to finish it — this is a full single-player game, not a free-to-play title with loot boxes.

Price and timing

The giveaway is tied to the series' 40th anniversary and, based on Konami's wording, is limited in time. If you've been meaning to revisit the classic or show a kid where the metroidvania genre began, this is the moment when the price is zero. The download is free, but once the promotion ends, the app will most likely return to a paid model.

How to claim it without payment headaches

There's a catch familiar to anyone using Russian cards. Even if the game is free right now, downloading from the App Store and Google Play requires an account with a linked payment method — and that's exactly where virtual cards come in handy. Both stores ask for a valid payment method when you register or update your account, even if the purchase is zero. A virtual card with a small balance solves this: the account stays active, and there's no risk of unexpected charges.

Things to keep in mind

• The game is available on iOS and Android — console and PC versions aren't mentioned in this promotion.
• The download is free, but the account still requires a linked payment method.
• Portrait orientation — the game is designed for vertical phone grip.
• If you're in Russia, check that your App Store or Google Play account is set to a region where the app is available.

Why this matters for mobile gaming

Konami has used anniversaries to give away classics before. For the mobile audience, it's a good signal: major publishers still see phones as a full-fledged platform, not just a testing ground for casual games. The original Castlevania on a smartphone is also a test of control comfort: a hardcore platformer with precise jumps demands a decent touchscreen, and not everyone will find it easy. But as a historical artifact, it's essential.

If you've been wanting to try the classic or simply love old games, this promotion is a good reason. You can download it right now, and a virtual card for your account saves you the trouble of linking your main bank card to a foreign app store.